Storiesonline.net
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                                 Allison
                                by Morgan

Copyright© Morgan, 1985, 2012. All Rights Reserved


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Description: Allison McGrath, a former movie star, is engaged for the strangest role of her career: playing the role of wife to a very wealthy stranger. The first book of the Ali Clifford saga.

Codes: MF rom cons het
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Chapter 1

© Morgan, 1985, 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Ali McGrath was scared as she knocked on the door of Suite 1400 in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Her appointment was vital. It was her first tryout in years and she had to get the part. A few moments later the door was opened by a tall man. "Good morning," she said, "I'm Ali McGrath and I have a nine o'clock appointment with Mr. Clifford."

She looked at the man standing before her. He was six feet two with a full head of light brown hair graying at the temples. He was very trim and conservatively dressed in a gray suit with a blue button-down shirt and a striped tie. Ali was puzzled. Her appointment was to audition for a movie rôle and Clifford didn't look like he was in the business. He looked like a New York businessman, not a Hollywood film producer. She guessed his age as being early- to mid-forties.

When he held out his hand, she took it in a surprisingly firm grip. "Hi, I'm Bill Clifford. I am delighted to meet you, Miss McGrath. Won't you come in and sit down?"

Ali McGrath was a tall girl — five feet eight — and had a beautiful figure. Now, however, she was very thin — too thin — and it showed. She prayed it didn't show too much. She had golden blonde hair and brilliant blue eyes with very beautiful features. She followed him into the sitting room of his suite. This was her first visit to the Beverly Wilshire which was considered to be a bit staid by the Hollywood types, many of whom hung around the pool at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Preceding him into the room, she took a seat on a side chair. He noticed she had passed up the sofa so he took the other side chair and sat facing her across the coffee table's long axis. Bill noticed the girl was thin. He remembered some of the comments in her file lying on the coffee table between them that he had just reviewed.

"Miss McGrath, I apologize. Things have been very hectic for me today and I never got around to eating breakfast. I would like to order from room service. Could I order something for you?" Bill watched as a range of emotions quickly ran across her face. He noted that he would have completely missed her reaction if he hadn't been watching for it carefully.

Hunger obviously won out. "Thank you, Mr. Clifford. I would be happy to join you," she replied with a warm smile.

Bill went to the phone, dialed room service and ordered two large breakfasts of sirloin steak and eggs with hash browns and toast. With his back towards her he placed the order in a very low voice so she couldn't overhear.

When he rejoined her and sat down, the two exchanged general pleasantries for a while and then Clifford turned to the reason for her visit. "Miss McGrath, thank you very much for coming in to see me. Before I waste time going over what you may already know, perhaps you could tell me what you know about the part. Then I'll fill you in on the rest."

She smiled again. He noted that her appearance was unchanged from when she had starring film roles in the 1970s, except now she did look noticeably thinner. He looked at her carefully but still couldn't decide whether she was wearing no makeup or if her makeup was so well done that it appeared she wasn't wearing any. Bill decided it didn't really matter.

"I really know nothing about the part, except that there is one," she said. Then smiling wryly she added, "Congratulations on finding me. I haven't had an agent in years. Which raises another point: there are some things I won't do. Perhaps I would have eaten more regularly if I had, but that's the decision I made. I just want you to know so I don't waste your time. What exactly is the part?"

Bill started to answer when the doorbell rang. He opened the door for the room-service waiter who came in and quickly opened up his service trolley for use as a table. Then he brought over the two side chairs, set them up in facing positions and then held the chair for her as she gracefully seated herself.

The waiter stood back and said, "Excuse me, ma'am, but aren't you Ali McGrath?"

She looked up at the waiter and smiled warmly. Bill was reminded how much he loved her smile. "Yes, I am, and it's very nice of you to remember me."

The waiter suddenly looked embarrassed and Bill thought he knew the reason. He glanced at Ali and saw she didn't mind the attention. He looked at the name badge the waiter wore and said, "It's quite all right, Charley. You needn't feel embarrassed."

The waiter relaxed and smiled. "I remember you from movies in the 70s. In fact, I saw you in person in Vietnam in 1974 when you came out to entertain. I — my buddies and I — appreciated what you were doing. It sure wasn't a popular place to be in those days, at least not on our side of the line." Suddenly, his face turned grim and his voice went flat. "It cost you your career, didn't it?"

She started to shake her head and saw a skeptical look come across his face. Then she nodded. "I'm afraid it did," she admitted.

"I'm very sorry, Miss McGrath," the waiter said. "You were our favorite ... but I guess we don't count for much either."

Bill looked at him. "What are you doing now, Charley? The war's been over for quite a while."

The waiter smiled and replied, "I finally got out. Now I'm finishing at law school." Again he looked embarrassed. "Miss McGrath, I ... I'm president of the student association at law school. I'm at USC. Could ... Would you be willing to come and talk to the law students? I know something of your background, and some of us would love to hear you speak. Personally, I think it's a major civil liberties thing that's been swept under the rug. Would you consider it? We would be happy to pay you, of course. I know some of the speakers on the college lecture circuit pull down big bucks. We can't come up with the twenty grand or so an Abie Hoffman gets, but we could go to five thousand for you to make an appearance."

Ali responded with a very warm smile that appeared to light up the room — Bill could see she was really pleased. She looked at him and said, "Charley, I'm here today to talk about a rôle with Mr. Clifford. Please believe me when I say that you have just made me the best offer I've heard in over ten years. If this part falls through, I'll call you tomorrow if you will leave me your phone number. And even if it doesn't fall through, I'll still call you," she said. "Furthermore, although I doubt if you know it, I'm studying law, too. I'm finishing at UCLA law school this year. I think it would be delightful to meet your fellow students."

As she talked with him, she realized Charley was a very handsome man. He stood about six feet three and had dark hair and blue eyes. He was very well built, weighing over 200 pounds. Charley took out a small pad and wrote hurriedly. He ripped off the sheet of paper and gave it to Ali. As he did so, Bill reached into his wallet, took out a bill, folded it up and gave it to him. He went to slip it into his pocket but then stopped. "Excuse me, Mr. Clifford, but I think there's been a mistake. I think you took out the wrong bill."

Now it was Bill's turn to smile. "Charley, I promise I won't tell anyone. If I did, you would be thrown out of the waiters' union. It's bad for your professional image to give back tips." He reached into his pocket and took out another bill that he did not bother to fold this time. Ali could see it was a hundred. "This is for your consideration, Charley. And I know you can use it."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Clifford. I really do appreciate it." Then he turned to Ali and said, "I hope you get the part, Miss McGrath. I think Mr. Clifford is the sort of producer we need more of around here." He excused himself after saying he would be back in a while for the table.

When Ali looked at the breakfast for the first time, Bill saw her eyes widen. He cut into his steak, and as he had expected it was a perfect medium rare. He looked at the girl across the table. "I apologize. I didn't even ask you what you wanted. I just ordered two of what I was having. I'm sorry. Girls don't eat steak and eggs."

Ali had already started on her steak. She put down her knife and fork and studied Clifford's face. She liked what she saw. "Mr. Clifford, thank you for what you did for Charley. You gave him a $200 tip, didn't you?" Bill just nodded. "And you know something of my background from the conversation we had, even if you didn't know it before. I don't care what other girls eat. This girl is starving. Literally. I haven't eaten in almost three days. You couldn't know that, but you did see I was hungry. I tried to load up on water, but that didn't work too well. Now would you please excuse me for a moment?"

She went to the bathroom and while she was out of the room Bill again ordered from room service. He asked if Charley could please bring up the additional order. Ali reappeared a few moments later, sat down and finished her breakfast. As she finished the doorbell rang again. It was Charley with another cart. He smiled and left it where it was, winking at Bill. He left the room.

"What's that?" she asked.

"A little more for you to eat," Bill replied. "You're right. I do know you haven't been eating very regularly. I guess I didn't realize it was this bad, though. I really don't know why, or what caused it. It doesn't affect the possible rôle you're here to talk about today, but I am curious." Ali got up and went to the second cart. She started exploring under the metal covers and found an order of raw oysters. She looked at him with a question in her eyes. Bill smiled and nodded. "I don't know what you like, so I got some stuff you can graze on. You know ... like a cow?"

"Moo... !" she said with a grin as she brought the oysters back to the table and started eating again. "I've never eaten oysters so early in the day, but I seem to recall hearing they do eat them for breakfast along Chesapeake Bay."

When she finished them she looked up and said, "Hollywood is very open-minded about what you say — as long as you say the right things. That is, the right liberal things. It's fine for Jane Fonda to go to North Vietnam. But if you don't like the way a script reads — for example, typically making the Americans out as the bad guys — you're uncooperative and you don't get any work. I guess I had it up to here with the Army, the CIA and American business men in general being made the heavies. They're Hollywood's new 'men in the black hats.'"

"Miss McGrath, you haven't worked in over ten years have you?" Bill asked quietly. She shook her head. "What have you been doing? It's been kind of hard tracking you down."

"Mostly I've been going to school. I have an MBA, and you just heard about law school at UCLA. I've been staying alive is the best answer. Now, Mr. Clifford, what is the part you would like me to read for? I'm sure it's obvious that my salary isn't a big deal. I work this week to try to cover this week's rent ... and that's not a big tab."

He looked at her steadily. "The part is playing my wife," he said quietly.

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Clifford?" she said, showing her astonishment. "I thought you said the part was playing your wife?"

"It is." He smiled and continued. "Let me explain: My wife died awhile ago and I have three grown children. The youngest is in college, while the others are in graduate or professional schools. I decided I'm a little old for the singles scene. I have a great deal of money, so I came up with the idea of casting the rôle as if it were a rôle in a movie. That is basically what I'm doing. The contract is very simple: There won't be any residuals or percentages. It pays one million dollars for twelve months. It's quite simple, really."

He smiled and continued, "But I do have a few questions, though. Miss McGrath, I understand you did many of your own stunts. Is that true?"

Ali was stunned. She didn't believe her ears. All she could say was, "Did you say one ... million... dollars?"

Bill smiled and nodded. "Isn't that enough? But you didn't answer my question. By the way, since you're auditioning for the rôle of my wife, the name is Bill. My wife didn't call me Mr. Clifford since ... since ever! Come to think of it, she never called me Mr. Clifford.

"Bill, the name is Ali, or Allison if you prefer. I think my grandmother was the only person who ever called me that, though. As for your question, yes, I did. I guess I got a charge out of it. Are there any special things you're interested in?"

"Yes, there are. I remember you in a skiing picture. Do you ski?" She nodded. "Play golf?"

Again she nodded. "I used to play pretty well, but I haven't had the opportunity to play for years. But why do you ask?"

"Because I like to ski and play golf. I wondered if you could play the part, or if I needed to hire a stunt double, too," he replied with a grin. "By the way, how old are you? I know what the old studio bio says, but they lie ten years or more in both directions."

"I'm thirty-three," she replied, "How old are you?"

"I'm forty-nine," he answered. "Is that too old?"

"No. I lied. I'm really thirty-five. It's not too old. In fact, you look like you're in your thirties."

"You flatter me," he said. "What else do you need to know?"

"Tell me exactly what is involved in playing your wife. Does that mean I have to sleep with you?"

Bill was very serious as he replied. "Probably. But I mean that literally, not figuratively. I normally get a suite at a hotel, but usually there's only one bedroom. Frankly, Ali, I'm getting a little too old to be sleeping on the couch. Does the idea of sharing a bedroom with me — and possibly a bed — bother you?"

"Bill, I guess it should, but it doesn't. Please don't ask me why, because I honestly don't know. I guess I've played enough nude scenes that it really doesn't bother me. On the other hand, I would have been eating more regularly if I had been willing to do tricks for the troops. As a call girl, the pay is pretty good to start, particularly for a girl who actually had star billing in a Hollywood film.

"What more do you need to know about me?"

"I think I already know a great deal. I have a folder here that's pretty complete. But are you interested in the job? I don't want to waste your time."

She looked at him and he could see her eyes start to tear. He was surprised when she just sat up straighter in her chair. "Please don't say things like that. You're teasing me and you know it. I'm sorry, but I guess I'm just not in shape for it anymore. You are looking at a girl — a woman — who was starving — literally starving — just a few minutes ago. Waste my time indeed!" She smiled through the tears. "Do you mind if I continue my grazing? I think I saw some smoked salmon — Scottish, isn't it?" He nodded, and she went back to the other cart, retrieving the plate of smoked salmon. She looked up at him. "Yes, I'm interested. Obviously I'm interested. What do I need to do? Do you want me to undress or something?"

Bill looked at her quizzically. "Would you mind taking off your dress? Just your dress."

She looked at him, got up and unbuttoned the plain dress she was wearing. She slipped it off and stood up straight. "I'm afraid there isn't an awful lot of me left," she said wryly. She was wearing only a pair of bikini briefs and a camisole. He could see she wasn't wearing a bra and could see her ribs plainly through her camisole — clearly she was ten pounds or more underweight. "Do I pass?"

Ali's legs were very shapely. She had slim hips and — at least at the moment — very small breasts which he could see outlined beneath the thin top. She saw his eyes focused on her chest. "I'm sorry," she said, "I've never had big boobs, but this is ridiculous, even for me. But you haven't answered my question."

"Why don't you put on your dress," he said. "Do you want the part?"

She looked at him while she stood holding her shirtwaist dress in her left hand. "Yes," she said, "I would like the part. I need the part! What else do you want me to do now?"

"Nothing. Except get back into condition. You really are much too thin." Bill changed the subject suddenly. "Ali, how much money do you need to get clear of all of your debts?"

She looked at him, puzzled. "It would take more money than the mint! Thousands!" Then she smiled wryly. "That's funny," she said softly. "I used to do features for hundreds of thousands and thought I was getting screwed. I guess I really was, too. My co-stars often appeared in the same film for millions. I suppose it's just a matter of perspective. The answer to your question, though, is that it would take between seventy-five and a hundred thousand to be completely clean."

"Where do you bank?" Bill asked. She told him at Bank of America and gave him the branch location. He frowned and said, "Why there? It's not very convenient to where you live."

She smiled and said, "That's true. However, the manager is ex-Special Forces from Vietnam and does everything he can to help me." Bill asked for her account number and bank transit code; she gave it to him.

"What's the name on the account?" he asked.

"Allison McGrath," she replied. "But what does that have to do with anything?"

It was his turn to smile. "Watch and see."

He picked up the phone and dialed a long-distance number. When the phone was answered Bill said, "It's B of A, account number 475-97765, in the name of Allison McGrath. Send a half immediately." He checked the time on his watch, then looked at Ali. "How about some more coffee? You haven't been drinking."

She smiled and said, "You're right. I will have some ... and some more orange juice, if I may?"

Bill checked his watch and asked Ali, "What is your manager friend's name, and what's his phone number?"

She told him the name was Jeff Sills and gave him the number.

He asked, "How much money did you have in your account this morning?"

"Less than ten bucks. Why?" she replied. She was curious about Clifford's cryptic phone conversation.

"There will be substantially more there now. Ali, I'm going to call Sills. Would you please ask him to check your balance? You can consider this to be a test of your acting ability. I'm going to see if you can keep a straight face."

"How much will there be?" she asked.

"I think there will be enough. By the way, do you have your checkbook with you?" he asked as he dialed the number and then passed the receiver to her.

She took her checkbook out of her purse and said, "For all the money I don't have in the account, I might as well use the checks as notepaper." Jeff answered his phone. "Hi, Jeff. It's Ali. Can you do me a favor?"

"Oh, God! Ali, if I do you one more favor, I'm history at this bank. But what the hell. As we used to say in 'Nam, you can't live forever. Sure! What can I do for you?"

"Jeff, could you check your handy computer and see what my balance is? My account number is..."

"Ali, by this time I know your account number better than my own! Just a second."

She could hear him punching buttons on his keyboard to bring her account up on his computer screen. He let out a low whistle and said, "Ali, I need to check something. Would you mind if I put you on hold for a moment?"

She said that was no problem, and she listened to the music-on-hold for a few minutes. Jeff came back on the line. Excitement was obvious in his voice. "Ali, I checked it, and it's not a mistake. You received a Federal Reserve wire transfer from Morgan Guaranty, New York, in the amount of half a million dollars. It's here, it's confirmed, and it's good money. With your previous balance of $7.64, that now gives you $500,007.64! Honey, I don't know what happened, but it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! Do you want me to do anything?"

Ali had been slowly shaking her head, but her voice didn't change a bit. "Yes, Jeff, I do. Would you please check and pay off all my loans with the bank? Including the MasterCard and Visa accounts? Your collection people are going to have a fit! I'm going to lose all my good friends in various collection units who call me every couple of weeks chasing me for a few dollars against what I owe them. Can you do that?"

Jeff replied, "Ali, I just checked. It's a little more than $20,000. I just hit the buttons and checked your cards. They're active again, and have their full balances available. Okay? Anything else?"

"Jeff, there is one more thing. How late are you going to be around today?"

"Jen has to work late today, so I was going to stick around awhile. Why?"

"I'm going to be writing some major-league checks in the next few hours and some people may want to be sure they aren't rubber," she replied. "By the way, what time does Jen get off work?"

"She'll be working until seven and then is swinging by the bank to pick me up. Why? As far as taking calls, Ali, I will be absolutely delighted. It seems like I've spent a fair amount of the last few years making up tales for you. This will be a real pleasure! I get to act really pompous: 'My dear sir, of course Miss McGrath's check is good!' In fact, I'm looking forward to it."

Bill scribbled a note and passed it to Ali. She read it quickly and said, "Do you and Jen have any plans for tonight?"

"Come on, Ali! You know us better than that. I manage a small bank branch and we're desperately trying to save enough to make a down-payment on a house — and we're losing. You've had spaghetti at our place often enough. And by the way, are you eating yet?"

She smiled at the question. "I've been feeding my face all morning. Look, Jeff, I have a favor to ask. Promise me you'll do it if you can?"

She could hear the sound of resignation in his voice. "Sure, Ali. Don't I always?"

"Great! You are taking Jen to dinner at Maxim's tonight. Your reservations are for eight o'clock. And Jeff, there won't be a bill. It's on me. I really owe you, and you know I can afford it now." There was hesitation on the line so she added, "Remember, you promised."

The tone of his voice changed. "Okay, Ali, but you have to pick up the pieces. Jen will absolutely kill me when I tell her where we're going without even giving her a chance to prepare for it for three weeks ahead of time. On your head be it. And thanks very much. It's ... It's our anniversary and we had agreed we weren't going to celebrate or exchange gifts. We put the anniversary celebration money in the house fund."

Ali hung up and smiled her thanks at Bill. "Thank you. That was really very nice. I guess you know I love those two. I think they may have saved my life ... and they certainly preserved my sanity. Now what?"

"First, Ali, how would you like to save about $400,000?" he asked.

"I beg your pardon? You're joking, aren't you?" she asked, quite startled.

"No, I'm not. The money I transferred to you has had taxes paid: mine. However, it's now income to you. With the new tax laws you can't income-average anymore. The tax bite on a million is about $400,000, give or take a bit after California takes its piece. If you want to, we can legally keep it out of their grubby hands and in your bank account. Interested?"

"Of course I'm interested. It's more money than I've seen in the last ten years combined. I'm very interested in keeping as much of it as I legally can."

After nodding once, Bill picked up the phone, dialed a number, and spoke for a few moments. A short time later a young woman appeared at the door. He showed her in and she opened a small black bag. Looking from Bill to Ali she asked, "Who's first?"

"I guess I am," Bill said. He rolled up a shirt sleeve. The girl took out a hypodermic needle and inserted it into a vein, then connected it to a Vacutainer bottle to draw blood. When the bottle was filled, she carefully withdrew first the bottle and then the needle. After carefully labeling the bottle she put it aside. Ali had been watching with interest as she drew the blood, then went to the girl and the process was repeated with her.

Finally the woman put her materials away and said, "The reports should be ready within an hour. They will be sent over by messenger." She let herself out.

Ali was rubbing her arm with alcohol-soaked cotton. "I don't mean to be unnecessarily nosy, but what, exactly, was that all about? In my present condition, I'm not sure how much blood I can spare," she said.

"Ali, let's sit down. And why don't you finish your grazing while I tell you about it? It relates to the rôle you agreed to play for a year. You have the part, by the way. But I'm sure you knew that when the money was transferred to your account." Ali took the last dish off the second cart — a huge portion of lump Chesapeake Bay crab meat — and set it on the coffee table.

"I'm listening," she said quietly as she looked at him intently.

Bill checked his watch, and made another quiet phone call. He came back and sat on the sofa next to her. "Okay. First, this is a tax deal. If I pay you money, it's income to you. On the other hand, a husband and wife can move assets between them to their heart's content without creating what the accountants and lawyers term a taxable event. Therefore, the reason for the blood test is it's needed in this state for a marriage license. We're being married at City Hall in an hour."

Ali looked at Bill with an expression of utter shock on her face. "You're serious, aren't you? You really intend to marry me? Today?"

He grinned at her and said, "Sure do! There are some people who will do anything to lessen the tax bite. I realize it isn't very romantic, but there are four hundred thousand good reasons for you to say, 'I do.' Are you game?"

"With the understanding I can get out of it later because in my present weakened condition I was temporarily insane," she said shaking her head in shock. Then with a wry grin she asked, "What do we do now, coach?"

Just then there was a knock on the door. Bill opened it and signed for an envelope delivered by messenger. After opening it he glanced at the contents. "We're all set. The blood tests are done and we're both in fine shape. Are you ready?"

She gave him a wry smile, shrugged, and followed him to the door. His limousine was waiting at the curb to take them to City Hall. When they arrived, it was eleven o'clock. No one was waiting at the Clerk's Office and they got their license quickly. Following the clerk's instructions, they then went down the hall to the office of a Superior Court judge. Just a few minutes later, in the presence of the judge's clerk and secretary, Bill and Ali were married.

The judge finished the very brief ceremony and then said, "You may kiss the bride."

Bill took her in his arms and gave her a warm kiss. He was surprised to feel her lips open and her tongue dart into his mouth. The kiss ended as far more than the friendly kiss he had intended. Bill could hear bells when he kissed her. As they left the judge's chambers, Ali looked at the third finger of her left hand. She admired the plain gold wedding band Bill had taken from his pocket and was surprised that it fit perfectly. After they had gone a few steps down the hall, she stopped abruptly. After taking another step, Bill stopped and turned around to see why she had stopped so suddenly. She was bent over and it looked as if she were crying. He went back to her and took her in his arms. When she looked up, he realized she had been trying to control her laughter. In fact, she was still giggling.

"What's so funny?" he asked, looking at her with a very puzzled expression on his face. Clifford thought her giggle was the cutest sound he had ever heard.

Ali was still giggling so hard she couldn't talk. All she could do was slowly shake her head from side to side. Finally, she was able to speak. "I'm sorry, Bill. I'm laughing at the situation! Do you realize the first time you kissed me was when we were married? For Heaven's sake, even in the movies we rehearse the clinches! You've been here before. Moreover, you're doing it to save me some money on my taxes. But it's the first time for me! Brides are supposed to cry at their weddings, not laugh! Thank you for marrying me and saving me so much tax money."

With a shake of her head she regained control and asked, "What do we do now?"

"We go and see your creditors."

They set off and visited a couple of banks to settle charge-card bills and then a couple of department stores. Twice the people in the credit office called Jeff who pompously told them, "Of course Miss McGrath's check is good!"

Meanwhile, Bill made a couple of phone calls. At Nordstrom's, after finishing with the credit department, Bill insisted on swinging by the Better Dresses department. Ali quickly entered into the spirit of the afternoon. Bill, in consultation with the buyer, found the perfect dress for her. It was a shade of blue that exactly matched her eyes. While she was changing, he made yet another call. She reached for her now-reactivated charge card to pay for the dress, but was told it was already taken care of.

After dropping her off at the hair salon in the store, Bill returned to the hotel. While there, he sent off a couple of faxes to New York. One went to his attorney and the other to his principal bank, Morgan Guaranty. Then he went back to Nordstrom's to see if Ali was ready. As he read a magazine, he smiled to himself. It had been a very eventful few hours.

A few minutes later, Ali emerged from the salon looking absolutely gorgeous. Thinking about it, he decided she was only marginally prettier than she had been when she went in. My God, she's beautiful,  he thought.

"How do I look?" she asked.

Bill looked at her thoughtfully and walked around her. Finally, he stood with his hand on his chin. "Okay," he said thoughtfully. Her face fell, and he could see she was hurt. Then he added with a grin, "For a goddess! Ali, you are out of this world!" She instantly displayed a beaming smile that was as bright as sunshine. It's like the sun coming out from behind a cloud,  he thought.

"What now?" she asked.

"Let's go back to the hotel. There are a few more things on their way. Incidentally, do you need anything from your apartment? For that matter, do you even need the apartment?"

Her face fell. "Oh, my God! I forgot the rent! Bill, could we swing over now? I could take a cab ... Oops! I don't have any money." He just grinned.

They went out to the limousine and drove over to her apartment which was in a very unfashionable section of the San Fernando Valley. She went to the superintendent's apartment and rang the bell.

The superintendent, Mr. Garçia, looked at her skeptically when he opened the door. "Miss McGrath, when can you give me some money? The owner is really on my back! I've given him all of your excuses and invented a dozen new ones of my own."

Ali smiled at him, and he smiled back inviting them both in. The apartment was very neat and smelled of Mexican cooking. Ali introduced Bill merely as Mr. Clifford. Garçia's wife came out of the kitchen and gave Ali a big hug. She was a very attractive — and very heavy — woman who enfolded Ali in her arms. She went out to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with tortilla chips and salsa. Garçia opened two bottles of Dos Équìs for them and two more for his wife and himself.

While this was going on, Ali had taken out her checkbook and wrote a check. "Señor Garçia, I have a surprise for you," she said. "I owe you for two months. The check is for the back rent, this month, and two more months in lieu of notice. I'll be moving out. I finally got a part after all these years!"

She gave him the check and Garçia looked stunned. Then he smiled. The smile got bigger and bigger until he was beaming. "Miss McGrath, am so happy for you! You are the best actress in all of Hollywood! But why did it take so long? You have been here and have been available. Why they not call before?"

Ali smiled at him warmly. "I really don't know. I think I know, but I hope I'm wrong. Señor Garçia, thank you so much! Muchas graciàs, señor! Hastá là vistà!" They took their leave and went up to Ali's apartment where she paused for a moment before entering. It was obvious to Bill that she was ashamed of it but she ended up asking him in for a moment anyway. The apartment is Spartan,  Bill thought, but spotlessly clean.

Ali went into the bedroom and Bill looked in the kitchen. As he suspected, there was no food of any kind. Her cupboard and refrigerator were almost completely empty. There was just a bottle of water chilling in the refrigerator. Ali returned with a small suitcase and another small stack of bills including her telephone and electric bills. She wrote out checks, put them in the envelopes and then put the envelopes in her purse. Smiling at him ruefully she said she didn't even have any stamps.

"Do you want me to send a mover around to get the rest of your things?" he asked.

She appeared embarrassed but looked directly at him. "This is the rest, Bill. Everything else has been sold." Suddenly, he saw her face crumple. She sat down at the table again and took out her checkbook. She looked quickly at the numbers, did some quick mental arithmetic, and scrawled out a check which she gave him. It was for slightly over $450,000.

Bill was caught up short. "What is this?" he asked.

"That's the rest of the money you gave me, Bill." She was sitting up straight in the chair and looking him straight in the eye. "Bill, I'm worth less than $10,000 a year. You've saved my life. I obviously can't pay you the rest of the money you gave me — you know where it all went. But I'll do anything you want me to do until it's all paid back. Thank you for helping me so much." Tears were rolling down her cheeks, but she was still holding her head up straight.

Bill felt like he had just been emotionally ripped in half. When he held out his arms, she got up and came into them. He just held her tightly as she started to cry. He could feel her shoulders shaking from the sobs while he held her and gently stroked her hair. Slowly, she regained control. "You'll be perfect in the part Ali ... and worth every dime!"

She tried to smile through her tears and did a remarkable job of it. "Thank you, Bill. It felt wonderful with you just holding me like that!"

She really is a top-flight actress,  he thought. Then he carefully tore the check up into little pieces and dropped them in the trash container. After putting his arm around her they went out to the waiting car.



-------

Chapter 2



When the limousine pulled up at the hotel, he gave Ali the room key and went over to the front desk. "I'm Bill Clifford in Suite 1400," he said. "I would like to speak to the manager on duty, please." The clerk had recognized him and very politely asked him to wait a moment. She had obviously used a buzzer because moments later an assistant manager came out from the office, met Bill and went to his desk.

Bill said, "Mr. Carson," reading his name badge, "I was married this morning. For a number of reasons I would like this fact kept confidential. Obviously, not the fact that I'm married, but rather that it just happened this morning."

Carson smiled broadly and extended his hand, "Congratulations, Mr. Clifford. We ... hear things. Did you marry Miss McGrath?" Bill nodded, and Carson beamed. "How wonderful! She's one of my favorite actresses. What has she been doing lately? I can't recall seeing her in a film in years."

Bill changed the subject. "I'm not sure what my wife will be doing with her career. Soon, we're going to be doing some extensive traveling. The reason I wanted you to know is, first, she'll need a key to the suite. Second, she'll have occasion to cash checks, sign chits, and so forth, and I don't want any embarrassment. At the same time, I don't want any publicity. This shouldn't cause the hotel any problems, should it?"

"Of course not, sir. I'll see that the desk and the cashier are notified. Is there anything we can do? We will be sending you a gift from the management up to your suite, but is there anything else?"

Bill smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Carson, but I think that will be all. However, there should be a few things arriving by mail or by messenger for Mrs. Clifford and I want to be sure there will be no delays." Bill excused himself and went up to the suite. When he let himself in with the second key Carson had given him, he found Ali sitting on the sofa.

She brightened when he came in. "Hi! Welcome home, Mr. Clifford."

Just then the doorbell rang. It was the waiter, Charley, with yet another cart. The suite had been cleaned and the other carts removed while they were out. Charley extended his hand to Bill and said, "Congratulations, sir. I think you're the luckiest men in the world to marry Miss McGrath. Mrs. Clifford, I would like to wish you every happiness." He turned to Bill and said, "The manager has asked me to bring this up, compliments of the hotel. We're all delighted and hope you enjoy it." Bill reached for his wallet, but Charley just waved away the tip.

"Charley, before you go, we're hungry. Could you bring us two big sirloins on toast along with some french fries? In the meantime, we'll get started on the management's gift." Charley grinned, motioned thumbs-up, and let himself out.

Bill uncovered the platter on the trolley and let out a low whistle. "My, my! We're really honored guests. Ali, come and see what they brought for you to graze on," he said to Ali with a grin.

He liked the way she rose so gracefully from the sofa and came over. Her lips formed an 'O' as she saw a half-kilo of Beluga caviar with all of the trimmings, along with a bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne which Bill was in the process of opening. She started to fill two plates with caviar spread on toast. When she asked him about his choice of trimmings, he replied, "Everything." By this time he had eased the cork from the bottle and poured two glasses which he brought over to the sofa.

He handed a glass to Ali and raised his own. "To us! Thank you, Ali. I'm looking forward to the year."

She smiled over the top of her glass. "Thank you, Bill, for the opportunity." They sipped the champagne and ate the caviar. Then he sat next to her on the sofa, putting his arm around her. Turning his head, he found her lips poised before his. Their kiss was soft and sweet but with passionate overtones. He noticed how soft and sweet her mouth was.

When they separated, she leaned back against the cushions and slowly shook her head. "Bill, if this was submitted as a movie script it wouldn't survive two seconds. It would be trashed as being totally unbelievable. My God! I'm actually your wife — in the eyes of the State of California, if not necessarily in the eyes of God."

Just then the doorbell rang. It was Charley with their lunch. When he had left Ali rubbed her belly and looked at Bill with feigned suspicion. "Are you trying to fatten me up?"

He picked up on her reaction and said, "Damn! I thought I had you fooled. There's an Arab sheik who's looking for a blonde addition to his harem, but he likes his women with some meat on them. You can't blame a guy for trying, can you?" he said with a grin. He looked at her fondly. "Would you do me a favor? Please put on your new dress?"

Without saying a word she went to the bedroom to change. While she was gone, he made another phone call.

Less than thirty minutes later the doorbell rang. It was the representative from a Rodeo Drive jewelry store. The man opened a small case he had with him and took out several strings of pearls. Ali watched the performance with amazement shaded by amusement. The representative took a double strand of pearls and put it around her neck as she looked at herself in a mirror. The pearls appeared too large. She shook her head and so did Bill. She tried another necklace and then a third and a fourth. Finally she tried on a two-strand necklace of matched pearls. Ali smiled and Bill nodded at the salesman. She noticed that almost no words had been spoken. She carefully took off the necklace and went back to the bedroom to change. When she returned to the sitting room, the salesman bid goodbye to Ali and Bill and left.

Sitting on the table was a lovely white-wrapped package. Bill held it out to her and said, "A very small remembrance of your wedding day."

She opened it and found the necklace lying in a beautiful jewelers' presentation case. For the first time, she saw that the clasp was diamond studded. She looked at him puzzled, "They don't gift-wrap props. What's going on? I thought you were looking for something to go with my dress?"

"I was. I found it. Happy wedding," he said with a smile.

"This is real, isn't it? These aren't fake. In fact, they are not even cultured pearls, are they?" she asked skeptically.

He nodded, "They're real. I guess they're worth a couple of bucks."

She just shook her head in amazement. "And they're really for me?"

"You're the only wife I have at the moment, so I suppose so. But do you like them, now that you've decided they're real?" Instead of answering, Ali went to Bill, put her arms around his neck and kissed him. He could feel a wetness on his cheek and held her away for a moment. Tears were streaming from her eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked. "What did I do this time?"

Her head was up straight and she shook it slowly from side to side. "Bill, you can't possibly understand. For so long I've been scrimping and saving ... and fighting. It seemed like everyone with any power has been against me. All I can say is, thank you! I love the necklace. It's absolutely beautiful. But why are you doing this? You never laid eyes on me until this morning."

"That's not true," he protested. "I've laid eyes on you countless times ... in your movies. I think I have every one you ever appeared in on tape, even the bit parts. Unfortunately, the tapes are a bit worn from overuse. But you've never laid eyes on me. Ali, thank you for going through with this. For me, this is really something of a personal dream. I know a great deal about you. When I met you this morning, I quickly confirmed my impression that you really are what you always appeared to be on the screen. This project is working out far better than I ever expected. I have one question, though: You made pretty big money in a number of your films. What happened to it?"

She grimaced. "I guess a big chunk went for my parents. They were seriously injured in an automobile accident and subsequently died. Their final care was very expensive. And, of course, the other guy didn't have any insurance or assets. Most of the rest went into my legal battles against the studio and some individuals over the blacklisting that has kept me from working. They've been very vindictive. Not only did they keep me out of films, they really stopped me from getting any kind of job ... even after I received my MBA. I guess that's the principal reason I decided to get a law degree. This way I can represent myself without having to pay someone else while I continue the fight."

She cocked her head and looked at him. "What now?" she asked.

He smiled and said, "Look, I know you have classes tomorrow morning, and tonight may be a late night. Why don't you take a nap, and I'll take care of a few things?" She nodded and returned to the bedroom while Bill left the suite.

It was several hours later when Ali felt a hand on her shoulder. She was in the bed sleeping under the bedspread. Her eyes opened and she saw Bill sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Hi! Are you ready to rejoin the ranks of the living? You were sleeping so soundly I almost didn't wake you. How do you feel?" he asked.

She stretched like a big cat. He noticed how beautiful she looked even at the moment of awakening. "Yum! I feel wonderful. Bill, I can't remember sleeping so soundly. I don't know if it was the events of the day — this has been the most unbelievable day of my life — or if it's finally getting out from under all my money worries. Money has been a constant worry for years. Anyway, I feel great. What time is it and what are we doing?"

He smiled warmly. "I hope I didn't wreck it. It's six-thirty already. We have a reservation at eight. Can you be ready or should I change the time of our reservation? We are dining at Maxim's with the Sills."

"I'll be ready for my wedding dinner," she said. Then she looked slightly embarrassed. "Would you mind waiting outside while I get ready? I know we're married, and I'm not really very modest, but would you mind?"

He smiled and said he had already taken a shower while she was sleeping and didn't mind at all. He went out to the sitting room as she got out of bed.

Forty minutes later she emerged from the bedroom and stood like a model. "How do I look?" she asked.

Bill glanced up from a book he was reading and then did a double-take. "My God! Ali, you're magnificent!" Her golden hair was beautifully arranged as it had been after the styling. The dress looked as lovely on her as he had hoped it would, and the pearls were beautiful. He got out of his chair, went to her, took her in his arms and warmly kissed her. He could feel her lips move under his and felt her tongue dart out. Again, Bill heard bells and this time could feel a two-way flow of electricity between them.

When the kiss ended and he stepped away, he heard her murmur, "Wow!" Then she smiled at him and said, "It's a good thing I didn't put on my lipstick yet. And if you kiss me like that again, my knees will be too weak to stand up to do it!" She looked in the mirror and very expertly put on some lipstick and turned to face him. "I'm all set!" Then her face fell slightly. "I hope it's not too cool tonight. I just realized I have this beautiful dress but nothing to wear over it. I don't think it would look too cool to enter the restaurant wearing your jacket."

Bill just smiled. "I think we'll manage," he said. Going over to the closet he brought out a beautiful full-length mink coat. "I think this will handle the chill, don't you? Why don't you see if it fits?" he asked as he held it for her. Ali slipped it on and it fit as perfectly as he had known it would.

She wrapped it around herself and nuzzled her cheek in the soft fur. "Yum! This is beautiful, Bill, and I'll be very careful with it. When does it have to go back?" she asked, thinking that, like so many things in Hollywood, it was rented. When she opened it up to look at the lining, she saw her monogram — her new monogram, AMC — sewn into the lining in thread only slightly different in color from the lining itself. She looked at Bill accusingly. "This isn't rented, is it?"

He shook his head sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Ali. I took a chance you would like the fur and the color. But it can go back tomorrow if you don't like it."

"Bill Clifford, you are terrible! Like it? I love it!" Her face fell, and he could see tears forming again in her eyes. "Is this another wedding present?" she asked. Again he nodded. "Bill, I feel awful. I didn't get you anything! It's worse than that as I think about it. You know everything about me and I don't know anything about you. I guess all I know is you are a widower, you are very attractive, you have three grown children and a lot of money."

Then she smiled. Again, he thought it was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. He decided he loved her smile. She continued, "On the other hand, I know a lot of girls who measure a man's attractiveness solely by the size of his bank account. I guess I'm not so bad off, after all." Ali smiled warmly and added, "I forgot something: You're also incredibly generous. And I think you're impulsive, too."

"There's something else you forgot," Bill said. "I love your smile. It literally lights up the room like sunshine. I guess I want to do things that cause you to smile. Ali, your smile just now made the coat cheap at twice the price. Can you accept that?" She nodded slowly. "Great! Now that you're all set, shall we go?" She took his arm and they left the suite.

When the doorman at Maxim's opened the limousine door, Ali gracefully stepped out and smiled at him. He saluted and said, "Welcome back to Maxim's, Miss McGrath. It's been a long time ... much too long. I'm delighted to see you again."

"Thank you so much for remembering me, Henry. It has been a long time."

They were ushered to their table by the maître d'hôtel. It was a table for four; Jeff and Jennifer Sills had not yet arrived. Several minutes later when the maître d' showed the Sills to the table, Bill rose and held out his hand. "I'm Bill Clifford, and I assume you're Jeff Sills. I'm very glad to meet you. I should have warned you, perhaps, but this is my wife, Ali. We were married this morning."

Jeff's jaw dropped. "Married? My God!"

Jen squealed and hugged Ali. Then she stood back and said, "Ali, you look marvelous. You haven't looked this good in years." She grinned and continued, "Clearly, married life — at least the first eight hours or so — agrees with you."

The couple sat down and the waiter brought the champagne Bill had ordered along with a huge container of Beluga caviar. Bill offered a toast. "To us. Jeff and Jen, congratulations on your anniversary. Many happy returns of the day. Ali, thank you," he finished simply."

The dinner was a great success. Finally, as they were having coffee and cognac and everyone was feeling very mellow, Ali looked at Jeff and Jen and asked, "How's your down-payment fund coming? How much do you have and how much are you trying to save?"

Jen answered for the couple. "We're losing is what's happening. Ali, in the last twelve months Jeff and I have added nearly eighteen thousand to our savings. And you know what? I think the down-payment we need has increased by more than twenty! We have nearly fifty thousand, but we figure we need almost one hundred to be able to afford the payments, closing costs, insurance, taxes, and that sort of thing. Thank you so much for the dinner. I guess we were both feeling pretty low this morning. We're running as fast as we can, but we seem to be going backwards."

Ali smiled and said, "Kids, the dinner is on Bill. It's his gift to you and to me. But I haven't given you a gift in all the time I've known you. I just show up like a stray cat in desperate need of food and a kind word. I know there have been times when you and Jeff were scrimping, but you always welcomed me and shared whatever you had." Ali smiled softly. "It's not really my style to just take and never give back. So finally I have a gift for you." She took a check out of her purse that she had written earlier and gave it to Jen.

The girl looked at it, and then looked stunned. "Ali, this is a joke! Please say it's a joke," she exclaimed.

Jeff looked over her shoulder at the check. "Jen, it's not a joke. I happen to know it's good." He took it from Jen and gave it back to Ali. "Ali, you know we can't possibly accept this. We appreciate what you're trying to do, and we'll accept a check for one hundred dollars very gratefully, but one hundred thousand? It's out of the question!"

"Why is it out of the question?" Ali asked quietly. "Jeff, what's my balance at the bank?"

"I'm not sure. I don't know how many checks you've written, but I guess it's around four-fifty," he replied.

"What's my balance been running for the last year or so? Let's face it: it was a cause for celebration if it hit triple digits," she said. Jeff nodded slowly. "Okay, then. I give you one hundred thousand. That leaves me with about three-fifty. Jen said it all: You're losing ground. I'm just trying to get you over the hump. With this money coupled with your savings you can get into the house you want. Maybe you can even get some furniture. I've heard it's dangerous to have only a bed. First, you can't go out much because you're so financially strapped. Second, when the only furniture is the bed, it becomes the playpen and all kinds of very expensive things can happen. You can think of it as protecting my investment. You've just admitted I have the money. What you may not know is I also have a very generous husband, so I don't think I'm going to be spending much of my own money for the next twelve months. I'm asking you as a personal favor to me to take it. Please!"

Jen looked at Jeff and asked, "Is what Ali just said true?" Jeff nodded and said it was. Looking at Ali, tears came to her eyes. She got out of her seat and went to Ali, took the older girl in her arms, and started to cry. "Ali, thank you. There aren't words ... there can't be words to express the gratitude we feel. This morning we were despondent. We were losing our fight to get our house. Tonight, it's suddenly there. I don't know what to say, except thank you."

Ali smiled. Bill noticed it was the smile that he had begun to think of as her sunshine smile. "Now that it's all settled, then, do you have a house in mind?"

Jeff and Jen nodded in unison. Jen said, "We sure do. There's a place in the Valley we've been looking at. It's a new development, but the developers are really good. They've been building for several years, but they do it slowly — just a few units at a time. That's been our big worry: We really love the place, but they're nearly built out. We were scared to death that the lots would be all gone before we got the money." She smiled. "They're really nice people. We've been over there so much, we're on a first-name basis with most of them. They'll collapse when I call them tomorrow and tell them we're all set."

Jeff picked up. "Ali, we will register a second mortgage on the property in the name of Allison McGrath Clifford. Will the going rate for second-mortgage money be okay?"

Ali glared at him. "No, it will not be okay. I'll compromise with you: We'll call it a deferred second for fifty thousand. Interest is waived until the first is paid. It then takes interest at the first-mortgage rate and runs for the same term as the first, but beginning when the first is paid. Otherwise, it's a gift. Period."

Jeff looked at Jen and smiled sheepishly. "Jen, it's a tough deal, but it's the best I can negotiate. Is it okay with you?"

Jennifer was a small dark-haired girl with beautiful features and lovely green eyes. Right now her eyes were tearing as she slowly shook her head. "Ali, what you're saying is your hundred is for the down-payment. Our fifty is for closing, furniture, and getting-in expenses. Is that right?" Ali nodded vigorously. Jen smiled and said, "It's a deal. Thank you." She turned to Jeff and said, "Do we have to drive home tonight? I think I'd rather just float. We could float home and admire the lights of the city. I feel I'm up about three thousand feet on a cloud as it is. Honey, do you want to come with me?" she asked with a warm smile.

"I'm with you already! Folks, would you excuse us? I'm just a poor banker. We're not used to excitement like this and I don't know how much of it I can take. Besides, I see a look in my wife's eyes I want to take advantage of. Since you're newlyweds, you probably understand."

The Sills left arm-in-arm. As they left, they even appeared to be floating.

Bill looked at Ali and said, "Thank you. That was the nicest wedding present you could possibly have given me. Isn't it fun making others happy? Ali, particularly when it's you, it gives me joy. In fact, you have a sunshine smile which appears when you're joyous. It absolutely lights up the place. I love to see it and feel a sense of gratitude when I do. Now are you ready to go back to the hotel?" She nodded and they left the restaurant.

When they got back to the hotel, Ali went into the bedroom while Bill remained in the sitting room. When he went in, she was already in bed with the covers up to her chin. Going into the bathroom, he got ready for bed. After putting on a pair of pajama bottoms, he went back to the bedroom. When he slid between the covers he saw that Ali was completely nude. She looked at him questioningly as he slid under the covers beside her.

"Remember what I said? We sleep together literally, but not figuratively. But would you give me a kiss?" he asked.

Again he saw the sunshine smile as she rolled on top of him and crushed his lips under her own. He could feel her tongue working as he gently caressed her back with his fingertips. Her skin was like warm satin to his touch. Finally, she broke the kiss and rested on his chest. As she did, he could feel her now-erect nipples. "Are you sure?" she asked softly.

"I'm sure," he replied softly. With a very quiet sigh she rolled off him.

"May I sleep close to you?" she asked. "I would appreciate it if you would let me. I've felt so lonely for so long." He put his arm around her shoulders and gently pulled her towards him. Resting her head on his broad shoulder, Ali's hair spilled like a golden fan over him. She lay back and pulled his arm around her shoulders, then cupped his right hand on her breast and put her hand on top of it. He turned off the light with his left hand and in moments they were asleep.

The next morning Ali woke up at six o'clock. Bill's hand was still on her breast. Very gently she took it off, eased her head off his shoulder and slipped out of bed. She gathered up some things and went to the bathroom. When she came out dressed in Levi's and a blue chambray shirt, she tiptoed out to the sitting room. She was startled to see Bill sitting at the breakfast table waiting for her.

"What on earth is this?" she asked in amazement. "What are you doing up so early?"

"When my new wife has to get up at the crack of dawn to go to work — or to school, in this case — the least I can do is keep her company." Bill was wearing a white terry robe with the hotel's logo on the pocket. Ali recalled seeing them in the bathroom and guessed that Bill had taken one out and put it in the closet. He poured her coffee as she sat down at the table, then he asked her which newspaper she wanted. "We have The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times,  and The Wall Street Journal," he said. She took the Journal and Bill was surprised to see her immediately go to the third section containing the financial tables.

"Honey, do you have a broker I could use? For years I've played paper games with commodities. I've made a lot of money on paper. Would you mind if I used some of my money and tried it for real?"

Bill warmed as he heard her call him honey. "Of course not. It's nine-thirty in New York. Do you have a trade in mind this morning?"

She nodded, looking a little embarrassed. He picked up the phone and dialed a number. When it was answered he said, "Pete, it's Bill Clifford. My wife..." He listened at what was obviously an expression of surprise and congratulations. "Thanks, Pete. Anyway, my wife would like to open a commodities trading account. She banks at B of A." He listened for a moment and said, "How much do you want to give them?"

She replied, "I want to deposit $150,000 and trade on $50,000 using the rest as backup. Is that okay?" It was quickly set up and she told Bill her first trade was to buy pork bellies. She turned to her food as Bill took care of the details. It was corned beef hash with poached eggs. When Bill got off the phone she said, "How big do I need to be for the sheik you've sold me to? Would two hundred pounds be enough? At this rate I'll be there in about a month." In spite of what she said, she ate it all very happily. Then she looked around the room trying to find a clock.

Bill said, "Is this what you're looking for?" He gave her a square box. It contained a gold lady's Rolex.

She smiled at him wryly. "Would you please knock off this shit? We haven't known each other for even twenty-four hours. Already, though, I start to think about something and it appears. It's eerie! But thank you so much. It's lovely, and it's something I've wanted for years and years. But I've got to dash, or I'll be late. Honey, would you please call Jeff later and make arrangements to wire the money to the broker?"

"Why are you leaving so soon? What time is your class?" Bill asked.

"It's nine o'clock, but it's going to take awhile for me to get there. Public transit from here to there goes in roundabout ways," she replied.

He just shook his head. "You surprise me. I didn't think you would be such a slow learner. Why in God's name would any sane person take public transportation in Los Angeles when there's a perfectly good car sitting out front. I thought that Fred with the limousine would look a little ostentatious dropping you off at school." He looked at his watch. "You've got plenty of time. Just give me a few minutes to get dressed."

He disappeared and then returned a few minutes later. "Are you all set?" She nodded and they went down to the lobby and then out front. There was a white turbo-charged Mazda convertible sitting in front with its top down. The attendant was holding the door as he greeted Ali.

She took one look at it, turned to Bill and, standing on tiptoes, kissed him softly. She whispered, "Thank you, darling. I'll see you later ... about four, if that's okay?" He nodded and grinned as she guided her new car out of the driveway.

At four o'clock when Ali returned she found Bill in bed, face down. She sat on the side of the bed, pulled the covers down to his waist, and found he was sleeping in his shorts. Then she started to knead the muscles in his shoulders and the back of his neck. He woke up instantly and just started to make contented noises as she massaged his neck, his shoulders and then his back. When she finished, she pulled the covers up again.

He rolled over on his back and smiled at her. "Hi, honey. To what do I owe this attention? Want me to give you a massage?"

She smiled and said, "Not now. I just had one at the health club I joined. It felt so good after the workout, I though you might like one too. By the way, what are your plans? How much longer will we be in Los Angeles?"

Bill replied, "At least until you graduate in June. Do you need to take a bar cram course? I'm not that familiar with UCLA's law school. Are you prepared for the bar exam? And when is it?"

"The answer is I am prepared, and the exam I want to take is in late June. What do you want to do then?"

"How about going out to Maui? Maybe we could spend a couple of months playing golf, swimming, and generally relaxing. Does that appeal?"

For an answer, she leaned over and kissed him softly. Then she whispered, "Bill, could it be a real honeymoon? Please?"

He just kissed her back, and stretched. "Honey, I have some things for you if you'll let me get out of bed."

He realized that what had been an infatuation for Allison McGrath was changing. In less than forty-eight hours he realized he was genuinely in love with this girl ... and she appeared to be in love with him. He smiled at her and was rewarded with her sunshine smile. When she left the room, he got dressed and joined her. "Honey, I don't even know if you drink, let alone what you drink. Do you?" he asked.

She looked at him with a quizzical little smile. "William Clifford, I ask you: With a name like McGrath, do you honestly think I'm a teetotaler?" Then she smiled brightly and said, "Oh! I see! You mean do I drink on days other than my wedding? Bill, things are moving much too fast. I suddenly realized that since I've met you I had a bottle of Dos Équìs with Señor Garçia and the rest of the time we've been drinking Dom Pérignon. I've developed a real taste for it, by the way. And I think you're doing it to me deliberately." There was another smile. "Actually, Bill, I drink almost anything. Could you just make me one of whatever you're drinking?"

He looked at her skeptically. "Are you sure? I drink martinis, known to some as silver bullets ... as in lethal. Are you sure?"

Ali grinned and nodded her head vigorously. "The worst thing that could happen is you would take advantage of me in my weakened condition. But you promised me a honeymoon anyway, so I'll take my chances." Her expression became thoughtful. "Bill, I want you to know something straight out: I'm getting into this rôle." Her face became almost solemn as she said, "I should warn you — in case it's not completely obvious. If I'm not madly in love with you yet — and I may be — I'm going in that direction very fast."

Then she gave another quick grin. "Before I get completely maudlin, may I have a martini, please?"

Bill had been making the drinks. He gave Ali hers and went over to the table and sat down. The bell rang. It was the room-service waiter — not Charley, this time — with a trolley of hors d'oeuvres. She looked at Bill and raised her glass. "To us, darling. I could get used to this very easily."

Bill had a small pile of packages which he started giving to her one at a time. "Honey, first, this is your American Express Platinum Card. If there's a limit on the account, I haven't found it yet. It's a related number on mine." He gave her the plastic with its assorted paraphernalia. Then he opened another box containing a tan leather checkbook wallet with a supply of checks on Morgan Guaranty.

Ali looked at the checkbook and opened it. The personalized checks said Allison M. Clifford. The address printed on the checks was ℅ Morgan Guaranty Trust Company, New York. She looked at it carefully. "My God! I guess I am married. Darling, doesn't Morgan's imprimatur make it official? But why the bank's address?"

Bill looked at her sheepishly. "Morgan didn't know I would be marrying an MBA. As a result, this is checkbook balancing made easy. Once a month, you just give me a list of check numbers and amounts which I send to New York. You don't ever show a balance in your check register." He grinned and added, "But try to let me know, though, if you write a single check for over $10 million. It could affect the bank balance."

Ali just shook her head in wonderment. "Darling, the reason I'm shaking my head is I know you're serious. Forty-eight hours ago, I couldn't write a check for ten dollars without breaking out in a cold sweat. Now my darling husband asks me if I would sort of let him know if I write a check for over ten million! Just call it a state of shock. But I love it!" Again, there was the glorious smile, "Is there more?"

Bill smiled in the warmth of hers and nodded. He gave her a gold Visa and a gold MasterCard. "You'll have to be a little careful with these, honey. You have to watch what you spend. There's only $25,000 on each. Can you manage?" he asked with a grin.

Ali looked at him and he watched her face fall. It appeared she was going to cry. "Only twenty-five thousand? William, I thought you said you loved me?" She then started to cry and he applauded.

The tears instantly stopped and were replaced with an impish grin. "Did you like it? Did I do it all right? Do I get the part?"

For an answer, he took her in his arms and kissed her. Again, he felt the warmth of her lips, her dainty tongue, and the sense of leashed passion waiting to burst forth. "I thought you did it beautifully! By the way, how do you like your new car?" he asked.

Again her face lighted up, her act forgotten. "Darling, it's spectacular! It will blow the doors off a Porsche. It's great! By the way, I did some of my own driving stunts, too. Usually when the director and producer didn't watch me too carefully. They would have had my head on a platter if they knew some of the things I did. Honey, it's wonderful."

Suddenly she was very serious as she looked at him. "There's one problem. Darling, there's only one thing I can give you for a wedding present: me. I'm trying to get into the physical shape you want me to be in. I want to be as perfect for you as I can be. Does that sound strange?"

"It sounds embarrassing, is what it sounds like," he answered. "Did you call Charley? I'm kind of interested in the USC thing."

"I tried earlier. Can I try again now?" she asked. He just passed her the phone while she looked in her purse and found the number. She dialed it and this time got an answer. "Charley, this is Ali McGrath. I'm following up on your invitation. Were you serious?"

Charley Conrad replied, "I certainly was. Would you consider doing it?"

She smiled and said, "I certainly will. There are a couple of problems, though, some of which we share. First, we're getting close to the end of the term. Can we do it in the next week or so? Second, instead of paying me, could you have a beer party or something and put the rest of the money back in the treasury? If Southern Cal is like UCLA — and I'm sure it is — the way to really get the attendance up is to announce that free beer will be served. Are you game? And, if so, you better have some beer for me."

There was silence on the line for a few moments. Then Charley said, "Mrs. Clifford, you're serious, aren't you?"

"Charley, I never joke about anything as important as free beer. Of course I'm serious. And Charley, since I'm now an invited speaker and a fellow law student, I would appreciate it if you would call me Ali. I'm practicing, but 'Mrs. Clifford' is still a pretty new concept to me."

"How about next Wednesday at four, Ali?" he replied, "You can talk with us and we'll serve the beer when you finish? I'm sure I can schedule it if you can."

"Charley, it's a deal. Could you drop off the directions for me at the hotel? I would appreciate it," she replied and hung up.

Bill regarded his wife thoughtfully. "There's one final thing: investments. Ali, I gather you like running money. I'm getting the sense that you like the excitement: similar to fast cars and doing your own stunts. Am I right?"

She nodded and said, "I think you probably are. In some ways I'm very cautious, but I guess it's because I've had to be. When I look at investments it's more of a game: trying to beat the other guy, with the money you make — or lose — as a way of keeping score. Does that sound weird to you?"

Bill was reacting to a phone call he had received earlier about Ali's commodity position. His broker told Bill that one of the professional commodity traders in the Firm had looked at the position with great interest. The broker indicated that while it was unorthodox, it most certainly was not off the wall. He replied to Ali, "No, it doesn't. Not at all. Look, I pay a bunch of investment advisors a ton of money each year to get me investment performance that isn't as good as the market averages. Would you like to get in on the game?"

Ali looked stunned and slowly shook her head. "Honey, that's not fair. I came here originally because you were casting a part ... a very interesting one, I found out. I'm a professional actress. I have a string of very real credits and even an award or two. I could apply and accept without a qualm. But this is different: I've never run a nickel. When I had some money, I didn't know the difference between an investment and a piece of jewelry. When I started to study and learn something about financial markets, I didn't have a dime. The only investing I've ever done was on paper, watching The Wall Street Journal. There's one more thing: I know from reading the paper that there are a host of new investment vehicles that didn't even exist when I was in graduate school, let alone appear in text books. Bill, why not just leave it to the pros?"

"Ali, the problem is they don't know either. Furthermore, I pay them a lot more in a year than I'm paying you to get a lot less ... a hell of a lot less. It would please me if you would take a shot. Will you? My proposition is this: I have about $2 billion invested. I normally use ten managers. Periodically, if one is performing particularly poorly, I'll drop that firm and add a new one. I'm ready to drop one right now. To put it into better perspective, it's hard to really tell who to drop. Last year, Ali, none of them even equaled the S&P 500 on their equity investments. Not a single one! In other words, they all stink. I'd like you to take over the portfolio from the poorest. Please?"

She had been studying his face as he spoke. Again, she slowly shook her head, but this time it was an expression of bewilderment rather than negation. Finally, she nodded and gave him a wry smile. "Well, honey, I guess we can survive on a few million dollars less with only a few minor cuts in our lifestyle. You have to promise me, though, not to cut my throat when I lose it all. How much do you want me to start with, and what's the deal?"

Now Bill grinned broadly. "I thought you should start small — $200 million. It's all held by the custody folks at Chemical Bank in New York. They'll send you a list by fax of the holdings of the outgoing manager. Oh, one more thing. The compensation is 1 percent per year of assets under management, paid monthly. Expenses — custody, commissions, and that junk — come off the top before we calculate the commissionable assets. Fair?"

Suddenly — and surprising to Bill — Ali beamed. "Whoopee! I get to play Monopoly with real money." Then she quickly turned serious. "I think you should know my style, hon. I intend to look over what they own, get out of whatever I consider to be junk and hold it in cash until I find some good opportunities. With any luck, you — we? — shouldn't do much worse than the money-market rate. Is that acceptable?"

Bill smiled and said, "You had it right the second time: we. If it's okay with my better half, it's certainly okay with me."

Later that day a bellman brought up a thick envelope containing a fax message from Chemical Bank. Ali had a copy of the Journal and went through the list of securities checking the paper occasionally. Bill was reading a book — or pretending to — as he watched her concentrate. She finished and picked up the phone to call Jeff Sills.

When he answered, she said, "Jeff, it's Ali. Does B of A still have a discount brokerage? You used to own Charles Schwab. I'm looking for a broker here, and thought you might get some brownie points for a referral."

He replied that they didn't but there were still cordial relations with Schwab. He then mentioned that her account was again at the $500,000 level — some more money had appeared from Morgan. He said he'd call a friend at Schwab and have him call Ali.

After hanging up the phone she glared at Bill and said, "More money appeared in my account. What's going on?"

He looked at her while appearing puzzled and replied, "Nothing, really. It's just bad for my image if my wife bounces a check. I just wanted to be sure you're ... comfortable." She stuck out her tongue at him just as the phone rang.

It was a Schwab broker named Jack Cummings who introduced himself as a friend of Jeff's. "What can I do for you, Mrs. Clifford?" he asked. Bill watched as she very efficiently went over the account set up, the registration information, and the custodial arrangements. Then she ran down the list of stocks to be disposed of. Ali was pleased that Jack Cummings was obviously just as efficient. He played back the information she had given him precisely.

Then she said, "That gets rid of the garbage. Now I want you to buy 100,000 shares of Acme Industries at a price less than forty. Its last trade yesterday was 39¼. He confirmed. "Finally, new subject: I would like to open my own account. I would like Schwab to retain custody. The account name is A. M. Clifford. Jack, I don't want Ms., Miss, or Mrs. Just the initials." She gave him her social security number. "I want to buy 1,000 shares of Alliance Studios for that account. Let me know the exact amount and I'll tell Jeff to transfer the money to you on the settlement day.

"By the way, on the Clifford account the confirmations always go to Chemical, but in addition I would like an additional copy sent to me wherever I happen to be. Right now it's the Beverly Wilshire, but we're planning on moving around. You have our number here, and I'll keep you informed.

"Go to it, Jack. I'm looking forward to working with you."

She hung up the phone and saw Bill grinning. "What's so funny?" she asked, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Nothing," he said. "Want to make a little bet? Ten dollars?" She was puzzled, but said she would. "Ali, I'm betting you ten dollars that by the end of your contract — one year, less a couple of days — you'll be running all of our money. And you'll be doing it because you will have outperformed every other manager I have. Okay?" She grinned and shook on the bet. Within the next two days Ali had invested about $80 million. Bill was impressed with her ease in handling the money. She spent an hour or so with the papers and magazines and a little time checking some special investment research she had ordered. He was very pleased.

In the meantime, she continued to go to her law classes and work out at her health club. On the following Wednesday morning, she had on her Levi's and chambray shirt. She had found a leather jacket to wear with it and had her hair tied back in a pony tail. "Do you think I look all right for a beer party?" she asked.

Bill just grinned and nodded. "Darling, you look beautiful wearing anything at all. Should I wait for you to have dinner?" he asked.

Suddenly, she looked at him in surprise. "Bill Clifford, do you realize if I stay for dinner with them it will be the first dinner I've eaten without you since the day we met?" She frowned, and said, "Would you mind if I called you after the session? I don't know if there are any plans. But would it bother you?"

"Honey, I love being with you, but I'll survive for one night. I think those guys can help you in your quest. Enlist them in it."

"What quest is that?" she asked, puzzled.

"Your quest for justice from Alliance Studios and friends. I hope you hang them by their balls. By the way, our family resources are not inconsiderable, as you know. They're completely at your disposal to use in any way you wish. I hope you know that, too," he replied.

She smiled at him. "Darling, I love you. And I'm looking forward to our honeymoon. You can't understand how it feels to sleep with you but not able to have you. I thought you were imposing on me when you said I would be sleeping with you literally but not figuratively. It's turned out to be one hell of an imposition, but not the way I thought." Her smile brightened, "But I'm patient ... sort of."

As she said it, she thought about their personal relationship. It had developed into a pattern with an understood — but unspoken — set of rules. They used the bathroom separately. Ali usually went to bed first, and was always nude. When they were in bed, she played a game with their one goodnight kiss. She was inventive in developing new ways to communicate her love and mounting passion, but it was always a single kiss — never more. She would then snuggle against him and they would go to sleep with her breast cupped in his hand and with her hand on top of his. Remarkably, she was intensely happy and they both slept well. She decided that, overall, it was a strangely pleasing relationship.



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Chapter 3



That afternoon she drove to the USC campus and met Charley Conrad who was waiting for her at the parking lot. As they walked towards the school he said, "Ali, you've already established a first: This is the first time since I've been here — and may be the first time in history — a featured speaker arrived on time. In fact, precisely on time. Thank you for coming and for your courtesy to us by being so prompt."

When he took her to a large lecture hall in the law school, she was surprised to find it was crowded with law students. After calling the meeting to order, he looked at his watch. "Ladies and gentlemen, I think this is a first. It is now four o'clock. We have a featured speaker with us and we're starting on time. I think it says something about our speaker today. Like many of you here — looking around, I see a number of older faces — I remember Allison McGrath from her screen roles in the 1970s. I can recall going to bed and dreaming about her. She was the most beautiful woman alive, but then she disappeared. There was a rumor going around about disagreements with the studio. You still see her on the Late Show, of course, but there was no sign of her until a few weeks ago.

"As some of you know, I work at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in room service. Last week I delivered a breakfast order to the Trouble Suite." He turned toward Ali and put his finger in front of his lips, then turned back to the group. "Ali's not supposed to know this, of course, but the suite gets its name from the guests normally in it, not from the facilities. It's the finest suite in the hotel — normally filled with the most obnoxious SOBs in the world: Traveling VIPs.

"At any rate I took an order up and met Ali and her husband, Bill Clifford. Now I'm going to say something that can get me thrown out of the union, if I'm still alive. The people who know guests best are the staff ... particularly if the guests are in the hotel for a while. Right now, there are near fistfights to see who gets to service their suite. It's not the tips, although they're very generous. The fact is, it's the smile. You see — and some of you may remember this from her films — Ali has a smile which, when she really turns it on, is like sunshine. The staff turns collective handsprings if they get that smile ... and they usually do. To show you how bad it is, one guy was walking around like he'd been hit by a truck. I guess he sort of had. He'd been hit by one of Ali's smiles. He was walking around like a zombie with a grin on his face. I asked him about his tip. He actually didn't know if she gave him one and he didn't seem to care.

"Now you're not waiters or waitresses, but I know many of you have been. When was the last time you didn't know if you got a tip, let alone how big it was? With Ali, it's not unusual. She could really save a lot of money. At any rate, I met her at the hotel. She is the most gracious person I can ever recall meeting. She thanked me for remembering her, and thanked me for inviting her to visit us today. I could go on and on. I would like to mention one thing more: Ali is a movie star. Some consider her a sex goddess. She also has her BA in History from the University of Kansas, and her MBA from UCLA, where she is now completing her law degree. She graduates this June. Some friends over there tell me she's at or near the top of her class. Would you join me in welcoming our professional colleague, Allison McGrath Clifford?"

He turned to Ali and she replaced him on the podium. She was warmed by the applause she heard.

"Thank you for the very warm welcome. Charley tried to make you believe waiters only work for tips. Well, there's also a point of view that actors only perform for the money. That's just not true, either. What we live on is applause ... and that's the first applause I've drawn in over ten years. Thank you so much.

"I suppose I should comment on my appearance this afternoon. I couldn't figure out whether Charley was inviting an actress — in which case I would do my movie-star imitation — or a lawyer. I kind of decided he had invited a lawyer, but I don't even have my basic grey-flannel lawyer suit yet. Then I remembered the real attraction this afternoon: free beer." She smiled her very warm smile and was amazed when it evoked a spontaneous cheer. "Anyway, I came dressed for a beer party. I hope there are no serious women's libbers here who'll chew me out for the rest of the afternoon. Anyway, we've now agreed why we're all here.

"However, particularly these days when everyone takes himself so seriously, we couldn't just blow off the talk and start pouring the beer. Appearances must be preserved, so I have to say something. Unfortunately, Charley never told me what I was supposed to talk about, and I've been too busy getting ready for my own finals to sweat it. This bothered me for a while. Then I remembered that Charley originally offered me five thousand dollars to appear today. I now realize the smartest thing I ever did was to refuse the money and ask him to use some of it for beer.

"Although I didn't realize it at the time, I now know it took me off the hook. Since I'm not doing this for money, I didn't have to write a speech, so I didn't. I propose to answer your questions if there are any. Then we can get to the serious business of the afternoon. However, there is one more word of preamble: I am truly pleased to be here at the University of Southern California. I would have loved to be a student here myself, but frankly I couldn't afford it. Thank you for inviting me and does anyone have any questions?"

Ali walked out from behind the podium and sat on the edge of the stage with her legs dangling. She realized that the acoustics of the hall were good enough that the PA system wasn't necessary.

A student rose from the back of the room. "Miss McGrath, like Charley, I'm a Vietnam veteran. I think I heard that Charley saw you over there in 1974. I didn't have the privilege. He referred to a rumor that I've heard, too: that your career was cut short because of the war. Would you care to comment?"

Ali grimaced. "Yes, I will. I guess the 'in' thing is to tell you where I'm coming from, although I detest the phrase. First, I think we went over there with very honorable motives. The phrase at the time was the domino theory which, as a concept, obviously had merit. We lost Vietnam ... Excuse me, the Vietnamese lost their freedom, as did the Laotians and the Cambodians. The dead in Cambodia are now numbered in the millions. So much for the question of why. Once there, though, we managed the war abominably. Our leaders couldn't make up their collective minds what we were there for. But one thing was clear: We weren't there to win the war in any historically recognizable sense. That's the tragedy. Our people — some of them are you people — did absolutely everything they were asked to do. They performed effectively, often under extremely adverse conditions. But we left with our tail between our legs. We weren't beaten. We were never beaten. We walked.

"I bitterly resented seeing our boys fighting, bleeding and dying, and then being spit on by draft-dodgers at home. Sure, there were some committed pacifists who are against all wars as a matter of principle. There were some very thoughtful people who had some of the same doubts I had: about the way we were fighting, not why we were there. However, there were also a substantial number of committed cowards. These were people who took cover in the antiwar movement. I guess you could say they were in the forefront of what is now a major effort to make us safe from any accident or misfortune. In fact, I'm waiting for OSHA to cite the U.S. Armed Forces on the grounds that war can be hazardous to one's health. But I digress. I guess I got fed up with seeing us — our GIs — being portrayed as the bad guys. In some influential quarters in Hollywood, they were all for free speech ... as long as you were saying the right things. Jane Fonda was. I wasn't. She worked. I didn't. I guess it's that simple."

The reaction to her short speech was astonishing. Suddenly, the whole group was on its feet applauding. Charley came up to her and shook her hand. "Ali, that was absolutely magnificent! I've never heard it summed up so accurately and clearly in so few words." Slowly the applause died down and a girl raised her hand. Ali recognized her.

"Miss McGrath, what you just described sounds like a boycott. Specifically, it sounds like an organized effort to deprive you of the ability to earn a livelihood. Did I understand you correctly?" she asked.

Ali noted she was a very earnest-appearing young lady who seemed to be far too young to have been involved in any way during the Vietnam confrontations. "First, you would all do me a great favor if you called me Ali. As a matter of fact, my life was saved by Bill Clifford. I still don't really know why, but he married me and changed my life. Technically, it's Mrs. Clifford, which is a name I've come to like very much. However, since we're all law students — even if there are some of us who are over the hill..." At that instant, there was a loud chorus of boos and shouts disagreeing with her 'over-the-hill' assessment of herself. She grinned and continued, "Thank you so much. But as I was saying, since we're all law students and I came for the beer, please call me Ali.

"Miss, to address your question, I think the answer is yes, and I'm working on it. You see, after I stopped getting work I still had a fair amount of money. Unfortunately, my parents were critically injured in an automobile accident and subsequently died. Their expenses took a great deal of my money. While I was with them, though, my agent was getting blank stares as he tried to sell me into various parts. After I buried my parents in Kansas, I came back here to be available for casting. I was also realistic enough to know I had to do something to support myself, too. I went to UCLA and got my MBA. When I graduated, I received no job offers. Not one. I don't mean to brag, but I graduated first in my class. I suppose I could have gone home to Kansas and gotten a job, but I didn't want to let them run me out of Southern California.

"The last of my money went on lawyers. I don't think mine were very good, or else they didn't care very much or try very hard. Anyway, it's what got me to law school. And I say this in full knowledge of the axiom, 'a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client'. Until a short time ago I was flat, stony broke. Let me just say that on the morning of my wedding I had a bank balance of $7.64, I was two months behind in my rent and I was being hounded by every bill collector in Southern California.

"Finally, I would like to comment on Charley's introductory remarks about the attitude of the hotel staff towards us. There's an Indian saying to the effect, 'To understand a man, you must walk a mile in his moccasins.' Well, I think I know what it's like to struggle and scrimp. I appreciate people who have to work hard to earn a living. I really appreciated what he said about Bill and me and only hope he's not exaggerating too much." She smiled and was rewarded with another burst of applause. "Are there any more questions before we have the beer? I'm planning on staying, by the way. It's a condition of my appearance. Charley promised to save a beer for me, so I would love to talk more with you while I'm here."

A young man sitting close to the front said, "Ali, can we help you? We all get involved in these legal-aid things. I guess it helps when you take care of a tough landlord situation, but many of us would like to do something bigger. At the same time, I can't stand these 'constitutional issues' cases where we get a few poor souls to sign some complaint papers and use them — and I mean the people, not the papers — to fry some fish of our own.

"Anyway, is there something we can do? It sounds to me that you were raped! Like most of the people here, I was very young when Vietnam was a hot item. But I think we've been sensitized enough on civil rights and civil liberties to see some application here. Ali, have you given any thought to going after those bastards on a Federal rap of conspiring to deny you your civil rights? I sure don't know you like some of the others here, but I have seen many of your films on TV. I wondered what happened to such a great actress.

"Actually, though, having listened to you this afternoon, I'm coming to the point of view that maybe you aren't such a great actress. After all, how great do you have to be to play yourself? I think that is what you were doing: playing Ali McGrath. And I think Ali McGrath is a pretty wonderful person!"

Again, everyone in the room rose and gave Ali a standing ovation. She could feel tears rolling down her cheeks as the applause got louder and cheers and whistles mixed in. Then she jumped to her feet again, stood on the stage and just listened to the applause. Moments later she was joined by Charley who stood by her side with his arm around her waist. While he remained standing, she waved to the crowd and then sat down in the chair positioned for her.

Charley waited for the cheering to die down, and finally it did. He said, "This is the end of my third year here at USC Law School. In that time I've seen many distinguished speakers come to address the students. Frankly, this is a first for me. I have never seen such a reception accorded a speaker since I have been here. I've been thinking about that comment John Jacobs made, and I think he's probably right. I guess Ali isn't such a great actress. She's a great person, playing herself. Anyway, I want to thank her for coming. I would also be very interested in organizing and participating in any effort to assist her in seeing justice done."

Then he held up his arms and yelled, "The beer tap is now open! Thank you all for coming."

He turned to Ali and said, "You were great. By the way, you look great, too." He studied her and then slowly shook his head. "That's all you, isn't it? You're wearing no makeup at all, are you?"

Ali looked chagrined. "I'm sorry, Charley. I just took a shower at my health club and came on over. I didn't think it showed that much."

He shook his head and looked at her as he might look at an amusing child. "You really don't understand, do you? Ali, how many girls can step out of a shower and look like a gorgeous movie star without putting on a shred of makeup? And I most particularly include the movie stars? Damn! If only I'd met you an hour earlier!"

She looked up at him and turned on her smile. "Why Charley Conrad! I'm overwhelmed!" She stood on tiptoe and kissed him softly on the lips. "Thank you," she said softly.

Charley just looked dazed as he lightly rubbed the back of his wrist on his lips. With an effort of will he regained control. "Come on!" he said, "The beer will be all gone, and then you'll kill me!"

She grinned at him and said, "I'm glad to see you understand the seriousness of the situation."

He led her to the side of the room and left her with a group of students who were crowding around. A number wanted autographs which she cheerfully provided. She asked them where they intended to practice and asked their names. Then she wrote a couple of lines using the person's name and referring to each as a colleague at the bar.

Just then, Charley came up wearing his white waiter's jacket and carrying a silver tray high over his head to clear the crowd. When he rejoined Ali, he lowered it with a flourish. On it was a bottle of Sam Adams and a tall frosted pilsner glass. He carefully poured the beer and presented it on the tray to her, along with a paper napkin. He grinned at Ali and the group and said, "I happen to know Ali is spoiled by the quality of service she gets at the hotel. Also, USC has its honor to uphold against UCLA."

She grinned back and said, "Charley also knows I love Sam Adams. Charley, thank you so much! But where are the pretzels, for heaven's sake? Who ever heard of beer without pretzels?" Just then a friend of Charley's, also wearing a waiter's jacket, offered her a basket of fat beer pretzels. Ali pretended to faint. Although she let her knees go limp, she was careful not to spill a drop of her beer. She then jumped up and grinned. "I've died and gone to heaven! Ice-cold Sam Adams and jumbo pretzels! Yum!"

A quiet girl had been standing close to Ali without saying anything. Finally, Ali looked directly at her. She reddened slightly and then said quietly, "Miss McGrath, could I speak to you alone for a moment?"

Ali looked at the girl and thought it had taken an effort of will for her to speak at all. Charley had seen the exchange, so Ali winked at him while moving off with the girl towards the stage. "Don't you have a beer?" Ali asked.

"I don't drink, Miss McGrath. My name is Virginia Jamison. I'm a third-year student here. I wanted to speak to you personally. How do you handle men the way you do? You're so relaxed and natural. I should tell you I came here to boo. I thought that a big-time stuck-up movie star was going to grace us with her presence. Then I heard you and saw you. You're real, aren't you?"

Ali could see the girl was deeply troubled about something and she knew it was no time for a joke. "Yes, I guess I am," she replied. "What you see is what you get."

Virginia went on. "You're so ... so free with the guys. How do you do it? How do you maintain your dignity, your sense of personal worth? How do you keep men from dominating you?"

Ali looked at the girl carefully. She suddenly realized that even she — with her trained eye — couldn't discern what Virginia really looked like. There wasn't the least hint of a figure under her clothes. She appeared formless and it puzzled her. Then Ali said something totally removed from her thoughts. "First, what do people call you? Virginia is ... kind of formal. Second, I don't care if you drink or not, I want you to get yourself a beer and get us a basket of those pretzels. Then I'm yours for as long as the pretzels hold out. Okay?"

"Well, some people call me Ginny, but I don't think that's appropriate for a woman lawyer. It's not serious enough." Ali slowly nodded as the girl went off. A few minutes later she was back with a glass of beer for herself and a bottle of Sam Adams stuck in a basket of pretzels for Ali. Ali grinned and relieved her of the basket. She refilled her own glass and gracefully pulled herself up to sit on the edge of the stage.

"Won't you join me, Ginny? You can get up here, can't you?"

The girl gave Ali a strange look, then gracefully turned and lifted herself effortlessly up on the stage. Ali smiled and said, "Have a pretzel."

Ginny looked at them and said, "But they have so much salt. All that sodium..."

Ali looked concerned and said, "I'm so sorry. You don't look like you have a heart problem."

Ginny looked startled. "I don't! Why would you say a thing like that?"

"Because people with a tendency towards high blood pressure need to watch their sodium. Personally, I don't have the problem and I love pretzels and beer. In fact, I think I'll have a couple more and ask someone else to drive me home. This is furthering a plan of my own."

"What plan is that?" Virginia asked.

"I need to gain some more weight. I've been working out a lot, particularly exercises that are supposed to increase the size of my boobs. I've promised myself I'll be in perfect shape — or as good as I can ever get — within sixty days — or die in the attempt. Right now I'm still too damned thin, and as flat as a board. Why do you hide your figure, Ginny? May I call you Ginny?"

Ginny smiled a very warm smile. "Of course. But Ali, isn't it ... unprofessional?"

Ali gave the girl her sunshine smile and said, "Names are names. They're neither professional nor unprofessional." She looked at the girl very carefully and then slowly shook her head. "Ginny, you are a first. Look, I'm a pro. I've done nude scenes. I've faked lovemaking with a full film crew watching. Where people are concerned, I see things most people don't. But you baffle me. I think you're a beautiful — and very sexy — girl. But I'm not sure. You do the best job — in fact, a nearly perfect job — of hiding it. Why?"

"Because I want to be respected for my brain, not for my tight little buns. Is that so wrong?" she replied.

Suddenly, Ali had an idea — and it seemed to fit what little she knew and had observed. "How old are you, Ginny?"

"I'm twenty-four," she replied. "Why?"

Ali ignored the question. "How old is Charley Conrad?"

"He's thirty-one or thirty-two. I've never been able to find out for sure," she replied. Suddenly, the girl turned bright red.

"Why are you blushing?" Ali asked. "Are you in love with Charley Conrad?" The girl nodded slowly. She looked miserable. "Well, what are you doing about it?"

Ginny looked at her in surprise. "What do you mean, 'What am I doing about it?' What can I do about it?"

Ali just looked at the girl steadily. "First, you could look like a woman. Ginny, I would be willing to bet you have a great figure, don't you?" The girl gave the smallest possible nod. "Your face I can see. You have to work hard to conceal its beauty. As far as your hair is concerned, I have a friend who's a hair stylist. In fact he's won a couple of Oscars. I don't think he could do a better job of 'uglifying' you than you did yourself. Why do you do it?"

Ali could see the girl's face start to crumble. She was very close to tears as she said, "That's all very well for you to say. You're a movie star. You're not supposed to have a brain. Just a body. I'm a lawyer! Lawyers use their brains, not their bods, for Christ's sake."

Ali just slowly shook her head as the girl was speaking. "Ginny, let me tell you something. I just got an investment management contract. It's paying me $2 million a year. Guess what? They don't give a shit if I'm green with purple polka dots. They care about investment performance, and I'm giving it to them."

She glared at the girl with blue fire coming from her eyes and continued. "I don't know why, but I'm going to tell you something I've never told anyone. My marriage isn't consummated. My husband hasn't taken me ... yet. And believe me, it's not a question of physical capability, either. God, is he capable! Do you know what's the greatest time in my day? It's going to bed. I snuggle next to him as close as I can. With my head on his shoulder, he puts his arm around me and cups his hand over my right breast — what little there is of it. I put my hand over his to keep it in place and I go to sleep.

"I feel so warm and snugly and loved! You could take the investment management contract and shove it. I'm a woman! I think I have a very hot cunt. I long for his cock to be in it. I told you earlier I'm working hard to build up my boobs so he'll have something more to hold. I don't go around selling it or preaching it. Nevertheless, I think a girl needs a man to love her. And I'm using the word, needs, advisedly.

"Now, Ginny, let's get back to you. Are you afraid Charley won't talk to you if you fix yourself up? How do you really feel about him? You said you loved him. What have you done about it?"

She had been studying the younger girl carefully. Something had been bothering her — it was the hair color which was odd. It was like no hair color Ali had ever seen. And her eyes. There was something strange about them, too, when studied at close range. My God,  she thought, This kid is wearing colored contact lenses! Then aloud she said, "Ginny, your natural hair color is auburn, isn't it?"

The girl's eyes widened in momentary astonishment. Then she reluctantly nodded.

"What color are your eyes? Green?"

This time the girl just ogled Ali. "Who are you, anyway? How could you possibly know that?"

Ali smiled. Things were starting to fall into place. "Ginny, where are you from? Did you have a bad sexual experience with a guy?" Ginny shook her head. This was going to be tougher than Ali thought. She asked, "Can I buy you dinner? I would like to continue this a bit longer ... and at a place where we could have more privacy? Are you interested?"

Ginny nodded reluctantly, and Ali went off to find Charley. She found him with a group of students who were discussing her legal problems with great animation. Charley told her the bull session was going to go on for a while and asked if he could get together with her later. They agreed to meet in her suite when he got off work on Friday afternoon.

For reasons she didn't fully understand Ali felt exhilarated as she went to rejoin Ginny. When she asked the girl if she had a car at school, Ginny said she did. Then Ali asked, "You live alone, don't you?" Again, Ginny's surprise showed in her eyes, but she nodded. "Nearby?" Ali asked. Again there was an affirmative nod. "Great! Get your car and I'll follow you to your apartment. We'll drop your car and use mine. Now let's go."

They went out to the parking lot. Ali was getting a picture of what was going on. Ginny's car — a nondescript Volkswagen — supported the picture. She got into her convertible and followed the girl to an equally nondescript apartment house and waited. Ginny walked up from the garage and got into the passenger seat. Ali smiled to herself as the girl luxuriated in the leather bucket seats. All is not yet lost,  Ali thought. She drove to a nice restaurant she knew of and left the car with the valet. She asked the maître d'hôtel for a table for two in a quiet corner, giving him a twenty dollar bill as she did.

He looked at her and bowed deeply. "You're Ali McGrath, aren't you?" Ali nodded, and the maître d' beamed. "It is a great honor, Miss McGrath," he said as he ushered them to the table in the far corner of the room. "Is this satisfactory, Miss McGrath?" She smiled her assent and the two women were seated.

Ali excused herself and went to the phone to call Bill to tell him she would be late. She could hear the grin in his voice as he said, "Free at last!" Then he chuckled and said, "Have a good time, Sweetheart."

She told him where they were and quickly explained the situation. "Darling, would it be terribly inconvenient to have Fred pick us up later in the limo? Is that possible?"

She heard Bill's quiet chuckle again and his comment, "You're learning. You're slow, but you're learning. Darling, chauffeurs are for times when you feel like drinking a little more than you can safely drive on. How about if I have him there at nine-thirty. He'll just wait for you out front." She agreed and smiled fondly at the phone as she hung it up and went back to the corner booth.

She sat down and ordered two very dry Beefeater martinis, on the rocks. She was amused as Ginny's eyes widened as she placed the order. She looked at the younger girl and asked, "Ginny, are those contacts corrective? They're not, are they?" Ginny shook her head. "Then please do me a big favor? For God's sake, go to the ladies' room and take the damn things off. And while you're at it, see if you can remove some of that camouflage you're wearing?"

For reasons she didn't fully understand, Ginny did as she was asked and went to the ladies room. In a stall she removed waist padding and stuffed it into her capacious purse. Then she took off her blouse, removed her constricting bra, and put the blouse back on again. At the basin she carefully removed her contact lenses.

She smiled remembering the battle she had with the optician when she had insisted on the particular shade of brown. "Ginny," he had said, "That color is hideous! My God, girl, it's the worst color possible for you!" He was right, of course, which was why she had insisted on it. She looked at herself in the mirror and felt strangely relieved to see her emerald-green eyes looking back at her. She rejoined Ali.

"You really did work at it, didn't you?" Ali said when Ginny returned to the booth.

Feigning ignorance, Ginny said, "Worked at what?"

Ali just shook her head. "You know, Ginny, it's a remarkable achievement. It's worthy of some of the best makeup people in Hollywood. Better, in fact. They only fool the camera which isn't really so hard to do. You fooled people who saw you up close. I still only see a vague hint of why, though. I think you read too much women's lib literature. You have read a lot of it, haven't you?"

Ginny nodded. Then her head came up and her eyes flashed with green fire. Ali thought her eyes were very beautiful. "What if I do? Men just want to put their cocks inside us. We're cavities for them to use to fill up with their fluids. We're not people, Ali, we're just cunts! I don't want to be just a cunt! I have a brain," she wailed. Ali could see she was close to breaking down into tears.

The waiter had brought their drinks and Ali offered a toast "to the practice of law." She then asked Virginia, "Just how experienced with men are you, anyway? You talk about being 'just a cunt for men to fill up with their fluids'. Is that the way you've been treated?"

"Well, no," Virginia replied reluctantly. "But that's only because I don't give them the chance. They always want to get in my pants." She glared at Ali with the last words.

"You haven't been with many men, have you? Did you have a very painful experience?" Ali asked, ignoring the girl's incipient outburst.

"The first one was," Virginia replied with a wry smile. "No, on second thought I guess it really wasn't. In fact, I guess it was funny. Of course, it wasn't funny then, but it would have been hilarious if someone had filmed it. Neither of us knew anything! He was trying to get his thing out and trying to get my pants off at the same time in the front seat of a pretty small car. Thinking about it, I guess it was sort of ridiculous." Her eyes warmed as she continued. "There have only been a few. The last one was ... pretty good."

She grimaced and continued, "Bullshit! It was very good. I loved it ... and it scared me. Ali, I lost control! It happened when I was a senior in college. We had been talking about something or other like intellectuals. He had his arm around me and started cupping my breast. The next thing I knew, I had taken off my sweater and bra so he could really feel me. Ali, I did it to myself! I took off my clothes. He didn't. I unzipped his fly and took off his pants. My God! I guess I raped him. I made him take me on the floor. It was in my own living room and my roommate was due back any minute. There I was, stark naked, with his fluids still dripping from my cunt, and I was holding onto him, begging him to do me again. It was terrible!"

Ali could see the problem emerging. The girl wasn't really afraid of men, she was afraid of her own feelings and her own behavior. The waiter had brought another round of drinks and Ali had quietly ordered dinner for the two of them, thinking as she did so how out of character it was for her to order without even asking what the girl liked ... or didn't. She noticed that Virginia had just taken the new drink and was handling it like it was ice water. She asked, "How did it feel? When he fondled you and then made love to you?"

Virginia's eyes glowed. "It was heavenly. I was on fire. When he touched me, I melted. My bones were like rubber. Finally, I ... I ... I had an orgasm. I just exploded. It was like nothing that's ever happened before or since. I completely lost control. I guess that's why I tried to get him to stay. I wanted to see if we could do it again. It felt so great! Then the next morning, I panicked. I've never seen him since."

Again Virginia smiled wryly. "Ali, this is the first time I've ever spoken about that night ... to anyone. God, I was a bitch! The guy took me to heaven, and then I refused to speak to him again. I'm sure he wondered what he had done. He must have known it was good for me, so he had to wonder what he said, or what I might have found out, or something. The truth is, it was so great it scared hell out of me. That's when I decided I would change."

The waiter had brought the first course of jumbo shrimp cocktail. Ali was amused to see Virginia start to eat with relish. She was quite certain that the girl would normally pick at her food if she weren't so caught up in her memories. Ali continued the interrogation. "Virginia, where are you from?"

"I'm from Seattle," she replied. "Dad's with Boeing. I decided to come to law school down here where I could get some sun ... and hide."

"What do your parents think? Do you have any brothers or sisters? And how do your parents get along?" Ali continued her questioning.

Again the girl smiled wryly. "They've about given up on me. I think they think I'm an all-galaxy loser ... and I guess they're right. I don't have any siblings, Ali, and that's part of the problem. Dad was a fighter pilot when he met Mom. I guess he was a hot ticket and still is. Mom teases me that they haven't given up trying for a brother or sister. It's disgusting ... no, damn it, it isn't. I guess it's really pretty wonderful. When I'm home, which isn't often, I hear them going at it every night. And every morning, Mom and Dad have that well-fucked look. Mom is young: under forty-five, and she doesn't look a lot older than you do. Dad's still in great shape." Virginia's eyes got larger. "Would you believe it!? Even today, when I'm home and they don't think I can see, he'll grab her buns in the kitchen while she's at the sink or something. The result is always the same."

"What's the result?" Ali asked.

"I see her knees break. She takes a deep breath making her boobs stick out. Then she turns her head, kisses him, and gently removes his hand. She never slaps him or says anything. She's the kind of person those books you mentioned are talking about. She has no sense of self-worth. She just serves as a depository for his fluids. Do you know, Ali, I think at times when I'm not home they walk around the house naked!"

Ali continued the interrogation. "Does your mother work?"

Virginia looked a little surprised at the question. "Yes, she does now. She's a securities broker and is doing very well, I guess. Why do you ask?"

Instead of responding, Ali changed the subject. In the meantime the waiter had brought their main course, two beautiful thick boneless sirloin steaks. She was amused to see Virginia just continue her eating. She said, "You admitted your natural hair color is auburn, didn't you?"

The girl was startled. "Yes I did, but how did you know? It surprised hell out of me when you said it at school. How could you know?"

Ali smiled and said, "It was a guess. And you're one of the very rare ones who tan, aren't you?" The girl nodded.

"No wonder your parents are disgusted. Virginia, let me replay what you've told me in my own words. First, you're a beautiful girl. I imagine you're a real stunner ... without working at it at all. Your parents are loving. They sound like two of the neatest people around, deeply in love with each other. They act it, they show it, and they love it. How do you suppose they feel with a very bright, very beautiful daughter, who hides — no, buries — her beauty? A girl with a sex drive that sounds like her mother's. Unlike her mother, though, she's scared of it. Have you ever asked your mother about sex, by the way?"

"Yes, I did. I once asked her if she wasn't afraid of Dad playing around on his trips ... he travels a lot. She said, 'Not at all. And if he did, it would be my fault for not working hard enough to keep him focused on me.' She was working out on an exercise machine. She said her objective was to be better for him than any other woman could possibly be. As far as going away, it made the homecoming an event. Ali, she had the nerve to tell me that they almost never sleep the first night he is home from a trip ... and still don't. Can you believe that?"

Ali smiled and slowly shook her head. "Virginia, I think it's the neatest thing I've ever heard. My God! There is the wonderful Biblical line, 'they have eyes but they do not see.' That line must have been written especially for you. You were raised in a family with so much love, if it were water, it would flood Greater Seattle. Yet you flee from it and from yourself. Your only real experience with sex you describe as being so good you tried to keep the guy from leaving. You're a major-league head case. By the way, are you ever called Ginger? It's an obvious nickname for a girl named Virginia, particularly one with auburn hair."

She nodded reluctantly. "It's what my parents call me. They know I hate it — it's not a serious-sounding name — but they do it anyway. And all variations, like Gin, and Gingy. They think I'm pompous, arrogant, a stick-in-the-mud, and an intellectual phony. And then, you know what? They say they love me anyway. They tell me they haven't given up hope. What do you think?"

"I think I would like to meet your parents. In fact, I've made a mental note to get up to Seattle to do just that. Maybe your mother might like a new client with money to invest. As for their comments, I think they're dead right. What do you think?"

"I know they're right. Is it too late?" Suddenly the girl grinned, "Ali, would you call me Ginger? Or Gin? Or Gingy? Do you know, I say I hate it, but I really get a warm feeling thinking of my parents calling me that. They're not teasing me ... Yes, they are, but in a different sense. They're trying to tease me back into the human race.

"Ali, you may think I haven't been paying attention to the food, but I have. I said I don't drink, but I do. I love a drink before dinner, but I never have one here ... only at home. As for food, this is the first steak I've had in Los Angeles, in all the time I've been down here. I've been eating like a damned rabbit — a fearful one, at that. I take everything so seriously about my diet. But Ali, I don't want to!" she wailed. "Would you believe, I have a weight problem? My problem is keeping it on. I just don't eat enough. This dinner has been marvelous. And thank you for listening to me." She started to get up from the table.

"Where do you think you're going, young lady?" Ali asked sternly. "We're not nearly finished with you. You said you work out. Where?" Ginger told her. It was an out-of-the-way location. "Of course! You would have to go to some out-of-the-way place. You're in a leotard and people can see your bod — really. And you couldn't allow that to happen where anyone from S.C. could ever find out. Right? Incidentally, I noticed you took off your bra. I envy you your chest." The girl looked sheepish, but then felt flattered. "What's your class schedule like tomorrow?" Ali asked.

"I don't have any classes tomorrow. There is only one class scheduled and it was canceled. Why?"

"Because I'm picking you up at your apartment at eight o'clock and we're going to my club. And you had better be prepared to be inspected. I'm also going to make some other arrangements. Now, there is one element in all of this I need you to confirm: You said you're in love with Charley Conrad. Why, in the name of God, haven't you done anything about it? Ginger, you really make me mad! When you first came up to me, I thought it was the classic case of the plain girl with a crush on the handsome guy. Now I know — or am pretty sure — that you're a knockout! Why in hell haven't you done anything with what you have?"

Ginger just shook her head and said, "If I told you, you wouldn't believe me. In fact, it's so stupid, I don't believe me! Ali, I think I got so caught up in my act, I forgot to look in the mirror. Is there any hope?"

Ali just grinned. The girls had passed on dessert and had a cognac with coffee. Ali checked her watch and saw it was almost ten o'clock and knew Fred would be waiting. She smiled inwardly at the realization that here in Hollywood it was possible — and expected — to show up at a fine restaurant in blue jeans and a work shirt with no one even glancing up.

Fred Clark, the chauffeur, was holding the door as they emerged. He saluted Ali who introduced him to Ginger Jamison. Then he whispered to Ali that he had taken the liberty of having her car driven back to the hotel so it would be available for her in the morning. It was something she had completely forgotten and she gave him her big smile and thanked him for remembering. Then she gave Fred Ginger's address from memory and got in.

As they drove off, she saw Ginger smiling and shaking her head. "Charley had it absolutely right: You smiled at Fred, and I could see him melt. Ali, you made his day, right then. He's not doing you a favor; you're doing him one. You are thoughtful, considerate, appreciative, beautiful ... and smart." Suddenly the girl brightened and smiled. Her natural smile was similar to Ali's. It lit up the car and Ali smiled back. "My God! Now I see. Ali, if you can do it, maybe I can, too. Do you think it's possible?"

Ali said, "We're going to try like hell!"

When she returned to the hotel, she quickly filled in Bill on her project. "Honey," she said, "I'm doing a Clifford. Do you mind?" By this time they were in bed together and Ali remembered her conversation with Ginger as she carefully placed Bill's hand on her breast and snuggled close. She had given him a soft, lingering kiss while gently rubbing her now-engorged nipples over his chest. Then she just snuggled closer and went to sleep.

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At eight the next morning she rang Ginger's doorbell and went up to her apartment. She had decided that Ginger had plenty of money although that, too, was well hidden. Her apartment, nondescript on the outside, was beautiful inside. It was spotless and was decorated with taste. Ginger was wearing a pair of skin-tight jeans and a tee shirt. There was no bra. Her breasts were beautifully shaped and her small nipples were bulging the thin fabric. Ali gave an appreciative whistle. "This is going to be much easier than I thought."

They went to the health club. Ginger had a tiny bikini she wore in the exercise room. When they went up to the roof to lie in the sun, the bikini came off, revealing an all-over tan like Ali's with no bikini marks on her loins or breasts. Her body was magnificent. Beautiful legs, slim hips, and a flat belly. Ali noticed that her pubic hair was dark auburn. Her breasts were perfect.

As they left the club, Ali asked her about her clothes. Ginger grinned. "The jeans are mine. The rest are things my parents gave me. Do you think for one moment I would have the nerve to buy a bikini like that? You know what's funny? My mother bought it. She bought one for herself and then a second for me as an afterthought. I think she looks better in hers than I do in mine!"

Ali smiled and said, "I repeat: I want to meet your mother."

They went to the Alliance studio. There was a pass for Ali who drove to a back area where the makeup department was located. The first stop was the hair stylist. She introduced Ginger to Henry Hall who looked at the younger girl thoughtfully while he exchanged news with Ali. Seating Ginger in a chair, he took out a powerful magnifying glass. He and Ali consulted on color as they carefully studied the roots of her hair. Finally they agreed on the color, and the work began. While Hall worked, Ali wandered around and renewed acquaintances with some of the people who had been around for years. When she returned later, Henry was ready to start combing out the hair and styling it. The chair had been positioned facing away from the mirror. He spun it around towards the mirror and asked, "How did we do?"

Ginger gasped. "My God! It's perfect. Ali, when I got home last night I started to cry. The dye job wasn't going to go away, and I envisioned years before it fully grew out. I think you got the color on the nose. Thank you so much!" She smiled at Henry warmly and he blushed.

Ali had told him about styling the girl's hair. "She's playing a lawyer: She has to be able to look very professional. At the same time, you can see she's athletic, and she's very good in bed. We don't want a lot of hair pins, curlers, etc., cluttering up the bed. Understand?"

Henry just grinned and went to work. What emerged was a masterpiece, showing off the beautiful hair, but at the same time being a very easy-care hairdo. He said to the women, "It only works, Ali, because she has hair very similar to yours. It's got body, it's full and it has a natural wave. Ginger, what do you think?"

She jumped out of the chair and gave him a big kiss, followed by a big smile. "That's what I think," she said. Henry reddened and smiled.

He turned to Ali and said, "This girl may make it bigger than you did. She's a beauty — and she has the same star quality. Thanks for bringing her in. Who's producing the film, by the way?"

Ginger had heard the references, but hadn't said anything. Ali replied, "It's an independent production, Henry. It's not in the studio so I want to pay you now. There's no recognized budget for the production here at the studio."

He just waved it away. "It was a real pleasure. It's not often I get to have so much fun. Thanks again." The girls left, and Ali did some shopping for Ginger. Finally, she gave her instructions for Friday along with a shopping list. Things were falling into place ... she had confirmed that Charley wasn't scheduled to work that weekend.

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When the doorbell at the suite rang promptly at four o'clock Friday afternoon, Ali winked at Ginger who responded with a weak smile. They were dressed as twins: both wearing tight Levi's and chambray work shirts. Neither wore bras. Ali opened the door for Charley who had just finished work and was dressed in slacks, a golf shirt, and was wearing a blue blazer. Ali decided he looked great with his dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and athletic build. He didn't look like a lawyer ... but neither did they.

Charley came in and saw Ginger. Ali said, "Charley, you know Ginger Jamison. I asked her to join us for our discussion."

Charley looked admiringly at Ginger and shook his head. "Ali, I'm afraid I don't. I'm sure we've never met before. Ginger is not a girl a guy could forget very quickly."

"Charley," Ginger said, "we're classmates. I'm in your class at S.C. Virginia Jamison? Is the name familiar?"

"Virginia Jamison," Charley said softly, almost to himself. Suddenly he jerked up, startled, and blurted, "But that can't be! Virginia is short and mousy and ... and nondescript." He looked at Ginger and shook his head. "It's impossible. I can't remember what color Virginia's eye's are, but they sure as hell aren't emerald green. The same thing with her hair: I can't remember what color it is, but it sure isn't your autumn fire. And her figure: she just doesn't have one, and you sure do." He looked at Ali and at Ginger with a baffled look on his face. "What's going on?"

Ginger smiled an Ali smile, and Ali could see Charley start to melt. "Charley, it really is me. What you see is the product of a couple of days with Ali. I ... I had some pretty screwy ideas. I've been wearing brown contacts since I came down here and ... Wait!"

She took her purse and removed the wallet. "Charley, here's my California driver's license. Does the picture remind you of anyone?" He looked at it and was shocked. There was the girl, Virginia Jamison, that he knew of but hadn't bothered ever to get to know. As Ginger said, the eyes were brown, and the hair was brown. She then handed him another license. "Charley, I live in Washington State. Here's my Washington license. Do you see any differences?"

He looked at the picture and then looked at the girl in front of him. It showed a beautiful green-eyed girl with auburn hair. It was the girl in front of him with her hair in a different style. He put the two licenses together. The names, dates of birth, and social security numbers were identical.

"I guess I'll have to get a new California license," she said.

Ali had been watching the exchange with great amusement. She mentally complimented the girl for her quick thinking with the licenses. It was something that would not have occurred to her. Charley just shook his head and finally said, "Wow! You're ... You are beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. What, in hell, were you doing?"

He realized that standing up straight as she was now, Ginger was as tall as Ali — probably about five feet eight. Her head was up straight and she said, "Being a turkey ... an idiot ... a fool ... Charley, I think I'm reasonably bright. I didn't think guys liked smart girls. Then I met Ali. Then she introduced me to my own mother, for God's sake. Then she got me out of my dumb shell. Charley, I'm afraid this is really me. What you see is what you get." She turned to Ali as Charley's eyes widened as he tried to grasp the significance of her last statement. Then she added, "What's a girl have to do to get a drink around here?"

Ali grinned and went to the bar. A platter of cold hors d'oeuvres were there which she brought to the table in the room. "What are you drinking, Ginger? The same?"

Ginger nodded with a grin, while Charley looked baffled again. "But Virginia, you don't drink! That's one thing I do remember."

Ginger stuck out the tip of her tongue at him. "You're absolutely right, Charley. Virginia doesn't ever drink anything stronger than spring water. On the other hand, Ginger loves Beefeater martinis, very dry on the rocks. I'm afraid Virginia died an unlamented death a couple of days ago. Ali, may I? How about you, Charley?"

He grinned and went to the bar and made three. Then they sat down and started to review the material he and his friends had gathered. In just a couple of days the USC law students had made tremendous strides preparing Ali's case. Charley had a list of names and addresses of people who had been contacted. With the passage of time it appeared a number of them were now willing to talk — and talk on the official record. They discussed the possibility of taking depositions, and Ali identified specific names on the list she thought could be most helpful. After a couple of hours, they put away the papers.

Ali had been amused to see the reaction of the young couple. It was what she had expected, but she suspected it came as a surprise to Ginger. Charley was paying strict attention to her ideas. So much for the theory a girl could not be beautiful and smart. Ali was sure Ginger was getting a more serious hearing than she had since she started law school. Charley made another round of drinks and Ali continued her grazing among the hors d'oeuvres.

It was clearly getting to be time to go, but just as clearly Charley didn't want to leave this lovely girl he had just discovered. Yet he didn't seem to know quite what to do.

Ginger took the bull by the horns. She smiled at Charley and asked, "Do you have any plans for this evening? I'm having a couple of people over for dinner. Would you like to join us?" Ali maintained a straight face knowing — as did Ginger — there was a message on her answering machine saying her other guests couldn't attend. Jen Sills had left the message.

Charley visibly brightened. "I would love to," he said. "What time?"

Ginger glanced at her watch and yelped, "Holy cow! Right now! Ali, I'm sorry, but I have to dash. Charley, I hate to impose, but Ali picked me up. Could you drive?"

Ali admired the very professional acting performance Ginger was giving. There wasn't the slightest false note. The two left the hotel suite in a rush.



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Chapter 4



At nine o'clock Monday morning, Ali was stretching luxuriantly in her bed when the doorbell rang. Bill had had to get up early to go to New York so it was the first time they had been separated. She had wanted to go with him, but he had insisted she stay and prepare for her finals. Slipping on the unisex terry bathrobe, she went to open the door. Standing behind the room service cart was Ginger in the hotel's room-service uniform, complete with white shirt and bow tie. Ali grinned broadly and held the door open. Only when Ginger pushed the cart in did Ali realize the girl was wearing no pants. Her beautiful bare legs disappeared under her waiter's jacket.

Ali started to laugh. "Ginger, you look great! Come over here." The terry-cloth robe was very short and Ali and Ginger stood side by side comparing legs.

Ginger was the first to speak. "You know, Ali, your legs are really very good ... for a middle-aged woman."

Ali grinned and punched her in the arm. "And yours aren't bad either ... for a little kid."

They both laughed. Ginger proceeded very professionally to open up the service cart. "Where's Mr. Clifford? His breakfast is here, too," she said.

Ali just grinned. "That's not his, it's yours. He's left for New York. You haven't eaten, have you? And where's Charley, by the way?"

Ginger gave her a big smile. "He couldn't get out of bed this morning. He just couldn't move. When my alarm went off, he just groaned."

Ali raised an eyebrow. "When your alarm went off? Why Ginger Jamison, that implies he slept in your apartment last night. I'm shocked!"

Ginger tried to look pensive but her grin kept getting in the way. "Actually, Ali, your statement isn't quite accurate. He spent the night at my apartment. However, he spent it in me. In fact," she said with a broad grin, "He spent very often in me. He didn't really sleep, though. That was the problem. Ali, may I sit down and spread my legs? I am absolutely ruined. I'm at the point right now where my body doesn't feel normal unless my thighs are spread wide. May I?"

Ali just grinned and nodded. "Gee," she said, "aren't you the girl who feels women are just cunts to be used by men as a depository for their sexual fluids? You sort of resemble that girl."

"That's me," Ginger said brightly.

She and Ali were attacking a huge breakfast and Ginger acted like she hadn't eaten in a week. She was smiling at Ali when suddenly her smile turned into a frown. "But I have a bone to pick with you, Allison Clifford. About that depository business? You didn't tell me that sometimes the guy runs out of those fluids!"

"So tell me what happened. Before you start, though, let me just say you could have a brilliant career in films if you want one. But with respect to careers, I have another idea I want to talk to you about later. You handled that material here on Friday like a pro. It was all I could do to keep from applauding your performance. Your delivery and timing were perfect. But then what happened?"

"First, Ali, while compliments are being passed out, you could have given Niccolo Machiavelli a run for his money. I may have spoken the lines, but you sure as hell wrote the script. It played brilliantly.

"Anyway, we jumped into Charley's car and roared over to my apartment. Strangely believe it, there was a message on my machine from my friend — your friend — Jen. The poor thing was in tears because she and Jeff couldn't make it. There was an emergency involving her new house." Ginger grinned. "I almost had to step back to keep from drowning in the tears coming from the machine. Who is Jen, by the way?"

Ali smiled. "She and Jeff are lovely people to whom I owe my sanity. On the other hand, they think I'm responsible for helping them get their house. You and Charley will have to meet them sometime. I know you'll like them. Jeff was Special Forces in Vietnam. Anyway, then what happened?"

"Well," she continued, "I smiled and said to Charley that I hoped he was hungry. He made more drinks, we ate shrimp cocktail and steaks ... and I did a beautiful job, if I do say so myself. Then we took our coffee and cognac into the living room and were really feeling expansive. I guess we had something on the cable channel and were sitting on the sofa. One thing led to another and he kissed me.

"Ali, it was all over right there. There were bells. I just melted. I couldn't wait, so I unbuttoned the front of my shirt. Since I wasn't wearing a bra, my breasts were bare. He held me and caressed me, and a few minutes later we were in bed. We made love, and slept a little. We made love and took a shower together ... and made love in the shower. We didn't eat much, we didn't drink much, and we sure in hell didn't sleep much. But God, did we make love. My snapshot memory of the weekend is arms, legs and bodies in every imaginable position. The common denominator was mostly my thighs were spread as wide as they could go. I guess that's about it."

Ali was beaming. "You don't regret it, do you? You don't think you compromised your intellectual integrity?"

"That's one of the things that's so strange. In the first place, you can take intellectual integrity and stuff it. But in the second place, we had some great post-coital conversations. Incidentally, Ali, I took a tip from you. After making it, when I was absolutely drained and limp, I was on my back in bed next to him with my head on his shoulder. Then I snuggled as close as I could get and put his hand on my breast. He cupped it, I held his hand, and we were instantly asleep. God, it feels so great to feel a man's big hand on your tit when you wake up! The funny thing is, the talk was intellectual ... or at least intelligent. Does that sound strange?

Ali shook her head and said, "No, not at all. To change the subject let me ask you: What are your plans for after school? Do you have a job?"

Ginger smiled and said, "I did. Unfortunately, my offer is from the same firm where Charley is going. He got terribly unglued, but I told him our relationship compared to a law firm was no contest. I told him I would be his secretary so he could take me on his desk, but we agreed that the law firm probably wouldn't like that idea much better. So anyway, now I'm looking for a job again."

Ali beamed and Ginger looked puzzled. Ali said, "I'm offering you a job. But there's a minor contingency: we both have to pass our bar exams. Are you confident?"

Ginger paused for a moment and said, "Virginia Jamison is in a panic ... but she's always in a panic. Ginger Jamison, on the other hand, is confident as hell. She'd climb Mount Everest naked if she had to. Hell yes, I'll pass. I'll ace it!"

"Great!" Ali continued. "How would you like to be a partner in the firm of Clifford & Jamison? Bill thought the idea was great when I talked to him about it last night. Here's the deal: The money is mine, but most of the time will be yours. As you know, Bill hired me — married me — to travel with him, and I'm looking forward to it. Meanwhile, you'll be working your buns off ... what's left of them after Charley's through with you, of course. I have my eye on an office suite downtown — it's on the 38th floor, northwest corner, with a view of the mountains to the north and out to the ocean in the west. I can't wait to be there at night with just the lights of the city, with the office dark, and being laid on my desk in full view of the ocean and the mountains. Does it scare you?"

"Scare me?" Ginger exclaimed, "Ali, you're a witch! You just sold me. Where do I sign?"

Ali held out her hand and said, "Shake, partner!" They shook hands and then Ginger took the older girl in her arms and hugged her. Ali was surprised to feel the girl's shoulders shaking. She held her by the shoulders and stepped back. Ginger was sobbing. Tears were rolling down her cheeks.

"Ginger, what's wrong? Why are you crying? I thought things were looking pretty good?"

Ginger held her head up, but the tears continued to stream. "Allison McGrath Clifford, you have turned my life upside down in just five days. I thought I was happy in my little gray shell. Now you have smashed my shell, forced me into love ... into the most wonderful relationship a girl could imagine. Then you give me a law partnership — a partnership, for God's sake — before I even graduate! You are a piece of work. And I love you. And I'm so damned happy, the happiness is streaming out of my eyes." She tried to grin, but instead just kissed Ali on the cheek.

Ali didn't know what to do as the younger girl sat down on the sofa and leaned back. In seconds, she was sound asleep. Ali lifted her legs up on the sofa and stretched her out. Then she went to the bedroom and came back with a pillow and a blanket. Placing the pillow under Ginger's head, she covered her with the blanket. Then she went to the table by the window that was used for eating, drinking, and as a desk the rest of the time. Because of the VIP nature of the suite, it had provision for private telephone lines that bypassed the hotel switchboard. These were now in use for a private fax machine and a private telephone in addition to the regular hotel line. She spent time looking over the securities research she had received over the weekend and made plans to invest more of the money she was managing. Then she studied for her final exams.

At eleven-thirty, there was a stirring on the sofa. Ginger's eyes opened and she looked at Ali. "Hi," she said sleepily. Suddenly, she jerked upright. "Ali, did I do what I vaguely remember doing? Did I really collapse in tears?" Ali just smiled and nodded. "Oh, shit!" Ginger jumped up and remembered what she was wearing — or not wearing. "Ali, you've done everything else for me already. Could you stand one more favor? Could I use your bathroom?" Ali started to say, sure, when she remembered something.

"Ginger, I can do better than that. You can have a bath of your own. There's a second bedroom we pay for but never use. It has its very own bath that's cleaned religiously every day. Come on!" She glanced at Ginger and asked, "Where are your clothes?"

The girl grinned and removed them from under the service cart. Then she quickly stripped off the uniform tunic and stood there in only a bikini. Ali had seen her figure the previous week, but now there was a glow. "You've been well loved, young lady," Ali said. "You glow!"

Ginger smiled and ran into the second bedroom while Ali moved the cart out to the hall and then went back to her law books. Awhile later Ginger emerged with a towel wrapped around her hair wearing her Levi's and a shirt. "What are you doing?" she asked Ali.

"I'm getting ready to give your mother some business. Would you mind calling her from here?"

Suddenly, Ginger was excited. "Could you handle some true confessions? They say confession is good for the soul. I see your phone has a speaker unit on it. Could we use it?"

Ali said, "Of course! What's your mother's number?" Ginger told her and Ali dialed Seattle. The phone was answered with the name of the firm. Ali said, "Mrs. Jamison, please." A moment later a girl answered saying it was Mrs. Jamison's office. Ali asked for her and identified herself. She had learned that Ginger's mother's name was Barbara.

A moment later a very musical voice came on the phone. "This is Barbara Jamison. How may I help you?"

"Good morning, Barbara. This is Allison Clifford. Your daughter, Virginia, is here with me, and would like me to turn on the speaker on my phone. Do you mind?"

"What a surprise!" came the reply. "Of course, I don't mind." Ali hit the button and Barbara said, "Hi, Ging!"

Ali began. "Before we get to the personal part, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Allison McGrath Clifford. You may have heard of my husband, Bill Clifford?"

"Mrs. Clifford," Barbara Jamison replied, "Is that William Harrison Clifford of points east? Somewhere in the top ten on Forbes list?"

"I'm afraid so. Do you mind if I call you Barbara? And please call me Ali," she said.

"My God!" Barbara exclaimed, "Are you Ali McGrath, the actress?"

"I was, Barbara. Right again. But why the surprise?" she asked.

"Ali, the only thing that saved my marriage was the invention of the VCR. If you were on the screen I could be standing naked rubbing my groin, and Bob would just peer between my legs. We have every movie you ever made on tape. Bob Jamison is going to absolutely freak out when I tell him I talked with Ali McGrath." She paused for a moment and continued, "Ali, could you send me an autographed picture or something? Bob flat-out just won't believe it if I don't have some solid proof."

"I think I can do better than that. First, Ginger tells me you're a broker and she says you're doing very well. I love your daughter, and I envy you and Bob. But this is all business. I am a money manager. Right now I'm running $200 million and it's going up to $2 billion. I have a broker here, but it occurred to me that Seattle could be a very nice place to trade from. No one thinks of people running money from Seattle. Do you have room for another client?"

There was silence for a moment. Then the musical voice, now sounding somewhat shaken, said, "I'm not sure I heard the size of the account. It almost sounded like two hundred million dollars."

"Well, that's only now. It'll get bigger. Are you interested?"

"Ali, I don't know how long it will take, but I'll crawl on my hands and knees from Seattle to Los Angeles for a small fraction of that amount. You are serious, aren't you?"

"Barbara, I don't joke about money like that. I take your answer to be yes. Let me give you some information about it." She gave her the numbers, the Chemical connection and the rest.

Barbara then said, "Thank you very much, Ali. By the way, for my daughter's information I'm now a vice-president of the firm. Now what's the next step?"

"Barbara, how would it be if I have Chemical Bank wire you open authority for an initial $100 million, subject to discussion of investment objectives and specific securities. Would that be sufficient to break you loose and get you down to see me here in LA? I am serious. I would like to meet you very soon."

"There's a two-thirty flight that gets into LAX about six-fifteen today. Would that be soon enough? Or would you like to do it some other time?"

"Barbara, I'd love it. Ginger and I will meet you at the United terminal. I'll make a reservation for you here at the Beverly Wilshire, if that's all right?"

"It's great. Now may I speak to my backward daughter for a moment?"

Ginger picked up the phone and said, "Mom, now that you're a vice president, do you rate a private line?"

"I sure do, why?" she asked.

"Because I'll call you, or better yet, you would call me at this number. It's a private line into the suite bypassing the hotel switchboard." Barbara agreed to place the call, and Ginger hung up. Moments later, the phone rang and Ginger picked it up again. "Mom?"

"It's me," Barbara said. "What's on your weak excuse for a mind?"

"Mom, the speaker's still on. I want Ali to hear this because she engineered it. I want to apologize to you. I remember always thinking how physically abused you were ... how Dad was always using you as a sexual plaything. You'd be in the kitchen and, when Dad thought I wasn't looking, he would grab your buns. You always sort of melted and kissed him. I always thought you were being abused. I never said anything, but each night I could hear you being tortured. I always thought you were so brave and self-sacrificing.

"Mom, I know better, now. It really does feel great, doesn't it? Last weekend I was naked and peeling a carrot at the sink. My lover came up and grabbed my buns. I almost fell when my knees wanted to turn to water. The next thing I know, he is lifting me by the hips and is entering me from behind. And Mom, guess what? I'm about to cum, and I'm still peeling the damned carrot!"

Barbara gave a soft, musical laugh and said, "I'll give you a tip: Try to keep the cum out of the salad. The taste clashes with several popular salad dressings. Dad and I know from experience. How did it feel, honey?" she asked softly.

"Mom, it was heaven! Right now, I don't know what to do. We made love so much over the weekend, my cunt hurts when he enters me. On the other hand, I'm in agony if he doesn't. So he does. Was it like that for you?"

"Welcome to the club, darling. I'll see you this evening. Will I meet this paragon of manhood, too?"

"Bet on it, Mom!"

At five o'clock, Ali and Ginger were in the gray limousine going west on the Santa Monica Freeway towards the San Diego Freeway and the airport. Ali leaned forward, opened the small bar and made two martinis for Ginger and herself. She gave the girl hers and said, "Ginger, a toast: To us and to our partnership, Clifford & Jamison." They clinked glasses and sipped.

"Why is it this traffic doesn't bother me, Ali? Normally, I detest rush hour in Los Angeles, but this doesn't bother me at all. I really can't understand it," Ginger said with a very broad grin. She leaned her head back on the seat. "Ali, I really wouldn't have to train very hard to get used to this. In fact, I think I'm going to give my dad hell. I think my real talent is to be a second-generation millionaire. Why didn't he cooperate?"

Ali picked up on the joke and said, "You're quicker than I was, Gin. It took me a long time — thirty or forty seconds — to get used to it. Of course, being a woman you have an advantage. If your dad didn't make it, you marry it. That's what I did. Charley is a millionaire, isn't he?" Ali's eyes were dancing as she said it.

Ginger stuck out her tongue. "When I told Charley about tonight and about our partnership, he was ecstatic. He said I could now support him in the style to which he would like to become accustomed. When I said we were just starting out, he said I could easily make it on my back with my legs spread. He said he'd give me a great recommendation. And besides, he says I'm a nympho and he needs all the help he can get. Wait until I get him alone!"

Ali pretended to look puzzled. "Ginger, I don't understand. If you're mad at Charley, why did you lick your lips when you talked about getting him alone?"

She grinned at Ginger and then said, "Do me a favor? Better yet, I'll make you a bet. I'll bet you ten dollars I can identify your mother with no help from you. A bet?" Ginger grinned and nodded. Ali said, "Sucker bet! First, I have a pretty good idea who I'm looking for. A woman who looks about my age, but with a figure like yours. There won't be that many of those. Furthermore, you forgot something: She knows me. But thanks for the money, partner. I'll deduct it from your first pay check."

Ali picked up the car phone, called United Airlines, and learned that the flight from Seattle was on time. Looking out the window, she decided they would hit it just right. When she picked up the intercom and told Fred they were right on the dot, they could see his smile in the rear-view mirror. The car pulled up to the curb at the Arrivals entrance of the United terminal, the two girls got out and walked inside. After passing through the tunnel they checked the Arrivals screen and found the Seattle flight was shown as being on the ground taxiing to the gate. They went to the security barrier and waited.

Ginger said, "I'm not going to make it any easier than it is already. I'm just going to stand well back and watch." Ali just grinned.

A few minutes later, Ali saw a beautiful woman walking up the concourse with a long-legged stride. She was wearing a well-tailored business suit and carried a shoulder bag. Ali went up to her and said, "Barbara Jamison?"

The woman stopped suddenly and her eyes widened, "My God, it is you! Ali McGrath!" The two women, for reasons neither understood, hugged each other like long-lost college roommates.

Just then Virginia came up. She was holding a folded ten-dollar bill which she gave to Ali with a wry smile. "You win. And you didn't even cheat. I thought I had won. Mom was looking for me, not for you." Then she gave her mother a big smile and hugged and kissed her. "Mom, it's so great to see you! Let's go. Where's your baggage check?"

Barbara Jamison winked at Ali, held up her handbag and said, "This is my baggage. An extra bikini doesn't take up a lot of room these days. Shall we go?"

They went out to the car and Fred Clark saluted as Barbara got in. Ali winked and he grinned back in return. Fred was another in a very long list of people who loved Ali. Nothing Ali wanted was ever any trouble for him. The women got in the car and it pulled away. Then Ali peeked into the ice bucket and smiled. As she had expected, it had been refilled. She decided she didn't want to know how or where Fred obtained the things he did. They were just always there. Ali grinned at Barbara and said, "I don't know if you're used to riding in a limousine, but I'm not. I always feel like a little kid. I want to press all the buttons and bounce up and down on the seat!"

Barbara was sitting next to Ali in the back seat while Ginger was riding backward in a rear-facing seat in the stretch limousine. Barbara grinned back at Ali and said, "Ali, I feel at home already. Can I bounce?" And she did, with a broad grin, while Ginger pretended to look chagrined.

Ginger, pretending to look embarrassed, said, "Mother! Really! I can't take you anywhere."

They all laughed and Ali asked if she could make Barbara a drink. She said it was what she enjoyed most about the car. You could drive and drink. Ali started to make martinis for the three of them.

Ginger's head was nodding up and down and Barbara said, "I can't believe it! My daughter? Having an alcoholic beverage! Darling, I thought you only drank spring water ... and then only from selected springs."

Ginger smiled and said, "Mom, you're right. Virginia Jamison only drinks spring water, but Ginger Jamison is a real swinger. She likes Beefeater martinis. Virginia Jamison disappeared, Mom. She hasn't been seen anywhere since last Wednesday. That's when I met Ali. Mom, I love you and Dad. But why didn't you drown me or something? I was a real bitch."

Barbara Jamison looked quite serious as she replied, "I tried, dear, several times. Your father always pulled you out by your hair at the last minute. He's the one who's soft-headed, not me." Then she smiled and Ali realized that Ginger's smile was a near-duplicate of her mother's. "Ginger, you look lovely! You've never looked so good. In fact, as we used to say in the Air Force Officers' Wives Club, you've got that well-fucked look."

Ginger smiled back, "Maybe that's because I am. Well fucked, I mean. Mother, I think my juices are drained dry and I know Charley's are. It was the most divine experience, and now I understand more about you and Dad. Incidentally, I remember you saying he never gets to sleep when he gets back from a business trip. Does that go for you, too?"

Barbara licked her lips lasciviously and said, "I certainly hope so! On the other hand, this is the first business trip I've ever taken." She looked at Ali and smiled. "I feel like a little kid playing grown-up. I get to travel just like a real businessman! I hope you don't mind?"

Ali stuck out her hand. "Barbara, you're a girl after my own heart. When Ginger told me about you, I kept saying I had to meet you. I'm delighted it happened so soon. You know, she's an incredibly lucky girl to have a family like yours. From what I hear, if your love and Bob's were liquid, it would flood Seattle and the entire Puget Sound area. I envy you. I really do."

Barbara looked at Ali closely. Finally she said, "I think you really mean that. Maybe it's true. All I know is my cunt still gushes whenever Bob comes home. I'm not sure if there's a square inch of that house we haven't made love on at some time or other. I love sex, I love him, and he loves me. It's pretty simple, really. I call it our bedroom exercise. I think it keeps me in shape."

"Barbara, can I tell you a secret?" Ali asked. "I bet Ginger I could find you at the airport. I looked for a beautiful woman who looked to be about thirty years old. And there you were. Of course, you look closer to twenty-five than thirty, but what the hell."

Barbara studied Ali carefully. Ali just looked at her steadily. Finally the older woman said, "You know, Bob is absolutely right. I was serious this morning when I talked about you. It really, honest-to-God happened. I was standing, absolutely naked ... and my figure is pretty good. I was running my finger up and down my slit. Bob had been caressing me and my cunt was running rivers. I needed him desperately. Suddenly, there you are on the screen. That bastard literally watched the screen between my legs. I could have cheerfully killed him ... and you.

"But he said you were the very best. He said you were really the person you appeared to be on the screen. He said, 'That girl isn't acting. That's the way she is. And I love her!' You know what? He was absolutely right. I hope he has a chance to meet you sometime. I think it's going to be the funniest thing in the world. He's just going to just stand there with his mouth open for at least five minutes without saying a word. He'll just stare!"

Ali smiled and sipped her martini. "Barbara, thank you." Ali then slid as far into the corner away from Barbara as she could and said, "Could I apologize for disturbing your love life? If it had been me, I would have thrown something at the picture tube ... preferably something very heavy!"

Barbara grinned. "We were poor, then. If I remember, the idea crossed my mind, but then I remembered the set wasn't paid-for yet!"

"I wonder about your husband's judgment, though. You are absolutely gorgeous! A choice between you in the flesh and me on the tube is no choice at all. All I can say is: Wow! He must be a real fan. I wish I had a few more over the last few years. They've been very lean years, indeed."

Ginger had been listening and not saying anything. She was sipping her drink, when she interrupted. "Ali, I know you've been on very short rations for years. But what about residuals? As a star, aren't you supposed to get paid when your movies rerun on TV?"

Ali jerked up like she had been struck across the face. "My God! What an idiot! Ginger, you're right. I can't remember the last check I got. In fact, come to think of it, I can't remember ever getting a single one!" She grinned and leaned forward in the seat and held out her hand, "Thanks, partner! That's what you're being paid for ... whenever you get paid. Barbara, I don't think we got around to telling you: I'm finishing law school this June, too. Your daughter and I are forming a partnership: Clifford & Jamison. I've got our offices picked out, and I'd like you to see them. I think they're kind of neat."

Ali studied Barbara Jamison and decided she was the kind of person she really liked. She glanced outside the speeding car to check their location, then checked her watch. "Barbara, I've been thoughtless. We're headed for the restaurant, but would you like to go to the hotel and freshen up first?"

Barbara smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine. I ... Old habits die hard. Because Bob is with Boeing and they sell to virtually every airline, we give the customers a bit of a rebate by always flying first class. I'm not with them, but I guess I decided to celebrate my vice-presidency. Anyway, I flew down first class and was very well-treated. I have nothing to change into, anyway."

She smiled and continued, "Ali, will you please do me a great favor? Would you please tell me what you said and did with my daughter? I'm proud and pleased. I tease her, but there actually was some truth in the teasing. Bob and I were trying to get me pregnant again up until only a few years ago.

"I guess I owe Ginger something, too. I don't think I would have gotten out of the house if it hadn't been for her. She made me so damned mad! Her favorite phrase was 'displaced homemaker'. What bullshit! Maybe it's the fact that Bob and I were married while he was a fighter pilot. It's not the world's safest occupation and I was determined to make the most of our time together.

"Ali, it was funny ... strange. I set out to make him happy and made myself happy as hell. I wanted to give him a great sexual experience, and the more I worked at it, the better it was for me. I wasn't kidding about your movies, by the way. I really think I need sex more than Bob does. I tease him about giving me my regular protein injection. Anyway, I thought about it while I looked at Ginger digging a hole and burying herself in it. I thought about Bob and our life together. A job requirement of mine was that nothing was going to get in the way of our time together.

"Anyway, I decided selling securities could be the answer. I looked at the people in it. So many are trying to push product whether the particular security fit the needs of the client or not. It occurred to me that if I didn't make a nickel in commissions it didn't matter."

She looked at Ali and smiled, "You know what I did? I 'yessed' them to death. The sales manager would start off every day with the great new deals we were supposed to push. I would ignore all that and try to figure out what my clients should have in their portfolios. I used my femininity as an advantage. The sales manager would threaten me with termination, and I would just turn on a big smile and he'd melt.

"Anyway, it seems my way works best. Last year I was the biggest producer in the office. What the firm hasn't understood is that it's a result of my doing the very best job for my clients. And Ali, I'm not sure I could have done that if Bob didn't have a good job producing an income that more than covers all our requirements." She grinned and added, "Would you believe it? When I got my first pay check I didn't know what to do with it? I wasn't working, I was trying to prove something to my daughter and to myself. Does that sound sufficiently weird?"

Ali grinned and said, "No. It sounds exactly like something I would do. But that means we're probably both a little weird." The two women laughed and Ginger just shook her head. Fred pulled up in front of Maxim's and the doorman opened the door. Ali greeted the doorman and went inside.

When they entered, they found Charley waiting for them and Ginger immediately went into his arms. The other two women heard her whisper, "It's been so long!"

They looked at each other and smiled. Barbara winked. Ginger took Charley's hand and said, "Mother, I would like you to meet my lover, Charles Conrad. Charley, this is my mother, Barbara Jamison."

Charley held out his hand but Barbara stepped inside it and kissed him full on the lips. Then she stepped back and took his hand that was still outstretched. "Hi, Charley," she said with a grin. "I guess I should apologize. I'm always embarrassing my stuffy daughter. On the other hand, I guess you don't know my stuffy daughter, Virginia. You love my swinging daughter, Ginger!" She smiled warmly, and he melted.

"Mrs. Jamison, wow!" Charley said with a smile. "I was wondering where Ginger got her beauty. Now it's easy to see where it came from, but comparatively, she didn't get a lot." Ginger punched his arm as he spoke.

They all laughed and the maître d'hôtel showed them to a table in the corner. He exchanged a few words with Ali. "I hope this table is adequate, Miss McGrath? As you instructed, there will be no bill presented. We will add the service to the bill."

Ali smiled and nodded. The waiter came over and they all ordered drinks. When he left Ali looked at Charley and teased him. "I missed you this morning, Charley. Where were you? And for that matter, you look like hell. You look like you were run over by a truck."

He smiled wryly at Ali and winked at Barbara. When he did, his back was towards Ginger. "Ali, I'm going to report this girl to OSHA or somebody. She should come with a caution sticker, Dangerous When Wet, or something like that. Thinking about it, I was lucky to get out alive. She's a man-eater!"

He looked at Ginger who pretended to pout and stuck out her tongue at him. "What are you bitching about?" she pretended to grump. "You still have two arms, two legs, and one head." She then leaned over and lightly kissed him on the lips. Turning to her mother she said, "Mom, Charley was a Marine fighter pilot. I told him Dad flew fighters in the Air Force and he said Air Force fighter jocks are woosies."

Barbara raised an eyebrow. "And what, may I ask, is a woosie?"

"Mom, it's a combination of wimp and pussy, or woosie. Often shortened to woos."

"Oh, I see," Barbara replied archly. "Marine fighter pilot..." She shook her head sadly. "Darling, I think you should trade him in. It's not the danger. In fact your father thrived on it and, in a strange way I did, too. But Marines... ? Your dad used to swear at their stupidity. I guess he still would if someone dared to mention them in front of him. He used to get so damned frustrated because the Jarheads couldn't understand why a jet can't fly through a rice paddy. I don't mean over. I mean through. You could always tell a Marine fighter: it had rice growing in its air intake." Barbara daintily stuck out her tongue at Charley and turned back to her daughter. "Ging, why don't you find someone in a safe, sane occupation ... something like bomb disposal? Woosie, indeed!"

Charley was laughing hard and had his arms up in a sign of surrender. "I give up. We may be stupid, but we're not complete fools! I know when I'm overmatched." He smiled at Barbara and asked, "Do you always defend your husband like that?"

She grinned and said, "Only when he's not around. When he is, he can more than take care of himself. Charley, if Bob were here tonight I might have taken your part to even things up a little. I'll tell you though, don't get him going. He can cite book, chapter, and verse. He knows aircraft ... and still flies them."

Charley persisted. "You really love him, don't you?"

Barbara smiled softly. "Let's just say we've been good for each other and to each other. The short answer is I adore the man. Is that what you were looking for? I sometimes get the feeling that we're a little old fashioned. I really believe that man is naturally monogamous. If a guy strays, I think the wife often had more than a little to do with it."

Charley smiled warmly and said, "Mrs. Jamison, in Mr. Jamison's absence, I would like to ask for your permission to court your daughter. I would like to marry her when she agrees. My intentions are strictly honorable."

"My," Barbara replied, "how quaint! Have you asked Ginger?"

"No, ma'am. She's been asking me." He yanked his arm away just as she swung at it, causing her to miss. "I told her I would have to speak to her parents first." Again he winked at Barbara, who smiled back.

The waiter had taken their dinner orders, and began to serve a very fine meal. Barbara ordered a steak saying they always had a ton of seafood from Puget Sound. Ali had been trying to keep from laughing out loud at the byplay between the Jamisons and Charley. Finally, she turned to Charley and said, "Don't keep us in suspense, Charley. Are you going to accept Ginger's proposal?"

Charley looked at Ginger and his eyes softened. He replied, "Ali, that's a good question. Now you're a lawyer, so let's look at it the way a lawyer should: First, appearance. Well, she might not win the Miss Universe contest. A finalist? Certainly. The winner? Maybe, but I doubt it. There are maybe two or three other girls in her class and you can't rely on judges.

"Brains? Okay. Phi Beta Kappa in History from University of Washington, but she won't be number one in the class at S. C. She'll be number two, maybe three. But I guess we can make allowances.

"Family? I'm looking at half of it, so enough said. Then there are the other factors. For example, I love this girl so damned much, I really can't live without her. But it's not all roses. For example, she's so damned passionate it scares me sometimes. I'm not sure how long I can go without sleep, but what the hell. I signed on as a Marine fighter pilot and they have a combat life expectancy measured in milliseconds, so I'm on borrowed time, anyway. The short answer, Ali, is ... I have to. I can't live without her." He turned to Ginger and said, "Ginger? Will you marry me?"

She jumped out of her chair into his arms and said, "Oh God, Charley! Yes! Whenever you want." Then she kissed him.

Ali looked at Barbara and said, "That was fast."

Nonchalantly, Barbara replied, "It's okay, but not really fast. Let's see: It's Monday night. Their first date was Friday. That's seventy-two hours. No, Ali, that's not fast. Bob and I did it in under thirty-six. Of course, he was on active duty so I guess we had to move faster."

Meanwhile, Charley had reached into his pocket and took out a ring. "Darling, it isn't very big, but I hope you like it."

The girl's eyes danced as she slipped it on her finger. It was a diamond ring with a small but perfect center stone. She gave Charley a warm kiss. Then she held out her hand to her mother. Barbara looked at the ring, and then looked at her own. "Honey, it's twice as big as mine, and mine worked pretty well."

Ali had signaled the maître d' and moments later the wine steward brought a bottle of champagne to the table. The waiter also brought a lovely little cake with "Congratulations Ginger and Charley" written on the top. The champagne was poured and Ali offered a toast. "To Ginger and Charley: May every day be as joyful as the days just past!"

They drank the toast and Ginger looked at her mother. "Mom, how did you meet Dad? I don't think you ever told me."

Barbara smiled warmly at her daughter and replied, "Darling, I was younger than you are. I guess I was only about twenty. I had just finished my sophomore year in college and your father had just received his silver wings as an Air Force pilot. He was so proud and I was so impressed. I can't really remember what happened next. I don't know if he seduced me or I seduced him or if we seduced each other. All I know is I was attracted to the wings and fell in love with the man. I guess we spent two nights and a day in bed."

Barbara frowned and added, "Incidentally, your father and I invented sex about twenty-five years ago. We filed for a patent. I wonder why it hasn't issued yet?" The rest of the group laughed and Barbara grinned. "That's just in case you and Charley think you made an original discovery."

Ali had been watching Barbara carefully. She realized there was something a bit different about her. She was alive, vibrant, and beautiful, but there was something else. At this point she spoke up. "Barbara, you've been puzzling me for hours. But now I think I've finally figured it out. You're secure. You have what you want, don't you? Bob is your whole life."

Barbara turned to her and replied, "Of course. All the rest doesn't really count ... except for Miss Jamison here, of course. I guess that's really it. I have Bob and my daughter and I don't really need anything else.

"You know, it's kind of strange. I finally got my degree in the last hours before Ginger was born. It was funny. My classmates at graduation seemed like such children. I'd lost a couple of years, but that wasn't it. They were so uptight, and I was so relaxed." She turned to Ginger. "I think there may be hope for you yet."

Ginger was showing her impatience. She excused herself and she and Charley rose to go. But first he went over to Barbara and kissed her. "Goodnight, Mom. I'm looking forward to becoming a part of the family."

Barbara smiled and said, "Take care of her, Charley. She's really a pretty good kid. Good night to you both."

They left and Ali and Barbara had another cup of coffee. Finally they left the restaurant and found Fred waiting for them with the limousine's door open. They were driving towards the hotel when Ali said, "Barbara, I made a reservation for you at the hotel. However, when I spoke to you, I had completely forgotten we have another bedroom and bath in our suite which you are more than welcome to use. It's your choice."

"I think I'll take you up on it, if I may. I can't recall ever staying in a suite before." She smiled wryly and continued, "I mentioned that because of Bob being at Boeing, we fly first class whenever it's available. However, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. I get the feeling we make up for it by staying in fourth-rate hotels. Thank you for the invitation."

When they arrived at the hotel, Ali informed the desk that Mrs. Jamison would be staying in the suite and picked up a key for her. They went up and Ali opened the door. As usual, it had been prepared for the evening. The lights were dimmed and soft music was coming from the FM radio. Ali asked if Barbara would like a nightcap. "We have essentially anything."

Barbara shook her head and said she had to call Bob and tell him where she was. She placed the call. When the phone was answered, Ali noticed a change in the tone of voice. The love between them was obvious in Barbara's voice.

"Hi, Darling. I'm staying at the Beverly Wilshire in room 1401. It's part of a magnificent suite my new client, Ali Clifford has. Do you miss me?" Ali saw Barbara's face brighten and her hand move down to her crotch. Clearly, Bob Jamison was being explicit in his answer. Barbara continued, "Bob, I think a set of major problems involving our wayward daughter have been resolved. First, she now allows herself to look as beautiful as we've always known she is. Second, she's now engaged to be married and it looks like I'm going to have to run like hell to make the wedding arrangements. She's as impatient as we were. Tonight she officially became engaged to Charles Conrad. Incidentally, Bill, she introduced him to me as her lover ... not a good friend, fiancé, or some other bullshit. Then Charley formally asked my permission and then asked Ginger to marry him.

"Finally, she has a job ... as a partner in a law firm. Her partner is my new client, Ali McGrath, whom I'm sure you remember. I'm staying with Ali now."

Barbara jerked the phone away from her ear as Bob yelped, then put it back. Ali was grinning as she watched the exchange. "Yes, Bob. She's right here. I'm staying in her suite ... and I already told her how she almost broke up our marriage. How you would rather watch her on the tube than make love to me in the flesh."

She paused, and then said, "I'll ask her." She looked at Ali and said, "I told you! He doesn't believe me. Will you talk to him?"

Ali took the phone and said, "Good evening, Bob. This is Ali McGrath ... actually, it's now Allison McGrath Clifford. My husband, Bill, is out of town. And I have a bone to pick with you. Barbara told me you're one of my biggest fans and I was flattered. Then she told me how she was standing in front of you naked and you were watching one of my movies between her legs. Bob, your wife is one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. If we were nude side by side, I'm afraid I would lose. With me on the screen and Barbara in the flesh, choosing me raises questions about your judgment, your sanity, or both."

Ali could hear laughter at the other end of the line. Bob Jamison said, "You really are Ali McGrath. I not only recognize the voice, but I sure recognize the attitude. Ali — may I call you that? — I always said you just played yourself. Will I get to meet you sometime?"

"Bob, I'm sure we'll meet in no more than a few weeks. On the day Ginger graduates from USC, I'm graduating from UCLA Law School. Furthermore, Ginger and I are law partners. I intend to be matron of honor at her wedding — although she doesn't know it yet — and your wife is going to be my principal securities broker. We're certainly going to meet soon.

"Incidentally, Barbara didn't have a chance to mention it, but your future son-in-law is also an ex-fighter pilot. He flew for the Marines ... and your wife was giving him a well-deserved hard time."

She passed the phone back and went to her bedroom so Barbara could finish her call in private. She heard the phone hang up and there was a knock on the bedroom door. Barbara stuck her head in and said, "I came down here to see you on business, Ali, but all that's happened has been I've been treated like visiting royalty, and you've solved a whole bunch of my family's problems and concerns. But when are we going to talk about you?"

Ali grinned and said, "How about starting over breakfast. Is eight o'clock too early?"

Barbara grinned and shook her head. "Remember the time difference? We run on the Big Board's clock. It opens at nine-thirty which is six-thirty here. Eight o'clock is practically the afternoon.

"On the other hand," and she smiled broadly, "That bed is simply scrumptious. I think I can suffer in silence for a bit." She left the room and went to bed.



-------

Chapter 5



At eight o'clock the next morning, Barbara came out from her room with a towel wrapped around her head wearing the hotel's terry cloth robe. She grinned and said, "Good morning, Ali! I have a question: How long did it take you to get used to this luxury?"

Ali looked thoughtful for a moment and then replied, "A long time. Five ... maybe ten seconds. Something like that. Why?"

"Because it took me almost twenty," she replied with a smile. Her face became serious and she said, "Ali, tell me about yourself. You look beautiful, but..."

" ... I'm much too thin?" Ali finished the sentence for her. "You're right. I am. It comes from not eating which results from a lack of money. Barbara, I've been thinking about my fortunes over the last few weeks. I decided that it wasn't all bad. I was raised in Kansas and came out here after a producer — shooting a movie in Lawrence, Kansas, of all the improbable places — thought I should.

"I really got into the business very easily. Too easily, I guess, in retrospect. Anyway, things went along. I guess I didn't see eye-to-eye — to say the very least — with the people who like to depict America and its institutions as the bad guys whenever and wherever possible. I guess I spoke out a little too loudly and in the wrong places, and suddenly, no more parts. Then my parents died. The last months have been tough."

Barbara looked at her thoughtfully and asked, "Then what happened?"

Ali continued. "Then I met Bill Clifford. More accurately, he found me." She smiled at Barbara and said, "Would you believe it? We were married less than three hours after I first laid eyes on him. Bill calls it a tax deal. Now I'm madly in love with him."

"Does he know that?" Barbara asked.

"I don't know. I haven't told him. Except maybe I whispered it once or twice. It gets even stranger: Our marriage isn't consummated. We sleep in the same bed and have ever since the first day I met him ... our wedding day. I never wear anything at all in bed ... I'm stark naked. I do play a little game, though. I kiss him goodnight. During the kiss I can do anything I want above his waist. When it ends, it's over for another day. Oh, there's one more thing: We always sleep on our backs with my head on his shoulder. I snuggle as close to him as I can get and we go to sleep with his hand cupping my breast ... or what passes for one in my present condition.

"Barbara, I'm jealous of you in two ways: First, it's so obvious that you and Bob are still madly in love and have a joyous sex life. Second, I'm jealous of your chest. I haven't seen them, but I'll bet your tits are perfect."

Barbara opened her bathrobe and stood there like a model. As Ali had perceived, the woman's breasts were beautifully shaped, full, but not too large. She had small, lovely nipples. "Do you approve?" she asked with a shy smile.

"As I said, I'm jealous."

Barbara slipped her robe back on as Ali continued, "Now that that's out of the way, how about breakfast?" She smiled and said, "Bill and I have another running joke: He said he's fattening me up for an Arab sheik who wants a blonde concubine. However, he said Arabs still like their women — full-bodied, should we say? — so I've got to put on weight. At any rate, I've been catching up on meals uneaten for the last year or so. What would you like to have for breakfast?"

"How about orange juice, crisp bacon, and eggs over light?" Barbara responded. "No toast."

Ali picked up the phone and ordered. Turning back to Barbara, she said, "Are you ready to talk business?" The woman nodded and Ali started to explain the investment arrangements. After they went through the preliminaries with Barbara completing all the necessary forms for opening an account, the doorbell rang. Ali opened it for the waiter who set up their breakfast. When they finished eating, Ali turned back to Barbara and they started to discuss investment opportunities.

Barbara asked, "Ali, what is your investment goal? Preservation of principal, capital appreciation ... What?"

"I guess my answer is going to sound rather odd: It's to beat the S&P 500. There are nine other investment managers right now and Bill doesn't really like the results from any of them. I managed a portfolio on paper for a couple of years now and did pretty well, so Bill decided I ought to do it with real money.

"Barbara, there's one area I'm interested in: fiber optics. Everyone has heard the Sprint ads touting its fiber optic network. It's given me an idea. First, how much do you know about fiber optics and communications?"

"Not much, I'm afraid. All I know is communications travel using tiny glass fibers rather than copper wire."

"I guess I know a little more than that. First, the traditional telephone service uses analog transmission. Fiber optics uses digital which is much cleaner and clearer. However, it's like the chain that's only as strong as its weakest link. To get the full benefit of fiber optics, the system has to be digital end-to-end. Now there are a great many digital systems ... in offices, particularly. The AT&T Merlin system, for example, doesn't use telephones. They look like telephones, but technically they're digital voice terminals. In other words, the communication is digital from the phone to the Merlin box. If it's long distance, it may use digital on a fiber-optic long-distance network. The problem is the local telephone systems are all analog. No one receives the full benefit unless its digital end to end.

"What I would like to invest in is a company that has the facilities and equipment to make fiber optic connections from the originating point to the point of connection to a fiber optic network. Question for you, Barbara: Is there such a company?"

Barbara smiled and said, "I think there is. I recall hearing about a small company in the East that's struggling. Apparently, they make a full line of connection hardware. Let me check." She picked up Ali's phone and called Seattle. She spoke with the research director for a few minutes, thanked him, and hung up. "It's called ComTech and it's in Massachusetts. The stock is traded over-the-counter. It's a thin capitalization stock. There may be a few million shares outstanding. The last quote is 3¼. Want it?"

Ali grinned, stuck out her hand, and Barbara took it. The girls shook on their deal. "We're in business! Buy as much as you can get for any price under five. If it goes higher, we'll talk about it. I think maybe we ought to go and see the fine folks back East. Do you think they might give me a seat on the Board?"

"For the kind of investment you're talking about, I'm sure they will. What do you want to do? Own it?" Ali just smiled and shrugged.

Barbara called Seattle again, this time asking for the trading desk. "Charley, there's an OTC stock called ComTech. I have a new client who wants to buy it ... as many shares as you can get your hands on at any price five dollars a share or less." She gave the trader her phone number and he promised to keep them informed.

Ali and Barbara spent the next two hours talking about other investment opportunities. When they finished, she had committed another $50 million. Finally, she said, "There's one more thing, Barbara. Open another account in the name of A. M. Clifford. It's going to be my funny-money account. I'll wire you some money to start ... I guess $100,000. You handle the money. If you get any hunches, just buy for me. I think we'll do all right."

She smiled and said, "Now, how would you like to see our new law offices? We can't announce yet because we have to pass the bar exams before we can formally hang out our shingle. But the offices are there. Interested?"

Barbara nodded and ran off to her room. Ali went into her own and showered and dressed. She put on a light-colored linen suit she had purchased as her first "lawyer suit" and went back to the living room and found Barbara already waiting for her. "I decided this is the way to travel: just a spare pair of pants. I don't have to spend an hour deciding what to wear."

They went down to the lobby and out the front doors where Ali's car was waiting. "I hope you're not terribly sensitive to your hair blowing?" she asked Barbara. "My car is still so new, I can't bear to drive with the top up."

Barbara just grinned and said, "Ali, I think our hair is similar in texture and wave. I just run a comb through it when it blows. If that's not enough, tough!"

"I knew it!" Ali exclaimed, "A girl after my own heart. We're off!"

She went out to the freeway and then towards downtown Los Angeles. She got off at an exit and made her way a few blocks to the garage entrance of a bank's headquarters building. After driving down the ramp she parked in a reserved spot. The reserved spot next to it was also empty. "That's for Ginger," Ali noted. They took the elevator up to the lobby and then another one up to thirty-eight, the top office floor. Getting out, she turned right. Facing them were two impressive cherry-wood doors in a lovely polished-wood colonial-style entrance. Above the door in brass letters was Clifford & Jamison and below it in more discrete letters, Attorneys at Law.

Ali stopped short and exclaimed, "Wow! It's really neat." Then turning to Barbara she said, "I apologize. I'm not supposed to say things like that. But it's the first time I've ever seen it!"

Barbara smiled at her and said, "Why not? I would have been jumping up and down. In fact, since it's my name there, too, I think I will!" And she did. Then she gave Ali a big hug. "Can we see the inside?" she asked.

Ali opened the door and they entered the office. She stood at the doorway and smiled. Obviously, the decorating had been completed. She turned to Barbara and said, "Instant law office: Just add people." There was a receptionist/secretary's desk along with a leather sofa, and a group of very comfortable-looking leather chairs. They went through the door and found the offices. There were two large ones, one in the corner and another next to it with a connecting door. There were two smaller offices on the outer wall, a small law library and a conference room. After exploring it, they went into the corner office.

It was on the building's northwest corner. Behind the desk were the hills and the San Fernando Valley beyond. To the west there was a clear view of the ocean. "What do you know?" Barbara exclaimed. "Today is LA's clear day for the year so you can even see the ocean!" She turned to Ali and saw the girl's eyes were dancing. "It's beautiful, Ali. It really is. You don't waste any time, do you?"

Ali looked at her with a puzzled expression and Barbara continued, "I gather it's only been a couple of days since you asked Ginger to join you. How did they do it all so fast?"

Ali grinned and held her finger up in front of her mouth and said, "I cheated, Barb. I could see it coming with Ginger and Charley so I had the firm name lettering ordered last week. I guess they just put it up yesterday. Do you really like it? Do you think Ginger will?"

"Ali! I can't believe you're serious! Let's take the second question first: about Ginger. I ask you: You're not twenty-four years old yet, you haven't graduated from law school let alone been admitted to practice. Nevertheless, here you are as a name partner in a law firm with the most prestigious address in the city. She'll freak out! As for me, I'm a small-town girl from Texas..." She stopped and looked at Ali quizzically. "Ali, how long has your family lived in Kansas?"

Ali looked at her, surprised at the question. "I really don't know, Barb. They've been there for generations, but I never bothered to find out exactly how long. Why do you ask?"

"Young lady, my ancestors probably knew yours. We've been in Texas for generations, too. I know my family ran cattle drives north to Kansas and the railroad. I figured there had to be some reason we get along so well!" Taking Ali in her arms she gave her a kiss. "Hi, cousin!" She stepped away and smiled warmly. "Anyway, as I was saying, I'm a small-town girl. This is the most impressive office I've seen outside the set of LA Law I see on TV. I think it's marvelous!"

They were trying out the leather-upholstered furniture in the office when they heard a squeal of excitement from the elevator lobby followed by a knock on the outer door. Ali went out and opened it. Ginger and Charley were standing there, waiting. When she saw Ali, she grabbed her in a big hug and kissed her warmly on the cheek like her mother had done. Stepping back she said, "Ali, it's magnificent. You weren't kidding, were you?"

They walked in and Ali gave her a tour of the facilities ending in the corner office. "What do you think? Does it live up to its billing? Your mother commented that today is our clear day for the year so you can see the ocean." The office had glass walls that ran from floor to ceiling. There were drapes that could be drawn, but were now wide open. Ginger and Charley stood and admired the view. Ali continued, "Ginger, since I'm not going to be around very much, this is your office."

Ginger turned and her jaw dropped. Then she rapidly shook her head. "Absolutely not, Ali. I won't hear of it! I was gaping at the office next door, thinking it was a junior-grade palace. By the way, how much does it cost?"

Ali looked puzzled. "The rent? I..."

Ginger grinned and said, "No, Ali! How much is it going to cost me to work here? I can't afford to pay you very much, but I'm going to get a job nights and sign over my paycheck so I can use my office. Charley and I were talking and he thinks I have the talent to be a good stripper and they do pretty well ... Then there's the after-hours work. He feels he needs some help..."

Ali instantly understood and her face became serious. She looked at Barbara and said, "Cous, do you think she could make it? Isn't she a little ... scrawny? I think she needs much bigger boobs to make it as a stripper."

Barbara just laughed. "Darling, I think you're one of the luckiest girls alive. Seriously, have you had a chance to talk about the firm and what you're going to do? I don't want to be a wet blanket, but do you know enough law to handle this?"

Ginger's face fell. "Mom, that's a question I was hoping no one would think to ask. I woke up in the middle of the night last night thinking about it. What am I supposed to do, Ali?"

"The firm has one client now, Ginger: me. I'll be retaining the Firm to represent me in the actions I'm getting ready to bring against Alliance Studios and other assorted friends. It won't get dull." Then she said, "Charley, you've been very quiet. What do you think?"

He smiled broadly and replied, "We stopped off at my firm on the way up. The managing partner's office isn't half as nice as this. And the less said about accommodations for junior associates the better. Incidentally, Mom, Ginger was nice enough not to awaken me when she was pondering her future ... as a lawyer, that is, not as Mrs. Charles T. Conrad."

He looked at Ali and said, "Could I look over your equipment, Ali? I've always been fascinated by what they're doing now with computers. Didn't I see one outside?" There had been a stack of IBM packing boxes arrayed alongside one of the desks.

Ali replied, "The way things are going, it looks like business must be slow in Los Angeles. I didn't expect this stuff for weeks." She sat down in the executive chair and swung it around. "I think I could get to like this stuff, kids. How about if we start getting it sorted out? Barbara, this is a little out of your line, though."

Barbara just snorted. She and Charley started opening boxes. "Before we get carried away, what did you buy and where do you want it?" Charley asked.

Ali said, "That's an intelligent question. We have two powerful IBM PCs. They're supposed to be really loaded — the full memory expansion and the whole nine yards. There's one laser printer, too. Why don't we each take one? Then we can play with our own toys. They're supposed to be fully equipped to communicate with each other, as well."

Charley showed unexpected facility with the computers. In a short time they were both up and running. When Ali picked up a telephone on the desk, she was surprised to hear a dial tone. "Will wonders never cease! The phones are apparently in service, too." Charley continued with the wiring, and finally hooked up a modem to the telephone line. Ali thought they had done enough and took the group out to lunch.

That afternoon she and Barbara drove out to the airport and Ali put her on the plane. Then she went to the American terminal and waited for Bill's flight which was late arriving. After waiting at the security area she finally saw him coming toward her and felt a strange thrill. It was the first time she had felt this sense of anticipation. Maybe it's the association with Barbara? she thought. As soon as he was through the checkpoint, she was in his arms. She gave him a very warm kiss and got an equally warm response.

"I missed you, darling," she whispered.

Bill kissed her again. They ignored the looks from the passers-by as she held him. "I missed you too, Ali. How was your day, yesterday?"

Arm-in-arm they walked out to where Fred was waiting with the car. As they drove back to the hotel, she filled him in on the developments, including Virginia's engagement to Charley and her meeting with Barbara. Then she told him about the investment in ComTech, the reasons for it, and looked at him with a question in her eyes.

Bill just smiled and then gave her another kiss. "It's wonderful what a smart wife can do. Honey, it makes all kinds of sense to me. Incidentally, I talked to your commodities guy. He's watching what you're doing in some wonderment. He doesn't know where you get your information but his traders have been watching your moves with increasing interest. They are now following your trades with their own money and would like to recommend the same trades to their clients. They have one major problem doing it, though," he said with a laugh.

Ali looked puzzled and asked, "What's that?"

"They can't figure out why you're doing what you're doing. As a result, they can't make it a Firm recommendation! Can you imagine? They're following your lead, but it would look pretty silly if they recommended it to a customer. The customer asks why they're recommending the move and they reply, 'We don't know, but one of our customers is making a lot of money doing it. Except we can't really figure out what it is she's doing.' You've got a big profit in your positions already."

That night they went through their accustomed bedroom ritual. When Bill got into bed, Ali rolled over on top of him. Instead of kissing him, she lay on his torso with her face only inches from his. He looked into her brilliant blue eyes that were intently focused on his.

Without moving her head, she lowered her body so the nipples on her breasts were barely touching his chest. Then very slowly she started to move. Her nipples were now engorged from the sensual contact with the hair on his chest. As she continued to move, it felt like two soft pencil points were making circles on his chest. It was tormenting. He saw a small smile on her lips and a glow in her eyes. Finally, he could take it no longer and whispered, "Ali, what are you doing? I can't take much more of this."

The small smile remained as she replied softly, "I'm torturing us, Husband. I'm trying to get you to feel the same need for me that I feel for you. It's against our rules, darling — I know I'm not supposed to say anything — but my cunt is flooded with my juices. I need you, and want so desperately for you to need me, too. I'm glad you can't take it anymore. It means I'm winning."

She then lowered her head so that her lips barely touched his. Their single nighttime kiss was a dream of sensuality. Her tongue darted into his mouth, while her lips maintained only the barest contact with his. Finally, it was over.

She rolled off him, fit her body to his, and placed his hand on her breast which, with her diet and exercise, was regaining its former shape. Bill could feel their pulses racing. Her hand came over his, and minutes later they were both asleep.



-------

Chapter 6



It was early June. Bill was sitting in a chair reading when Ali came out of the bedroom bare to the waist wearing only her Levi's. He looked up and smiled at her while she looked at him with a question in her eyes. "What's the trouble, Hon?" he asked. "You're bothered by something."

She came over to him and knelt on the floor. She leaned forward slightly so her breasts hung free. "Darling, how big do you want my breasts to be? I've been working for months. Am I getting there? Are they anything like what you want them to be? I told you when we were married there's nothing I can give you for a wedding present except me. I want to be as perfect in your eyes as I can. Am I making any progress?"

He realized she was serious so he quelled his temptation to laugh. In the intervening weeks she had regained her lost weight. She was getting sun at her health club and was tanning nude. Now her breasts were exquisitely shaped with small pink nipples.

He leaned forward and cupped one in his hand. Then he gently tweaked a nipple and felt it harden between his fingers. Her eyes closed as she made a small noise in her throat. Still she didn't move. "They're perfect now, honey. They really are. Don't you think so?"

She opened her eyes and looked at him skeptically. "Are you sure? I thought men want women to have boobs so big they can drown in them."

"Maybe some guys do. Personally, girls like that remind me of cows. I like a nice handful: like yours. Your breasts are perfectly shaped and perfectly sized." He looked into her eyes and she smiled as she realized he was telling her the truth. "How big are your breasts now compared to the way they were before you ... went on your severe diet?" he asked.

She smiled and said, "They're about as big as they've ever been. And Bill, I'm glad you like them like this. I guess I don't want to look like a cow, either. It's exactly what goes through my mind, too." She got up, headed towards the bedroom, and stopped.

"Thank you, darling. But remember, it's not what I want, it's what you want. If you want me to be a size 40-DD, I'll do it ... somehow." Bill shook his head as he realized she was just telling the simple truth. Moments later she was back with her chambray shirt on. She stuck out the tip of her tongue because it wasn't buttoned.

Bill raised an eyebrow and she said softly, "Suffer. It's what you've been making me do for months!"

She sat down at her computer and dialed a number to check the prices of the stocks in her portfolio. Ali was now running $600 million of their money, and had made 10 percent while the S&P was up 4 percent. Bill had gleefully pointed out that if she were a reporting money manager, she would have been in the top one-percent of the Becker universe of professional money managers. Ali then checked the commodities prices and the price sheets, then called her commodities broker in New York to make some trades. She had already doubled her money in the commodities account. It was now $100,000 with the second $100,000 invested in T-bills as a back-up for her trading position.

Then she called Barbara Jamison in Seattle. The wonderfully musical voice was instantly on the phone. "Hi, Cous!" Ali said, "What's new in the rainy North?"

"We've got a major problem, Ali," Barbara said, with gloom and foreboding in her voice.

"What's wrong, Barb?" Ali asked, alarmed.

"It's Ginger, Ali. She wants to get married in two weeks, and you told me you're leaving for Maui in ten days. I know how desperate you are to start your honeymoon. So the problem is what do we do without a matron of honor?"

Ali grinned and said grimly, "One of these days... !" Then the tone of her voice returned to normal. "Barb, I'll survive. As a matter of fact, I think I want billing as maid of honor. Your daughter is so experienced and so practiced with Charley, I wouldn't be surprised if, instead of kissing the groom at the altar, she has a quickie instead. The fact is, I'm almost certain she could! Hell, I'm the virginal one, and ought to get the billing — particularly if I have to live with my virginity for an extra week!"

She changed the subject. "Have you made any plans for the graduation? Bill has made arrangements for you here at the hotel. We have a suite for you down the hall, and we've expanded so we have a huge room for the graduation party. When are you coming?"

"Bob's taking some vacation. We're coming down on Thursday afternoon. I understand you graduate Saturday morning and Ging and Charley graduate in the afternoon," she said. "Ali, it's presumptuous of me, I know, but could Bob and I come to your graduation, too?" There was silence on the line for a few moments and Barbara continued, "I guess you know I love you? You're the sister I never had. And I want to share in your joy if you'll let me."

Ali's eyes were wet with tears as she listened to her friend. She replied, "I would love it, Barb. Thank you. I ... I obviously feel the same way about you. Incidentally, I've just about recovered from my ... diet. I'm not as flat as a board anymore. I can actually wear a bikini: there are some real tits to hold it in position. And I can't wait to see you. What plane are you coming down on?"

"We're coming down on a morning flight that gets in around noon. I'll give you a call when we get to the hotel."

"You will do no such thing!" Ali protested. "Bill and I will meet you at the airport. After all, Bob is one of my greatest living fans ... and there aren't very many of them left. We'll see you tomorrow morning. And Barb ... I can't wait!"

At noon the next day Ali and Bill were at the security checkpoint. The flight was on time and a few minutes later Ali saw Barbara arm in arm with a man who looked quite a bit like Bill. She judged his height at about six feet two, and he also looked to be about forty years old. Like Bill, Ali knew he had to be older than he appeared. Barbara ran into Ali's arms and kissed her.

She then stepped back and said, "Ali, this is my friend, lover, husband ... my life: Bob Jamison."

Bob had his hand out, but Ali ignored it. She pulled his head down, and kissed him on the lips. Jamison instantly turned brick red. She backed up a step and took his hand that was still outstretched. "Hi, Bob. I'm Ali McGrath Clifford, and I'd like you to meet my husband, Bill." Then Ali introduced Bill to Barbara.

Bob and Bill smiled and shook hands. They also shook their heads. Bob Jamison said, "Bill, what can we do?"

Clifford smiled and said, "Nothing, Bob. All we can do is enjoy it." He indicated the people around them who, while pouring by in a flood, followed the two women with their eyes. "Bob, I'm sure you know that southern California is famous for its movies and beautiful women. Notwithstanding, ours draw attention like flowers attract bees."

They went down to the baggage claim area where they found Fred. He had made arrangements for their bags to be claimed and brought to the hotel. Then he took their claim checks and led them out to the car at the curb. The four people got in and they drove away.

Bob Jamison shook his head and said to Ali, "Barbara told me about being met at the airport by you and Ginger. By the way, where is our wayward daughter, anyway?"

Ali laughed and said, "Believe it or not, she's working. She's interviewing people for our office." She grimaced. "But if we don't pass the bar exams, there's going to be big trouble!"

They arrived at the hotel and Bob and Barbara registered. When they left the desk, Jamison was frowning. "What's going on, Mrs. Clifford? This is the first time in recorded history a hotel didn't care about a credit card. From the bored expression, I gather they couldn't care less. They act as if it's taken care of."

Ali blushed and explained, "Bob, you're my guests. Barbara kindly consented to come to my graduation. Since I have no family, and Bill's closest family is two thousand miles away, you're doing me a great honor by attending."

Bob just glared at her as they went up to the room. A bellman showed them their suite and then they went down the hall to Ali and Bill's. There Clifford poured champagne and they got acquainted.

Bob Jamison was just looking at Ali. Finally he said, "Ali, you're exactly the way you appear in your movies. I guess Barbara told you..." he blushed. Ali quickly told Bill about seeing Ali on television when Barbara wanted to make love.

Clifford laughed and shook his head. "Bob, looking at your wife, I have to wonder at your sanity. May I offer a toast? To the two most beautiful women in Los Angeles!"

Bob smiled and raised his glass, "I'll certainly drink to that," he said. "I would also like to drink to our new friends, the Cliffords: May your marriage be as good, as loving, and as fulfilling as ours!"

Bill and Ali raised their glasses, drank the offered toast and Ali offered one of her own, "To Ginger, without whom I would not have met my best friend. And to her mother, Barbara, my best friend, and my inspiration: the woman who demonstrates every day that you can have it all."

Barbara blushed and then grinned at her husband, "I told you it gets a little thick down here ... it's related to the LA smog, I think. Now can we eat? Or see your office? Or... ?" Bill Clifford picked up the phone. Moments later the room-service waiter brought up the luncheon that Ali had arranged for earlier. After eating, Barbara and Bob excused themselves to get settled in their room.

That evening over cocktails Bill and Bob were engrossed in a discussion of conditions in Europe. Ali looked at Barbara and said softly, "You've been a bad girl! Imagine, getting laid in the middle of the afternoon!"

Barbara grinned and said, "With the drapes back, the shades up, and the sun streaming in the room. Do you realize this is the first time in years we've made love outside our home? I hadn't thought about it, but with one thing or another, we haven't left home together in years. Ali, it was wonderful ... particularly when Bob took me on the floor in the living room. He didn't even wait to get to the bedroom. That was later."

Ali smiled and shook her head with a sad expression on her face. "Barbara Jamison, aren't you getting a little old for that sort of thing? Particularly since your ass isn't very well-upholstered. You know, I think there is something to be said for wide hips and a big ass. It acts as a shock absorber when you're being fucked on a hard floor."

Barbara discretely stuck out her tongue and whispered, "Jealous!"

Ali grinned, vigorously nodded her head, and replied, "Very!"

The next evening Bill and Ali hosted a combined graduation and engagement party. They occupied about half of the hotel floor using a special suite that was fitted with a dance floor, tables, and the other paraphernalia for a party of about fifteen couples.

Ali had made arrangements with Henry Hall, the hair stylist who had worked on Ginger several months earlier, for Ginger, Barbara, and herself. When he saw Ginger, he smiled and said to Ali, "It worked, didn't it?"

Ali nodded and said, "Henry, it sure did. She's engaged to be married and the wedding is in Seattle in two weeks. What do you think?"

He looked at Ginger and said, "She's radiant, Ali. And so are you. And who is this?" he asked, indicating Barbara.

Ali replied, "Henry, this is Ginger's mother, Barbara Jamison ... the mother of the bride."

Henry just shook his head. "My God, it's no wonder. Mrs. Jamison, did you give birth at the age of ten? One of those miracle pregnancies? As you may know, I'm a pro. I would never in a million years figure you to be old enough to be this girl's mother." He smiled, "However, I do see something in common. You both have that well-loved look."

Rather than take offense, Barbara grinned and replied, "Thank you Henry. I appreciate the compliment. And if I look it, it's only because I am very well loved. My husband is my lover ... and he's very inventive. I try to be his mistress, his whore ... whatever I think he wants me to be. But thank you."

Then Henry and his people went to work. First, he and Ali looked carefully at Ginger's hair. He took a magnifying glass and after inspecting the roots, the two shook hands. "Ali, I don't think it's possible to get it any closer. The difference is her natural color is natural: it has shadings that are impossible to get with even the best dye job. Ginger, your hair and its color are glorious! You have to promise me to keep coming back. Yours is the most beautiful head of auburn hair I have ever seen."

He worked on them all. When they were ready to leave, Henry came back and kissed them. "You three are priceless: a blonde, a brunette, and a red head. Each has hair that is a hairdresser's dream: the same hair in assorted colors. I love you all, and hope you will all come back.

That evening Ali wore a formal dress for the first time since she had been making movies. As she was putting the finishing touches on her makeup, Bill came up behind her. He hung a magnificent diamond necklace around her neck and gave her a pair of diamond ear studs. The earrings were diamonds larger than two carats each. She put them on and turned to look at Bill.

He looked at her with love in his eyes. "Darling, congratulations. Happy graduation. They aren't nearly as brilliant as the stars in your eyes or the love in my heart."

She gave him a lingering kiss. "Thank you, darling. I've given up telling you not to do it. I love you, Bill. Desperately! And thank you so much! They are absolutely magnificent."

The evening was a spectacular success. Ali had invited a couple of friends from UCLA, and there were a number of Charley and Ginger's classmates from USC. Ali had fun as one after the other, her classmates were introduced to Charley's fiancée, not realizing Ginger was their classmate.

During the evening Bob Jamison came over and asked Ali for a dance. As they moved onto the dance floor he said, "Ali, thank you for everything. This has been the most perfect evening Barbara and I can remember. It's certainly memorable for me. I can't wait to get back to Seattle and tell some of the guys at Boeing that I actually danced with Ali McGrath!"

Just then there was a strobe flash. Ali had even arranged for a photographer to be at the dance. "Incidentally, Ali, you look gorgeous tonight. I've never seen you look better. And when you consider I've only seen you before in movies, that's really saying something. You are radiant!"

"Bob," she said, "I can't tell you how happy I am. I'm sure you know that I consider your wife to be my closest friend, and your daughter is my law partner ... and a buddy. Incidentally, what do you think about your future son-in-law, Charley Conrad?"

Bob smiled and said, "I like him a lot. Of course, Barbara had given up on Ging, so anyone would be nice. But he's smart ... and a good pilot. We had a pretty good discussion about the relative merits of several different aircraft. And I guess he's a good lawyer. Which reminds me: What's this nonsense about a law partnership with my daughter? She took Barb and me over to see your office. Do you really know what you're doing? She's just a little kid, for God's sake!"

Ali looked around and caught the eye of the photographer. He had his camera ready when she put her arms around his neck tightly and kissed Bob solidly on the lips. When she moved back she saw his eyes were as big as saucers. She said, "Bob, that's for you to take back to Boeing. It's also for Barbara in case she ever wants to file for divorce. But back to our practice: Your daughter is a fine lawyer. She's been researching something for us to get started on: the matter of my residuals. When we're admitted to the bar, some people are going to get a hell of a shock!"

Later, Ali saw Ginger and Charley together with Jeff and Jen Sills. She went up to them and found them talking very animatedly. They stopped when she came up to them. "Don't let me interrupt things. You're among my most favorite people. I'm delighted you finally got together."

Charley looked startled. "Jen," he said, "when I had my first date with Ginger, she invited me over for dinner. 'I'm having a couple of friends over, ' she said. I heard the message ... from a girl named Jen. That's you, isn't it?" Jen reddened, but nodded her head. "You didn't know Ginger, did you?" he asked. Jen shook her head, looking very abashed. Charley looked accusingly at his fiancée. "Ginger!" he exclaimed, "was I set up?"

She looked at him with the most innocent possible expression. "Of course you were, Charley. I didn't think you would have been nearly as affectionate if there were other guests present. Now that you know me a bit more intimately it wouldn't slow you down, but that was only our first date."

Ali laughed at Ginger's retort and walked over to Bill. "Darling, will you dance with me? You never have, you know. Not even on our wedding day."

He took her in his arms with some reluctance. He didn't think of himself as an adequate dancer let alone a good one. The band was assisting, he thought. It was playing music from the big-band era which was a help. They moved out on the dance floor and Bill received a shock: It was as if he were moving by himself. Ali was absolutely weightless in his arms. He had his arm around her and she had her cheek against his when he heard her make a warm sound deep in her throat.

She looked into his eyes and he saw a look of warmth and love in her beautiful blue eyes. "I love you, darling," she whispered. "Are you starting to care for me? Just a little bit?"

Her lips were close to his as she spoke. He tilted his head and kissed her softly. Her lips were sweet and electricity flowed between them. He could feel her molding her body to his on the dance floor. Finally, he lifted his head and said, "What do you think? Remember, honey, I was madly in love with you for years before you even knew I was alive."

They continued to move together on the dance floor and Ali raised her head to look at him again. "Darling, you said that you like my boobs the way they are now. What about the rest of me? Is there anything you want me to change? I want to be perfect in your eyes." Bill was impressed with the seriousness of the look she gave him as she spoke.

"You are perfect, honey. You're a dream." He smiled at her and added, "One of these nights, young lady, you're going to be raped! I can't take much more of your sexual inventiveness. Your skin is like velvet ... only it's warmer and it moves under my fingers. But Ali, it's what's inside that really counts. You're sweet, kind, thoughtful, brilliant ... I think you expand on the list of Girl Scout virtues." Then he kissed her again.

Ali pouted and whispered, "Rape, indeed! All I get are promises. And just remember, Bill Clifford, you can't rape the willing ... and God knows, I'm willing." She smiled and added, "Just two kisses from you and this talk causes my cunt to run rivers. A girl isn't supposed to say things like that, I suppose, but it's true. Just wait until I get you to Maui!"

Ali spent the rest of the evening dancing with the other guests. At the end of the evening, she and Bill along with the Jamisons retreated to the Clifford suite for a nightcap. After kicking off her shoes Barbara tucked her feet under herself on the sofa and then stretched luxuriantly. "Ali and Bill, that was the nicest party I've ever attended. It was simply magnificent. Bob danced with me more tonight than he has in the last ten years." She stuck out her tongue at her husband.

Bob Jamison just grinned at her and replied, "That's only because you've never learned to dance while lying on your back. I can't be responsible for your preferred form of exercise."

-------

The next day was graduation. Bill had been bemused for the previous week because Ali had been busy with the computer. Whenever he displayed an interest, she covered her work and said it was just a little something she was fooling with. Normally Ali was immediately forthcoming when he displayed an interest in whatever she was doing, so her behavior was very uncharacteristic.

She came out to the living room wearing her academic gown with its hood representing her law degree. The hotel's valet had insisted on pressing it so it looked the way he felt it should. She was holding her cap in her hand.

"Darling, you look beautiful," Bill said. "The black gown sets off your golden hair, and golden skin." He took her in his arms and kissed her lightly. "Are you all ready?" She swallowed hard, and appeared uncharacteristically nervous. He saw her surreptitiously check her purse for a sheaf of papers. Then Fred Clark drove them to the UCLA campus and Bill and Ali got out.

He walked with her to where her classmates were assembled for the academic procession, and kissed her. She whispered, "Bill, wish me luck? Please!"

Bill was puzzled but did as she asked, "Good luck, darling, but I can't see what you could possibly need luck for. You're not going to trip walking across the stage."

She gave him a nervous smile and walked over to join her classmates. Bill found a seat near the podium and looked around for the Jamisons but didn't see them. The academic procession entered and the Dean of the Law School began the ceremonies. After the invocation and other preliminaries, he said, "It gives me great pleasure to introduce our top-ranking student to give the principal address of the day. Please welcome this year's valedictorian, Miss Allison McGrath." He applauded as Ali came up to the stage and went to the speaker's rostrum.

It was clear to Bill that Ali was over her nervousness. She was cool and poised as she began her address. Bill was impressed with its content and its cogency. She addressed the question of civil rights in a broad context, arguing for equality of opportunity and against the problems inherent in seeking equality of outcomes. The speech was tightly written and very professionally delivered. When she concluded, she was given a standing ovation by her classmates, a rare occurrence in a commencement speech. Degrees were then awarded, and the graduates dispersed with their families.

Ali came up to Bill who took her in his arms, "Darling, you were utterly magnificent. But why didn't you tell me you were going to be the valedictorian?"

Ali looked sheepish. "I'm sorry, darling. It's the only secret I've ever had from you. I was nervous, upset, and thought it was all a miscalculation. Do you know what I was so worried about? That I would go in this morning and be told by the dean there had been a major mistake in arithmetic and I wasn't number one in the class. I was so sure that would happen, I didn't tell you so you wouldn't be disappointed." She looked up at him with a wry little smile, "Do you forgive me?"

Bill just took her in his arms and held her. "Darling, I told you how this whole thing started: I couldn't face the singles scene. I was a fan of yours from way back and got this idea even though I hadn't seen you in a new film for a long time. Initially, I thought you had married and had left the business. Then my investigators found you and I arranged our first meeting.

"The day I met you, everything was as advertised. Honestly, darling, I really did conceive of the wedding as a tax deal, and it really was an idea I first had that morning. I didn't have the foggiest idea you had an MBA or were getting your law degree. I thought you were intelligent, but a good scriptwriter can make an idiot sound like a Nobel laureate.

"Then I got to know you. Darling, I'm starting to vibrate, just holding you like this. You can't know what it's like to have your arms around one of the most beautiful women in the world ... and hear her say she loves you. Particularly when 'you' is me." He kissed her softly and ran his fingers lightly over her hair. She just snuggled against him.

Finally, she gently pushed away from him. "Honey, I think we had better get going. We have another graduation and I'm starving!" She grinned at him and confessed, "I had butterflies this morning for the first time in years. I didn't eat a thing. Now I could eat a horse."

Fred drove them back to the hotel. It was a very warm day in Southern California with the temperature threatening to break 100. Bill ordered lunch for them while Ali changed. After eating, they went back to the car and then drove to the University of Southern California campus where they finally met the Jamisons.

Barbara gave Ali a big kiss and said, "That was a wonderful speech you gave, Ali. We were so proud and happy to see you graduate number one. I'm sorry we weren't able to stay around and tell you so."

Bob shook his head with an amused smile on his face. "Ali, the guys at work will never believe this. I'll have pictures of me and Ali McGrath. That will blow their minds. But when I tell them she graduated number one from Law School, they'll totally freak out. I can hear them now, 'The world's not fair! Beauty like that, and she's brilliant, too?' I loved your speech, by the way. And it goes without saying that I agree completely with your position. Shall we find some seats and see what happens on this side of town?"

Charles Conrad was presented as the valedictorian of his class. They found out later Virginia graduated number three. After the ceremony, there was the exchange of congratulations. Barbara told Charley that Ali was valedictorian, also. "And Charley, lest it go to your head, Ali gave a much better address. A standing ovation, yet!" She grinned and kissed her future son-in-law, and then turned to Virginia. "And as for you! What happened? Only number three?"

Virginia grinned at her mother, "Sorry, Mom. It all came apart on the finals. For some reason or other, my heart wasn't really in them." Then her expression sobered, "I'm sorry, Mom. I know how much my education cost you two. I hope I didn't let you down too much."

Barbara and Bob kissed their daughter warmly. "Darling, you got a husband who was number one. And a law partnership," Barbara said. Then she added, "And you introduced me to my best friend. No, sweetheart, you certainly didn't let us down. Besides, number three isn't really so shabby."

Congratulations were exchanged. Bob Jamison hosted a dinner that night for everyone. Toasts were exchanged all around, one of which was from Ali to Ginger: "To my new partner, Virginia Jamison. May she do as well on the bar exams as she has done in love and in law school!"

Again that night Ali softly caressed Bill's chest with her nipples. In their engorged state they felt like delicate pebbles scraping his chest. Finally, she kissed him. This time the kiss lingered as she darted her tongue into his mouth. As she put his hand on her breast she whispered, "Only a few more days!"



-------

Chapter 7



The next few weeks were kaleidoscopic. There were the bar exams and the preparations for Ginger's wedding as well as preparations for their own honeymoon on Maui. Bill changed their travel plans slightly: Instead of coming back to Los Angeles, they were leaving for Maui from San Francisco. They went up to Seattle on the Thursday before the Saturday wedding and were met by Bob Jamison who looked at Ali sheepishly while Barbara was sitting in the car glaring at him.

Ali looked at her two friends and asked, "What's wrong? What's Bob done to get in your doghouse, Barb? And why is he looking so sheepish?"

Bob replied, "It's all my fault. I took those pictures in to the office and showed them around. I did something else, too, that I should have told you about. I ... I guess I'm an unreconstructed techie. I have all kinds of toys that Barb teases me about. At any rate, I had a miniature tape recorder in my pocket at your graduation, Ali. I taped your speech and then asked my secretary to transcribe it."

He took a deep breath and smiled wryly. "Then things started to get out of hand. It seems my secretary's best friend is another secretary. My secretary was so impressed with the content of your speech, she made a copy for her friend. Her friend was so impressed, she showed it to her boss. Then I get a call from him: He's the chairman of the company. One thing led to another. He's another great fan of yours, it seems. My secretary even showed him the picture of you kissing me, for chrissakes, so he figures you're a very good friend!"

"I am a good friend, aren't I?" Ali asked with a smile.

Bob smiled, nodded, and continued, "Anyway, he was very impressed. He asked if I could bring you in to meet him while you're in town!" Then he breathed a sigh of relief.

Barbara said, "Ali, I told him you would tell him to take his idea and shove it, along with a 747 fuselage, right up his ass! The nerve! If I didn't love him so damned much and need him so damned much, I would have done it myself." She smiled at Bob and gave him a soft kiss. "Confession is good for the soul, dear. She didn't even bite."

Ali glanced at her husband who nodded. She turned to Bob and said, "Okay. When would it be convenient to meet the chairman? His name is Homer Cumings, isn't it? Since my speech was on a law topic, I would like my partner to meet him, too. Is she available?"

Bob called the Boeing office on the car phone. He was told the chairman was available to see Ali at any time at her convenience. Barbara called the house and Ginger answered. Barbara asked, "Ging, are you decent?"

Ginger replied, "I'm always decent, Mother. I'm a good girl ... Remember?"

Barbara passed the receiver to Ali with the comment that it was all her idea, so on her head be it. Ali said, "Hi, Ging! We've got a date in thirty minutes with the Chairman of Boeing. I want you to meet us at the office in your best summer lawyer suit. Can you do it?"

She heard a yelp at the other end of the phone. "My God! The chairman! Ali, you're crazy! It's a twenty minute drive from here to the office."

"And that gives you a full ten minutes to get ready," Ali replied. "What's the problem? Now shut up and get your overworked ass in gear. We'll meet you in the lobby. Bye, partner."

Barbara looked at Ali and asked, "What, friend, is this all about?"

Ali grinned and said, "It's the very first new-business call by the partners of Clifford & Jamison. Don't you think The Boeing Company is a big-enough potential client for both of the firm's name partners to attend? Besides, I have a whole deck of business cards for 'Virginia Jamison' that may be obsolete on Saturday. I never asked Ginger if she wants to stick with her maiden name professionally."

They drove to the Boeing headquarters, went into the lobby and found Ginger there waiting for them. Ali grinned at her and winked, "Partner, you look perfect! By the way, I have something for you." She gave Virginia a leather card case with her engraved business cards. "You can't tell a lawyer without her business card."

Bob Jamison escorted the two women to the chairman's office. Bill and Barbara decided to wait downstairs and look around at a small museum the company maintained for visitors. Ali, Ginger, and Bob Jamison were ushered into the chairman's office.

Bob was about to perform the introductions when Cumings came around his desk and took both of Ali's hands in his. He looked in her eyes and finally said, "Miss McGrath, it really is you! You are even more beautiful in person than you are in your films. I am genuinely delighted to meet you. And who is this?"

Ali said, "Mr. Cumings, I would like you to meet my law partner, Virginia Jamison. Ginger, of course, is Bob's daughter; we met while she was in school in Los Angeles. We have just formed a law firm, Clifford & Jamison."

Bob excused himself and the girls sat down. Cumings began by offering coffee which the girls accepted. When they had the coffee he began. "Miss McGrath — Mrs. Clifford, I mean — my secretary gave me a copy of your speech at UCLA. I was most impressed. Could you tell me about your firm? What type of law do you intend to practice?"

Ali smiled and said, "It's a general practice but with a focus — at least initially — on civil liberties." She explained about her experience in the movies, including the fact that she had been almost literally starving to death when Bill Clifford found her. She emphasized that, in her opinion, the Constitution guaranteed equality of opportunity, not equality of result. Civil rights was to be the firm's initial focus.

"Mrs. Clifford," Cumings began, "as you may know, we are the largest builder of commercial aircraft in the world. At the same time we are also a major defense contractor. We are constantly under attack for our personnel policies. I share your view. I would like to retain your firm to do two things: First, I would like you to review our policies to determine if they are discriminatory in any way. Second, assuming you approve of our policies, I want you to defend us in court, if necessary. Are you interested?"

"Mr. Cumings, of course we're interested. We accept the assignment. Would you like to begin with a retainer arrangement?"

"That would be fine. What is your normal retainer?"

"It's $50,000 per month," Ali replied. She heard Ginger choke on her coffee when she heard the amount. Cumings said that was agreeable. Ali said, "If it's satisfactory, Mr. Cumings, we would like to begin our work with Boeing in July. In the meantime, Virginia and I have some personal affairs to attend to: our honeymoons." Ali gave him her patented smile and he melted.

"By any chance is your husband here with you, Mrs. Clifford? I've never had the pleasure of meeting him, but I have heard a great deal about him," Cumings asked.

Ali said Bill was waiting for her in the lobby, but she was sure he would be pleased to meet him. Cumings called his secretary in and a few minutes later ushered Bill and Barbara Jamison into the office. Barbara already knew the chairman and was greeted warmly. Bill shook hands and sat down. Ali explained that Clifford & Jamison had just been retained by Boeing, and Bill expressed his pleasure.

Cumings and Bill started to talk so the women excused themselves and went down to Bob Jamison's office. "Dad," Ginger exclaimed, "guess what? Clifford & Jamison are now retained counsel for The Boeing Company! At $50,000 a month!" She turned to Ali and said, "My God, Ali, what do we have to do for that kind of money? And where did the number come from, anyway. I think you heard me choke when you said it."

Ali grinned and said, "It's bigger than a bread box and smaller than a house. I thought $100,000 a month to start would be a bit much. Anyway, partner, now we're in business!"

Awhile later, the chairman's secretary escorted Bill Clifford to the crowded office. He kissed Ali and congratulated her. "As usual, young lady, you're still working for me ... sort of: I just agreed to join the Board of Directors of Boeing."

That night there was a family celebration and the next evening Ali and Bill hosted the rehearsal dinner. They had learned that Charley was an orphan, so Ali took over as mother of the groom. At the end of the dinner Charley got up and offered a toast, "To my dear friend, Allison McGrath Clifford, who tonight is acting as my mother. Tomorrow, as the bride's best friend, she will be matron of honor. Later, she'll be partying with the mother of the bride, whose best friend she is, too. Still later, she'll be my wife's law partner. Finally, she will continue to be my wife's inspiration.

"Ali, without you Ginger would still be hiding in her shell. You demonstrated to her that it's acceptable to be beautiful as well as smart. You released emotions that no one knew were there. Ali, thank you for everything. And I do mean everything!"

-------

The next day was the wedding. Ali was with Barbara and Ginger as Ginger dressed. She was standing in front of a full-length mirror wearing only her bikini pants with a garter belt and her white stockings. Her complexion was a gloriously smooth light tan. She was radiant, and Ali said so. "Honey, just think. Now it will all be legitimate. Are you all set?"

Ginger grinned and turned, looking at herself in the mirror. "Mom, how about if I go just like this? I'll wear my veil, of course."

Barbara looked at her daughter thoughtfully. "I think it's a fine idea. The gown is returnable. Sure! Do it! Don't you agree, Ali?"

"I did at first, Barb, but now I don't. If the bride goes that way, I'll have to take off my dress, too. Since my body is now back in shape and it's a hot day, I have no problem with that. On the other hand, the other bridesmaids will have to leave their dresses off, too. I'm not sure all of our underwear would match. Then there are the ushers: they would cheer the idea of not having to wear their monkey suits. And you know damn well there's no chance of them staying dressed if the bridesmaids aren't. No, Ginger, I'm afraid you'll have to wear your dress." Ali had made her speech while maintaining a completely straight face.

Barbara looked at her friend. "Ali, you have comedic talents I never knew existed! But you're right, of course. I knew Ging had superb judgment when she invited you to be her maid of honor!" The girls all laughed and Ginger finished dressing.

The ceremony was beautiful. Ali was standing beside Ginger when the priest said to Charley, "You may kiss the bride." He took his wife in his arms, and Ali knew it was where Ginger wanted to be. They went down the aisle and then out to the reception at the country club.

When the reception was over and the last guests had left, Bill and Ali went back to the Jamison's house. The two women kicked off their shoes and leaned back on the sofa, while Bob Jamison made drinks for them all. Bill said, "Barbara, Ali and I still haven't bought a wedding gift for Charley and Ginger. It's a disgrace, and I apologize. We just ... blew it. We're sorry. What do you suppose they would want?"

Barbara looked thoughtful and replied, "Well, Charley wants a beautiful girl who's loving, a sex-pot, intelligent, and knowledgeable about law. Ali, you made him one. Then Virginia wanted a tall, dark man who would respect her for her brains. And she wanted a position in a good law firm. You got her the man and made her a partner in a firm with Boeing as a client. So I guess the answer is you've already given them each his heart's desire."

She smiled at Ali with deep affection. "It looks to me like you've done enough. What you gave them was each other ... and God knows, they're madly in love. Aside from that, how about a nice kitchen spoon? You know, one of those wooden ones Charley can use to spank Ginger with? And a kitchen towel for Charley to use to dry the dishes. Or do you think the two items would be more than you would care to spend? Either one alone would be fine, but I know you're very generous people who tend to go overboard on gifts, so maybe both?"

Ali slid over and kissed Barbara on the cheek. "Thanks, Cousin. Do you know what? I was so happy today. Looking at those two just makes me happy. They are so deeply in love! Exactly like you and Bob. They make everyone around them feel warm and loving, too. And Barbara, the wedding was beautiful. It was simply gorgeous! I envy them so!"

They finished their nightcap and returned to the hotel.

-------

The next morning Bill and Ali flew to San Francisco and then boarded their plane for Maui. Bill was pleased when she took a blanket from the overhead compartment and spread it over them both. Under the blanket she slipped off her blouse and put his hand on her full breast. She was about to go to sleep when she saw him looking at her with a question in his eyes. Ali whispered, "This is my honeymoon, remember?" Suddenly there was a look of concern in her eyes, "You didn't change your mind, did you?" He smiled and shook his head. She returned the smile and fell asleep with his hand cupping her breast.

They had an oceanfront suite at Kapalua. After eating a fine dinner, they went up to their room and then followed their usual pattern with Ali preparing for bed first. Bill came out of the bathroom naked for the first time in their married life. He smiled as Ali looked at his body longingly. He got between the covers and she came to him. For the first time, he started to caress her entire body while she caressed his. He focused on her erogenous zones: her lips which he kissed warmly, her breasts, her buttocks and her loins. She responded with increasing passion. Her kisses were like fire.

Her hands were busy, too. She caressed him, focusing on his groin. She carefully caressed his cock and was pleased to feel how big it was getting. With her eyes dancing she said, "Darling, you're so big! I have a confession to make, Bill. I'm really very inexperienced with men. Believe it or not, I've only made love three times in my whole life: And that counts everything. I'm going to need help and coaching. Your cock is so big, and my pussy is so small!"

Bill smiled softly at his wife and kissed her. Suddenly, there was a flow of passion between them. He pulled away slightly and looked at her face. She was lying on her back with her golden hair spilling over the pillow. She was beautiful. "My God!" he said, "No wonder you've been jealous of Barb and Ginger. You were really serious when everyone thought you were kidding about being virginal. You really are."

Ali smiled ruefully and nodded. "I sure am, Darling. And it's disgusting! You marry a woman thirty-five years old and find she's essentially untouched ... and scarcely knows what to do in bed. Can you teach me?"

He ran his hand between her thighs which she had spread wide to provide him easy access. His hand had been stroking her inner thighs. Finally, he moved a finger into her vaginal opening and began to explore. He encountered her clit and he tweaked it with his finger. Her pelvis started to move involuntarily. Putting her arms around his neck, she pulled his face towards hers. She kissed him warmly as his finger continued to stimulate her cunt.

Finally, she whispered, "Take me, Bill! Please. I need it so badly. I've needed you inside me for months. I'm tight, I know, but I'll try to help you."

He got between her legs and she guided his cock into the mouth of her cunt. Slowly he eased in, feeling the wetness from her flowing vaginal juices. As he started to penetrate, she loosely wrapped her legs around his hips. He stroked in and out, going deeper each time.

"It feels so good!" she murmured. "What do you want me to do? How can I make it better for you?" Her pelvis was slowly moving under him and he realized he was all the way in.

He whispered, "I've never felt anything like it, darling. Your cunt feels like a very warm, moist glove just gripping my cock." He could feel her using her vaginal muscles to massage his cock inside her. "I don't know what you're doing, or how," he said, "but it feels absolutely marvelous!"

Just then he felt a violent shudder in her loins as she climaxed. He stopped moving and waited for her contractions to pass. Then he began to move with long strokes. She asked him to stop for a moment and kneel when he was fully inside her. She moved her legs up to his shoulders and linked her ankles behind his neck to ensure maximum penetration. Then he began his slow stroking again.

It felt to Ali like his cock was reaching inside her to her stomach. She thought about her film roles and all the times she had faked sex for the camera. Suddenly, she exploded again. She reached three more crests, each higher than the one before, but still Bill maintained his control. Finally, her head was shaking from side to side and her pelvis had taken on a life of its own. He could feel her reaching her ultimate peak as he let go. The release of his semen took her over the brink. Her pelvis jerked uncontrollably as she almost fainted from the extraordinary stimulation. She was gasping for breath as Bill moved away from her. Then she let her legs fall to the bed as he collapsed beside her.

Ali softly kissed him and murmured, "Thank you, darling husband. That was perfect!" Her eyes closed and she went to sleep. Bill was asleep moments later.

The next morning Ali awakened to find Bill's hand caressing her breast. She put her hand over his and murmured happily. "That feels so good," she whispered. She turned to look at his face. "Bill, does last night count as consummating our marriage? Frankly, I feel consummated to beat hell. Do you feel like trying again? And could I be on top? Would you mind?"

Bill rolled over and kissed her gently. She responded and their passion increased. He whispered, "I think it's consummated, but I want to do it again, too." Ali felt for his groin and took his now-engorging weapon in her hand.

"It's so big! How do you suppose I get it inside me? Darling, it feels so wonderful!" She moved in the bed and got astride him. Carefully, she positioned his cock at the entrance to her vagina and lowered herself on it. Then she leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips. Meanwhile, he had grasped her two beautiful breasts and squeezed them gently while tweaking her nipples. Slowly, she worked herself on top of him and lowered her body on his rigid shaft. Finally it was all inside her. Again she leaned forward with her sunshine smile. "I did it! It's all in."

He lay on his back and smiled up at her. "What are you so proud of? You're just a kid. And you're dealing with an old man, not some young stud. You get some stud, and he'd kill you. Maybe I rescued you from yourself."

Ali daintily stuck out her tongue. Meanwhile her pelvis was moving slowly while her vaginal muscles alternately contracted and relaxed on his shaft. She then started to move slowly up and down in a combination of movements that felt exquisite to her and to him. Suddenly she had a small orgasm — and stopped moving while the contractions went through her loins. When she regained control she started the motions again.

Bill could feel her cunt gripping his cock like a soft, moist glove. It worked on his cock, massaging it. One after another she had orgasms of increasing intensity. Finally, she could feel the movement of his cock as it started to throb. It was enough to carry her over the brink as her cunt exploded in an overload of sensation. She shook and finally regained control, using her newly-discovered vaginal muscles to extract all the fluids from the shaft on which she was impaled, then she just collapsed on top of him. Bill pulled the covers up over them both.

She murmured in his ear, "Thank you, darling. It was like heaven. Now I know why the Jamison's behave the way they do. God, I love it! But, darling, I have so much to learn. I've had no experience."

Bill pulled her down and held her close. He could feel her beautiful breasts mashed against his chest. Ali just moved her torso lightly over his chest. "Darling," he whispered, "I guess I'm not surprised. Believe it or not, I could tell from your reaction with Ginger and Barbara that you really did envy them. It suggested to me that either your experience with men had not been very good, or not very frequent."

He stroked her hair and then ran his fingertips lightly over her back. Ali made happy noises deep in her throat. Then she rolled off him and put her head under the covers. The next thing Bill knew was the feel of her lips and tongue on his cock, carefully licking off the sex juices that now covered it. As she kissed and sucked his cock, he was surprised to feel it stiffen again. Soon it was again fully erect.

He said softly, "Want to try something new?" She quickly agreed. He had her kneel on the bed and he entered her from behind. It gave him the opportunity to reach around and cradle her beautiful breasts and feel her firm buttocks as he bounced off them. Soon, they came again together and then collapsed on the bed.

Much later they awakened. Bill looked at his wife and smiled softly. "Darling, would you like to see something beautiful?" Ali, knowing of the exquisite flora and fauna in Hawaii, thought it was something outside. Instead he said, "Look at yourself in a full-length mirror."

She scrambled out of bed and almost fell on her face. Her loins ached from the unaccustomed exercise. She massaged the insides of her thighs and looked at him with a rueful look on her face, then glanced at herself in the mirror. She did a double-take and looked again.

She turned back toward Bill and said softly, "That's a well-fucked look, isn't it?" She scrambled back into the bed after opening all the drapes and windows. The tropic warmth flooded the room and she pushed the covers off the bed. She lay on her back and Bill started to run his fingers gently across her entire body.

"Darling, you are perfect," he said. "I love to run my fingers over your skin. It feels like velvet ... but it's warmer, it's vibrant, and I can feel your muscles rippling in response under my fingertips. How does it feel to you?"

"Like heaven. Can I just stay like this?" Suddenly she rolled on her side, propped her head on an elbow and said, "Bill, would you please do me a favor before we leave?"

"What's the favor?" he asked. "You know, Ali, if it's possible, it's yours."

She smiled softly and said, "Darling, please take me all three ways. I love taking you in my cunt, but I have other openings and I want you in them all. And I want to just have you cum over my body. This morning when I went down on you, I had my very first taste of a man's cum. But it was mixed with my own juices so I don't really know which was which." She went down on him and studied his prick which was now in its flaccid state. She looked up at him and smiled. "Darling, you are so masculine. Can I try?"

Without waiting for an answer, she lowered her head and began to kiss the tip of his prick. There was a drop of moisture on its head which she carefully licked off. As she kissed it, she could feel it begin to engorge. She put her mouth over it while it was still soft and could feel it lengthen inside her. She used her long sensitive fingers to caress his balls and then to caress the length of his cock. As it reached its full erection, she formed her mouth around it and started to lick and suck. She went up and down and used it to fuck her mouth. Finally, she could feel it move into her throat as she struggled to take its full length inside her. Meanwhile, Bill was stroking her back, her buttocks, and her hair.

As she worked on him, she could feel her cunt become wet. Bill now had his fingers inside her and was teasing her clit and working his fingers up and down her vagina. Suddenly, she could feel his weapon start to throb. She squeezed his balls with her fingers and could feel him start to explode. She started to swallow as fast as she could as she felt his weapon pulsate, pumping his syrup into her mouth. Soon it subsided and she lifted her head. Some of his cum had escaped and was around her mouth. She daintily licked it with her tongue, then went back to his cock and carefully licked all of it off. She could feel herself rising to a peak as a result of Bill's ministrations and she let go. Bill had moved her leg, and she responded by rolling on her back.

He was between her legs and had his lips on her cunt. She could feel his tongue entering her and licking at her syrup. He continued and then she could feel his teeth nipping at her clit. Suddenly, she let go again in an even larger flood of her cum. Still Bill worked on her. He carefully licked her dry, spreading her thighs as wide as possible. When she was dry he looked up at her, and pulled her towards him.

He took her in his arms and kissed her. She could feel his tongue darting into her mouth and could taste her juices on it. The kiss continued and then they lay back on the pillows.

"How was it, darling?" he asked softly.

"Bill, I love it! I really do. Was that my breakfast? Your cum is high in protein, isn't it? Can I have it every day?"

He smiled and said, "It's better taken vaginally. I think Barb calls it her protein injection: it's good for skin tone, muscle tone, and all that other good stuff."

He went back to gently stroking her body. When he felt her body softly shake, he looked up at her. Ali was softly laughing to herself. "What's so funny?" he asked.

Ali was lying on her back just looking at the ceiling and enjoying the feeling of his fingertips on her body. She turned her head to look at him and he could see her eyes sparkle with merriment. "I was just thinking, Bill: I've faked having sex in movies at least ten times more often than I actually had it. Isn't it a contradiction in terms to be a sex goddess who doesn't know anything about sex?"

She laughed and Bill moved his fingers up to her ribs and started tickling her.

"I'm not ticklish," she declared in a voice totally lacking in conviction. Bill continued to work on her ribs and suddenly Ali started laughing uncontrollably. She quickly rolled into a little ball and screamed "Please stop! Bill, you're killing me!"

He stopped his tickling and she peered over her shoulder at him, while still huddled to protect her ribs. He could see tears of laughter on her cheeks. "I thought you said you weren't ticklish?" he said.

"I did. I guess I wasn't too believable, though, was I? Actually, as you quickly found out, my ribs are sensitive as hell." She looked at him and frowned, "William Clifford, I think I hate you. Now that you know my secret I'll never be safe."

Bill leaned over and kissed her softly. Then he gently stroked her breasts, coaxing her nipples erect. She smiled and made happy noises deep in her throat. "I changed my mind," she whispered. "I still love you desperately. However, Mr. Clifford, it's taken me months to get over my starvation diet. Do I have to start another one so soon?"

Bill grinned at her and held out his hands. She took them and he pulled her up. They went into the bathroom and shared a sensual shower, and then got dressed. They ate and then played golf. Bill found that Ali was an excellent player even though she hadn't played in years.

They had planned to spend a month at Kapalua and did. It was a month of sexual experimentation and exercise. It was only a matter of days before Ali achieved her objective of taking Bill in all of her bodily openings. Once, near the end of their second week, Ali knelt on the floor and took Bill in her mouth. Just as she could feel his cock start to throb with its release, instead of taking him deep in her throat, she took it out and let his cum pour over her naked body, beginning between her breasts and then moving downward. Finally, she lay back and smeared it all over herself.

She grinned impishly up at Bill and said, "That was fun. But what a waste!"

He smiled and knelt down and licked it off her body. "Your tongue feels wonderful, Darling," she said softly, "I love it!"

-------

Towards the end of their stay Ali received a call from Ginger who had returned from her honeymoon and was back at work. "Ali, I just had to call you," she said. "I pulled an Ali! Charley came up to the office with an associate from his firm who is looking for a job. Her name is Sandra — not Sandy — Harris. Apparently, she came up for consideration as a partner and missed. Anyway, he brought her up to our office. She stepped into the ladies room and Charley grabbed my ass. Ali, I'm my mother's daughter: I just can't take it. Maybe we're anal erotic or something. Anyway, whenever Charley does it — which is often — I just melt. My knees get weak and I just sag back against him until he's ready for a kiss.

"Ms. Harris — not, Miss, please — came back just then and saw him. He went back to his office and then she let me have it. It was disgusting and didn't I have any sense of self-worth? I just looked at her and said, 'Where Charley is concerned, the answer is no.' I told her if Charley had wanted me — or even looked like he might — my clothes would be off and I would be on my back on the desk with my legs spread wide to welcome him. It wouldn't matter if half of Los Angeles was there with us.

"She asked how could I possibly maintain my pride and dignity. I told her I tried that once and it wasn't worth a shit. Pride and dignity don't keep you snugly on a cold night. I told her how every night I try to get as close to Charley as I can and mold my body to his. Then she says it's not fair: he should mold his to mine. I told her mine was more supple and softer. It fit better. Besides, it feels so good.

"How does it sound so far?" Ginger asked.

"It sounds vaguely familiar," Ali said, trying to sound thoughtful. "Of course!" she said brightly, "There was that poor person, Virginia something-or-other ... Whatever happened to her, do you suppose?"

"She probably got lost in the lavatory," Ginger said with a chuckle. "Anyway, I asked her why she had come up to see me. I pointed out that the senior partner in the firm was an old timer named Ali McGrath who was quite a sex symbol in the movies a few years ago. I told Sandra you were on your honeymoon and unless I was very wrong, your thighs are now like mine: They feel strange unless they're spread as wide as possible to welcome a wonderful cock into your cunt. Am I warm?" she asked.

"You're absolutely right! God, Ginger, it's great. I never knew it could be this good. Bill and I have been spending a lot of time at the nude beach. He says I am all shades of gold, except my eyes which reflect the color of the ocean. Ginger, with no modesty at all, I feel as sleek as a cat. And I think I look it, too. Does that answer your question?"

"Ali, I'm so happy for you! It couldn't happen to two nicer people. Anyway, it turns out Sandra wasn't elected to the partnership because she wears her feminism on her sleeve. Everything's an issue with her, starting with men rising when she enters the room: it's patronizing; holding doors: ditto; allowing her to precede: ditto. The interesting thing is she's a very attractive girl ... or would be if she didn't fight it so hard. Of course she's not in the same league as Virginia: no ugly contacts, no waist padding, no ugly dye jobs on the hair. But for an amateur, she does pretty well.

"Anyway, it seems she's a bit afraid of men ... or more accurately, afraid of herself around men. Strangely believe it, her last experience — five years ago, no less — resulted in her nearly raping her date. He took her, and she didn't want to let him go. She had achieved the first orgasm of her life and it almost blew her mind. She wanted desperately to have another. Anyway, the next day — and thereafter — she refused to speak to the guy. She was in danger of losing her personhood, whatever the hell that is.

"I talked to Charley. He says she's one of the best litigators in the city. And we're going to need one. You could be the very best, Ali, but you have other things to do. Can we try her as an associate? She's making $110,000 now. I'm going to offer her $60,000 if you approve. The girl needs some humility ... along with a kick in the tail. Oh, I nearly forgot. We both passed the bar exams ... in the top 1 percent, no less. And I'm prepared to file against Alliance Studios. Do you want me to file or wait until you get back?"

Ali spoke thoughtfully. "Ginger, I would appreciate it if you would get the papers filed ... very quietly. I would like to serve them in person. The facial expressions I expect to see will be a down-payment on the misery they have inflicted on me. Okay?" Ginger agreed and Ali continued, "Hiring Sandra for $60,000 is okay with me. If she's a good litigator, we'll have a lot of work for her. How's the rest of the staff?"

"Ali, they are great! Wait until you see. They're all waiting to meet the senior partner. When they ask, I tell them you're an older woman who is much prettier than I am with hair like gold and eyes the color of the Pacific. Oh, and with a smile that lights up the city. They're waiting with bated breath to meet you. You don't think I laid it on too heavily, do you Ali?"

"Too heavily? How could you, Ginger? You only told the simple truth!" Ali laughed and added, "Ging, we're having a glorious time. But thanks so much for calling and reminding me of life in the real world. We'll be back next week."

She hung up and smiled at Bill. He, too, now had a deep tan. With the exercise — both day and night — he was in better shape than he had been in years. He was naked and looking down at his groin. "I didn't think a prick could tan," he said. Ali stood up, also proudly naked. She went close to him and put his hand on her small pubic thatch which was now bleached almost white from the sun against the dark tan of her body.

"Do you like it, Bill? Or would you rather see my mound bare? Do you like what you see?" He reached out his hand and cupped it under her crotch. He inserted a finger into her slit and she came close to him. His prick was now growing erect. Ali just sat on his lap facing him with her thighs spread wide. She told Bill about what Ginger had said and added, "She's right, you know. This feels so natural. Now, not having my thighs spread wide to welcome you inside me feels strange."

His cock slid into her vagina that was now practiced to receive it and soon they both reached orgasm. By then, Ali's legs were wrapped around his back and her arms were around his neck. He pulled her close and crushed her breasts against his chest.

"Ali, I love you. It sounds so ... so inadequate. But I am madly, desperately in love with my wife." He kissed her and heard her murmur softly.

Gently pushing him away, she smiled. Her whole body lighted up. "Bill, I love you more than life itself. I adore you. I'm yours, darling, to do with as you wish. Is there anything I can do to make it better for you?"

He put his face in her golden hair and smelled her natural fragrance. Softly, he blew and watched her hair move, exposing her small ear. He kissed it and blew gently into it. Ali shivered and just hugged him more tightly.



-------

Chapter 8



Ginger was waiting for them at the security gate when Ali and Bill returned from Hawaii. She just stood and watched as they walked through and then shook her head slowly. She took Ali in her arms and kissed her and then kissed Bill. "I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Ali, you are absolutely out of this world! I can't imagine a girl looking more beautiful than you do now. You were right, you know. You have a deep golden tan, hair the color of yellow gold, and eyes the color of the Pacific. And joy? My God! I thought I looked happy when Charley and I returned. Looking at you, I'm going to ask him for my money back. Comparatively speaking, I must have been miserable!"

She smiled at them happily, then turned to Bill. "And Bill Clifford, you look younger than Charley. What happened to you? I know what happened to your wife. She's madly in love with you and really has that well-fucked look. What's your excuse?"

Bill just grinned and replied, "Ginger, I pulled the con job of the age. I was madly in love with an image on the screen: Ali McGrath. Then I hired her to pretend to be my wife. What I found was the image on the screen is just a pale imitation of the reality. In the flesh, she's glorious. Now I realize it was puppy love. I adore the person I conned into being my wife. It's absolutely the smartest thing I've ever done in my life!"

They went out to the waiting car, and Ali gave Fred a kiss which caused him to turn brick red and smile. "I missed you, Fred," she said. "We had a marvelous time, but it's good to be home."

They went back to the hotel and entered their suite. After Bill closed the door, he put his arms around Ali's waist. Her back was to him and she leaned back against him as he held her. Without a word, she stepped out of her shoes and started to slip off her clothes.

"What are you doing?" he asked softly.

"I don't want to ruin the lovely dress you bought me with our fluids when you take me here on the floor. Darling, I've been waiting for this," she replied. Her eyes were dancing with anticipation as she looked at him. Moments later they were naked and on the floor together. Ali now realized the extent to which their bodies had become attuned to each other. Bill entered her slowly and gently, and then they almost automatically crested together and exploded in unison.

Bill was lying on his back with Ali's head resting on his shoulder. "Darling, what more is there? Is there anything else you want?"

She turned her head to look at his face and nodded. He saw a wonderful smile as she whispered, "I want you to take me on the desk in my office with all the curtains open and in view of anyone who wants to look. Why do you think I rented that office, anyway? I was planning ahead. It will feel so wonderfully wicked!" She grinned, and added, "Darling, I'm afraid I have to get my poor overworked ass in gear. I have to put in an appearance with the troops." Reluctantly, she got to her feet and turned to offer her hands to pull Bill up. He just lay on his back, grinned, and shook his head.

"I like it just fine right here. The view is spectacular. I see a golden girl standing with her legs spread above me ... whoops!" Bill moved and put his mouth on her cunt. Ali remained standing with her legs spread while he licked their mixed cum that was starting to drip from her vagina. Her eyes were closed as she enjoyed the wonderful sensation. When he finished, she winked and went down on him, licking his now-flaccid cock.

She went back on her knees and said, "Bill, this is so much fun! Are you sure it's legal?"

He winked at her and said he just wanted to admire the beautiful view.

Ali quickly showered, dressed and went down to her car. She glanced at her watch and realized she would arrive at the office about two. Reaching the building, she went up to the thirty-eighth floor. When she got off the elevator, she got the same thrill she had a month earlier seeing her name in brass letters. Clifford & Jamison looks good,  she thought.

She walked in and was greeted by a young receptionist. For reasons she didn't fully understand, Ali was wearing her tight jeans and her chambray shirt with her hair back in a pony tail. Her shirt sleeves were rolled up because it was a very hot July day in Los Angeles. The girl looked up attentively when Ali entered and said, "Good afternoon, Miss. May I help you?"

Ali made a decision on the spur of the moment. "Yes, I hope so. I saw your firm name on the directory downstairs. I think I need a lawyer. Is either Mr. Clifford or Mr. Jamison available?" She gave the girl a very hesitant smile.

The girl replied, "Mrs. Clifford is out of the office, but Miss Jamison is in. Whom may I say is waiting to see her?"

Ali said, "The name is Allison."

The girl asked Ali to take a seat. She picked up the phone, buzzed Ginger and said, "Miss Jamison, there's a woman in the lobby to see you, a Miss Allison. She is looking for a lawyer and saw the firm name in the lobby. She doesn't have an appointment." She listened for a moment, smiled, and hung up. "She'll be right out, Miss Allison."

Ginger opened the door and came into the reception room. She held out her hand to Ali and said, "How do you do Miss Allison. I'm Virginia Jamison. Would you care to come back to my office?" Then she reached for Ali and the girls started to howl with laughter as they hugged each other. The receptionist looked at them as if they had lost their minds. Finally they regained control and turned toward her. Ginger had her arm around Ali's waist and said, "Judy, I would like to introduce you to our senior partner, Allison McGrath Clifford. Ali, that was a dirty trick to play on a new employee. This is Judy Jeffries, our receptionist."

Ali turned on her brilliant smile and said, "Judy, hi! Welcome to the firm. And please accept my apologies. Actually, you were wonderful: both friendly and businesslike. I hope you greet all our visitors that way." She grinned at the girl and said, "I'm serious. It wasn't a test. I just got back in town and put on these clothes. When I came in, and you looked up with that bright smile, I just thought I would have some fun. I hope you don't mind?"

By this time the girl's mouth was almost agape. She looked at the two partners side by side and was stunned. They were both very tall, very slender, very beautiful women. Ali separated from Ginger and held out her hand to Judy. "Welcome!"

Judy took the hand and shook it. With a grin, the two partners went back to the office area. Judy just shook her head in amazement. She had thought that Mrs. Conrad was the most beautiful woman she had ever met in her life. Then Mrs. Clifford appears and is even more beautiful. She decided she liked the firm of Clifford & Jamison.

Ginger led the way into Ali's office and pushed Ali toward the chair behind the desk. She sat down in a very comfortable leather-covered client's chair and slowly shook her head. "Ali, I give up. I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen before you went on your honeymoon. Now ... Ali, words fail me. I am so happy for you! Married life agrees with you, is all I can say. Now, Boss, if you would be so kind, pass your telephone over here."

Ali slid the instrument across the desk. Ginger picked it up, pressed the intercom button, and said, "Kathy, could you come into Mrs. Clifford's office, please?"

A very pretty girl with brown hair entered the office. She was wearing a yellow shirtwaist dress and had a stenographic notebook in her hand. Ginger turned to Ali and said, "Ali, I would like you to meet your secretary, Kathy Carlson. Kathy, this is our senior partner, Ali Clifford."

Ali stood up and held out her hand to greet the girl. Kathy's jaw dropped as she took her hand. "Mrs. Clifford," she stammered. "I'm stunned. I knew you were beautiful, but ... but ... you're breathtaking!"

"Kathy, that's very flattering. You are very lovely yourself." She turned to Ginger and said, "Would it be possible to get something to drink?" She then had a second thought and said, "Kathy, to get the introductions out of the way, could we get the staff into the conference room? Tell Judy to just lock the front door." She grinned and added, "I'll risk the loss of a client."

Kathy smiled and withdrew. "Am I screwing things up, partner?" Ali asked Ginger.

"Not at all!" she exclaimed. "I think it's a great idea. What's your plan?"

"I don't have one," Ali confessed. "It just seemed like a good idea. Am I interrupting anything?"

"Ali, everyone has been on tenterhooks waiting for you to appear. Everything to be done has been done. We're twiddling our thumbs, is what we're doing."

"Mrs. Conrad, would there be anything alcoholic around this place? Or is there just a choice of selected spring waters?"

Ginger grinned and replied there was a wide selection of liquor; she had decided they should have a liquor cabinet. Ali checked the Yellow Pages and called a caterer who promised to deliver hors d'oeuvres platters in thirty minutes. Then the two women went into the conference room. Judy and Kathy were already there. A small dark-haired girl entered who Ginger introduced as Joan Fredrick. Joan was their computer specialist and an expert at using Lexis and Nexus for their legal research. The last person to enter was Sandra Harris.

When Ali saw the girl, her first reaction was that she looked like Barbara Jamison without the sense of humor. In spite of the very warm weather in Los Angeles, Harris was wearing a suit with a blouse buttoned high on her neck. It was severely cut and was not relieved by jewelry or adornment of any kind. Ali looked at her closely and smiled. She saw indications that Sandra used a certain amount of makeup to enhance the severity of her appearance and play down any hint of femininity.

Ali put out her hand and said, "Hi, Sandy, I'm Ali Clifford. Welcome to the firm."

Harris took her hand in a very limp grip. Ali just shook her head slightly and winked in the direction of Ginger. Going to the head of the table, she sat down and asked if anyone had bartending experience. Joan grinned and said she had been working her way through Cal Tech tending bar, but she didn't have her uniform. Ali raised an eyebrow and the girl said she worked topless: It paid more. Ali grinned back and said that wouldn't be necessary. Joan took orders from the others but brought Ali a Sam Adams, a chilled glass, and a basket of thick beer pretzels.

Ali pretended to glare at Ginger and said, "Someone's been squealing. But thank you so much, Gin."

Ginger replied that regardless of what else there might be at their apartment, there was always Sam Adams and beer pretzels, "For when the senior partner deigns to visit the peasants," she added with a grin. Ginger then told the girls about her first meeting with Ali and its aftermath. "Ali, I still thank God that we didn't run out of Sam Adams or beer pretzels." With a glance at Sandra, she added, "If we had, I would still be a tight-assed little prig working downstairs."

Sandra looked on with obvious disapproval. Ali noticed that the other girls were bright, eager, and all very attractive. She was also surprised to see that they seemed to hold her in awe. Turning to Joan she said, "Okay, I give up. What gives? I can't remember seeing a set of faces looking like yours do now. You're all looking at me like I have measles or something."

Joan shook her head and said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Clifford. I don't know about the other girls, but I have never seen a person like you. I've seen several of your movies on TV, so I knew you were beautiful. But you made those films ten years or more ago. Honestly, you look younger now than you did then; you're more alive, more vibrant. And your appearance... ! I would bet my last dime you have no makeup on at all. Would I win?"

Ali nodded and smiled. "Thanks, Joan. But there's more to it, I think, isn't there?"

Now the younger girl reddened, "Yes, ma'am. You look like you ... like you just got out of bed with a man. I have never seen a girl look so ... so sleek. And you move like a cat. Anyway, I'm impressed. Whatever it is you've found, you can make a mint if you can bottle it!"

"Ginger, where did you find a girl with such intelligence, taste, good judgment and brains? Of course, she is laying it on a little thick, even to an ex-actress."

She smiled at Joan and said, "There's just one thing: the name is Ali, at least when there aren't any clients around. Particularly when I'm dressed like an urchin off the streets. Incidentally, Judy, thank you again for the very professional reception. If I had been sitting in your seat, I probably would have thrown me out. But in LA, particularly, you can't judge people by their dress." Then she said, "Ging, I was thinking when I walked in about your professional name. The name on the door is Clifford & Jamison. I was thinking about Clifford & Conrad, but Charley is downstairs. What do you think?"

"I think I'll stick to being Ginger Jamison in the firm, if it's all right with you, Ali. The Conrad name on the door could cause problems for Charley."

The other girls all had their drinks — Ali noticed Sandra was drinking club soda — when the door buzzer sounded. A waiter brought in three huge trays of hors d'oeuvres which were put in the middle of the huge conference table.

Ali leaned back and put her feet on the corner of the table. "You know, this really isn't too bad," she said with a smile. "Now, what have you been doing while I've been off working so hard."

Ginger raised an eyebrow and said, "Working? My, what a strange name for it. But Ali, I've never seen you look better ... or any other human look better, for that matter." She turned to Sandra and said, "You have the summary, Sandy. Did you bring it?"

Sandra got up, grimaced at Ginger — obviously a reaction to being called Sandy — and brought a file folder over to Ali. She opened it and quickly went through the material. There were eight pages in the folder, but Ali quickly discovered that it was a very brief synopsis of a great deal of material in the firm's files. Of particular interest were over twenty sworn affidavits detailing the extent of Alliance Studios' vendetta against Ali. There were statements from former employees of the studio, and people to whom the slanderous information had been given. Most surprising were five from present studio employees. Then there were the papers to be served. Ali had made up her mind she wanted to do that herself. She asked Sandra, as the firm's litigation specialist, if there was any problem with serving the papers herself. "I'll need a witness, of course, but aside from that, what do you think?"

Sandra frowned but said, "It's not normally done, but there's no legal reason why you can't. Do you have a reason?"

"I have an idea, Sandy, not a reason," Ali said thoughtfully. "Si Goldberg is a hothead. Moreover, he's a hothead who's used to always getting his own way. I have a tiny recorder that fits neatly into my purse. If you and I were to go over tomorrow and serve the papers on him personally there's a chance he'll say something that will help us hang his ass. Of course, if he doesn't there's no loss. What do you think?"

"I think it's a fine idea, Mrs. Clifford," Sandra said.

"Sandy — and it has to be Sandy, I'm afraid — the name is Ali ... all the time." Ali turned on her smile and said, "I have two announcements: First, this being Los Angeles, am I correct in assuming you all drive to work?" All the heads around the table nodded in unison. "I thought so. Well, we now have another ten parking spaces in the garage downstairs. Each of you gets one."

The girls grinned, and Joan let out a low whistle.

"The other thing is there is a new health club that just opened in the building. We have a firm membership with all of you included. Ginger and I have husbands who like us sleek and we love them dearly. Therefore, we intend to use the facilities. It's very comprehensive, I'm told. In some offices there are scheduled coffee breaks which I've always thought are a bit much. So instead, we'll have fitness breaks. Does that cause any problems?"

Kathy was the first to answer. "I think it's great! Will we be able to watch you and Mrs. Conrad work out, too?"

"I'm sure you will. And, although I didn't ask her first, I think she would rather be Ginger. Incidentally, I can assure you she's in great shape." Ali sighed deeply and added, "Oh, to be fifteen years younger!"

Ginger grinned and then grimaced, "Get a load of our senior partner. I think she's at least three months away from a wheelchair ... possibly as many as six! Allison Clifford, I dare you to take off all your clothes right now!"

Ali frowned, but got out of her chair. In a moment she had her shirt off with her Levi's following a moment later. She stepped out of her moccasins and then slipped off her tiny bikini. Her entire body was a deep golden tan with her pubic hair now bleached almost white. Her belly was flat and her breasts were full with their tiny still-pink nipples. She looked at Ginger and said, "Are you sure I've got six months?" She grinned and added, "How about you, Partner? From what I hear Charley's been putting a lot of miles on that chassis ... hard miles! Let's see."

Ginger shrugged and undressed but it took longer because she was wearing a business suit. When she was bare, she, too, was tanned all over, although hers was a lighter tan. Her belly was flat, her breasts were also full, and her hips, thighs, and buttocks were perfect.

Joan said, "My God! If I looked like our bosses, I could have made a mint! I don't know if they're good lawyers — everything I know says they are — but they sure as hell have to be the most beautiful name partners in the country!" The girls applauded while Ginger and Ali dressed.

Ali sat down again and said, "The answer to your question is you will see the partners bare. You just did, and I hope no one was terribly offended. Anyway, why don't you keep the party going while I talk to Sandy for a few minutes in my office."

Ali went into her office followed by Sandra Harris. Ali motioned her to take a chair and closed the door. Ali still had her beer in her hand but noticed Sandra's hands were empty. She sat on the sofa, while Harris turned her chair to look at Ali attentively. "Sandy, you don't approve of Ginger or me, do you?"

Sandra was taken aback by the frankness of the question. "Well ... Why ... No, Mrs. Clifford, I guess I really don't," she admitted.

"Why not?"

"Why ... You're not professional! You don't respect yourselves. If every woman were like you, we would be set back 500 years. You represent everything we've been fighting against, and being a woman, you are the worst!" Sandra's voice was growing heated and she really began to unload. "If you were a man, you would be a male chauvinist pig — an MCP. Being a woman, I don't know what I should call you."

"What about taking off my clothes in the conference room?" Ali asked quietly, ignoring the girl's outburst.

"It was utterly disgraceful! Disrobing in a business conference room, indeed! With the employees present, too. It's disgusting!"

"If it had been in the health-club locker room, what difference would it have made?" Ali continued.

"That would be all right as long as employees weren't present. How can you maintain office discipline if you're nude?" Sandy protested.

"A few corrections: First, I didn't disrobe. I undressed or, more accurately, stripped. I often strip for my husband. He likes to see me uncover my body slowly. We found that Sally Rand and Mae West had it right: If you really want to excite a man, you show it coming off, not off. A woman's naked body isn't terribly exciting. Second, I wasn't nude, I was naked. I imagine you can tell that Ginger and I spend a lot of our time that way. Although it loses something in excitement, it makes us more available to our husbands.

"Sandy, let me tell you something. I exist to give my husband pleasure. And you know what? I love it! While I'm trying to please him, I give myself extraordinary pleasure. Everyone says I now glow. It's what my best friend calls a well-fucked look. Believe me, I am very well fucked. I can't describe how I feel when Bill, my husband, gives me one orgasm after another after another. Do you know something? I often don't last through the final one. It knocks me out! Literally. I lose consciousness from a sensory overload. It seems that the whole of my being is concentrated in my loins. His enormous weapon is ravaging my insides, my thighs are spread and my legs are around his neck so he can get maximum penetration. It feels like he's in my stomach, he's so large. I cum several times and sometimes I pass out. I'm getting better, though: I retain consciousness four times out of five now. Sandy, it's what I was made for.

"But you said I'm betraying women. Why? I think I paid my dues ... in full. You've been involved in my case. What do you think about it?"

Sandra had been watching in amazement. "But you can't say things like that! You can't be like that! It's a betrayal of women everywhere. We need to be respected for our brains, not for what's between our legs," she protested.

Ali smiled and shook her head, "You don't understand, do you? I invest money — over $1 billion. I started with a small sum and built up because I outperformed all the other professional managers. It's not because of — or in spite of — being a woman. Sandy, how much money did you spend on your education through law school?"

"Thousands. I don't know, maybe $75,000. Why?"

"Was it your money, borrowed money, or your parents' money?"

"My parents' money. But what does that have to do with anything?" Sandra asked.

"It has this to do with it," Ali replied. "I paid for my education at Kansas, waiting on tables during the day, and working nights, while still studying. I paid for my MBA program and law school. I almost starved to death finishing law school. I guess I resent being told what I should and shouldn't do by someone who had it all paid for. Where do you get your ideas from, anyway? The Women's Caucus?"

"A lot of it comes from there. But they're right!" Sandy insisted.

"Sandy, who are they? Aren't they largely a bunch of lesbians? Aren't they mostly the same people — at least the leadership — who are in the Gay & Lesbian Alliance?" Ali persisted.

"A lot of them are, but so what?"

"Are you a lesbian?" Ali asked quietly.

Sandy recoiled as if Ali had slapped her face. "Of course not! And that is a terrible thing to say!"

"Why is it so terrible? You're taking your signals from them, particularly with respect to male-female relationships. If the people sending the signals hold a set of attitudes with which you are in violent disagreement — and based on your reaction to my question about your sexual orientation, I assume they are — why would you automatically accept their positions?"

Sandra looked bewildered and didn't answer. Ali continued, "How much did Ginger tell you about our first meeting?"

"Not much. She referred to it, of course. I know there's some connection with the beer and pretzels you had, but that's about all."

"I understand from Ginger that you had a wonderful sexual experience awhile ago. It seems it scared you, though. Is that true?"

Sandra looked startled. "I ... I guess so. It wasn't right. Mrs. Clifford, I completely lost control. It was awful!"

"And you felt like a depository for a man's sexual fluids? Something like that?"

"No. It was something else. I ... I lost control. I was thrashing and screaming..."

" ... it felt so good you wanted it never to end," Ali finished for her.

When Ali's words registered, she looked startled. "Why did you say that?" Sandy gasped. "That's exactly how I felt."

"Because that's what Ginger used to say. Actually, she was in worse shape than you are. She actually went to the trouble and expense of getting contact lenses to change her eye color. Then she dyed her hair an awful mouse-brown, and even wore padding to conceal her gorgeous figure. And that was all because she had had an orgasm, tried to keep the guy from leaving because she wanted another, and then panicked the next morning. She never spoke to him again. When we met, the only reason she was willing to do something was she had met Charley Conrad, loved him, and wanted to win him. I'm sure it's obvious that it worked."

She stopped and looked at Sandy closely. "Tell me, Sandy, does Ginger look used and abused? Used, yes. Abused, no. Do you agree?"

Sandra gave a very small smile, the first one Ali had seen. "She's madly in love with Charley, and he's wildly in love with her. But my God! He comes in here and I saw him grab her ass and she didn't even slap him! And it was in public!"

"How public?" Ali asked.

"Well, it was in her office, but the door was open."

"What did she do?"

"She seemed to melt. Then she turned her head and kissed him. I would have slapped his face!" Sandy said emphatically.

"Why?"

"Why ... why, it's disgraceful. It's demeaning to her personhood."

"But it feels so great! I guess all of us — Ginger, Ginger's mother, Barbara, me — are anal erotic or something. All I know is when Bill grabs my buns I feel my knees turn to water and I want to spread my legs to welcome him inside me. What about you?"

Sandy looked bewildered. "You do? You really do? A girl with everything — with outrageous beauty, a woman any man would put up on a pedestal — you feel that way?"

"Sandy, it's cold and drafty on a pedestal. I want to feel warm and snugly and loved. I can't tell you how I feel each night. Regardless of how many times during the day we've made love, the best one is at night. Lately, it's been relaxed and slow. Bill takes me up through several small orgasms. Nothing is rushed or frenzied. Then I explode and he just caresses my body while I recover. Then I snuggle as close to him as my body can get — I mold myself to him — and he cups his hand over my tit while my head is on his shoulder. I put my hand over his and I'm asleep. I wake up that way — with his hand still there. I've never felt so good in my life."

"You're serious, aren't you?" Sandy asked. "You're not just teasing me to make me feel better."

"Now I don't understand. Why would what I just said make you feel better?"

"Because ... because that's the way it was with me and Jack. I thought there was something wrong with me. Ali, he was inside me. I started to explode. I totally lost control. It was like you said earlier: all of my feeling was in my vagina." The girl's expression changed. "My cunt, damn it! All the feeling was in my cunt. I just freaked out. It was so wonderful!"

Ali watched the girl's face start to crumple and she began to cry. "But you're telling me that was normal. And I booted it away, all by myself. What can I do?" The girl sat on the chair with tears pouring down her cheeks. Ali went to her desk and got a box of tissues. Then she sat next to the girl and watched her, realizing that Sandy was looking very beautiful in spite of her tears. Ali knew that for the first time Sandy was looking human, feminine, and vulnerable. She passed her the tissue and Sandy slowly regained control. She looked at Ali with a little smile. "Do you think there's any hope for me?" she asked.

Ali said, "Do you feel like trying the health club? I could give you a better answer afterwards."

Sandy shrugged, dried her eyes and stood up. The girls went down to the health club located in the building's basement. "Do you swim?" Ali asked. Sandy smiled shyly and said she did. The girls went into the dressing room, undressed and went to the pool. Ali saw that Sandy had a beautiful figure. She knifed into the pool and the two of them started swimming laps. As a result of her time in Maui, Ali was in near-perfect physical condition. She realized that Sandy obviously exercised a great deal as well.

They showered and went back up to the office. When they were back in Ali's office she asked, "How do you feel now? You look better."

Sandy was smiling more easily now. Ali realized the girl appeared relaxed for the first time since they had met. "I feel much better," Sandy replied. "But Ali, I'll ask you again: Is there any hope for me?"

Ali looked at the girl thoughtfully. "Sandy, may I be frank?" Sandy nodded. "First, would you like a drink? Something stronger than club soda?"

"Could ... Could I have a martini?" the girl asked diffidently.

Ali picked up her phone and buzzed the conference room. She asked Joan to bring her another beer and a very dry martini for Sandy. She kept a straight face as she heard a yip from the other room. A couple of minutes later Joan appeared with the drinks. "Sandy, what did they tell you downstairs? When you learned you were not going to be elected a partner?"

"Not much. It was one of those 'many are called but few are chosen' kind of things. Why?"

"I thought as much. Sandy, they weren't being honest. The fact is you were considered much too abrasive ... inside the firm. The word is that you had more prickles than a briar patch. It just got to be too hard to deal with you. No one could relax because they were always waiting for the roof to fall on them whenever they said or did anything to which you would take offense. I gather the list of things to which you had taken offense was long and growing fast. Was that a fair assessment?"

Sandy smiled ruefully. "I'm afraid it was," she said softly.

"Ginger tells me we were advised not to hire you. They said they couldn't deal with you, even though they have over seventy-five professionals. They said a person like you could be very destructive in a small firm like ours. At the same time they said you may be the best litigator in Los Angeles. That's the reason you lasted as long as you did with them. In short, they decided they would rather live with someone who was less than the best with whom they could live. You were ultimately rated more trouble than you are worth." Ali was looking at the girl thoughtfully as she spoke, and added, "It's a pretty harsh judgment, I'm afraid."

"A very accurate one, though. Ali, I was — am — a real pill. There's nothing more I can say. I would like to say I was discriminated against as a woman. I guess it's what I kept telling myself, feeling more bitter by the minute. But do you know what? I'm supposed to be very good at persuading juries. This time I couldn't even persuade myself! All I can say is I'll try my best to change."

Sandy had been sipping her martini. She got up, took off her jacket, unfastened the top buttons of her blouse, and smiled at Ali. "Can I try?"

Ali just grinned, stood up, and took Sandy into her arms. Ali kissed the girl soundly causing Sandy to almost collapse from the flow of pure love. After she regained control the two girls went back to the conference room together.

When they entered Sandy said, "Hi, guys. I'm Sandy Harris. I want to apologize for being such a gold-plated bitch. Joan, the martini was marvelous. Could I please have another?"

There was an audible sigh of relief from the other women. Then Ginger motioned to Ali and they went to Ginger's office. Ginger held out her hand and they shook. "Congratulations, Boss. I knew you could do it. The girls were about ready to lynch Sandy, but I told them you would solve the problem, and you apparently did. What do we do now?"

Ali grinned. "First, I'm calling Bill. You and Charley have had our view all to yourselves for weeks, but now it's our turn. Ginger, I get wet just thinking about getting fucked on my desk. It's another beautiful day in LA and it will be a clear night. The next thing we want to do is see if we can find the guy Sandy had her experience with. It may not be too late."

There was a knock on the door. Ali checked her watch and was surprised to see it was six-thirty already. Ginger went to the door and admitted Charley who immediately gave his wife a soft kiss. Ali could see her legs weaken as she melted in his arms. Hand in hand they entered the office.

"Darling," Ginger said, "we've been evicted. In spite of the beauty of the evening, Mrs. Clifford, our senior partner, has commandeered her office."

Charley went to Ali and gave her a kiss. "Welcome home, Ali. God, you look fabulous. How do you feel?"

Ali gave him a grin and replied, "Sinful. Charley, I've never felt so good in my life. Do you really think I look all right?"

Charley faked a punch at Ali and looked at his wife, "Honey, may I hit her? I've seen people fish for compliments, but Ali takes the cake. Do you think she looks all right?"

Ginger looked at him and replied, "It's not fair. I saw her naked a little earlier. All I can say, darling, is, thank God you weren't here. All right? I think incredible is better. Fabulous — your word — is okay. She's an absolute knockout. Ali, you never looked nearly this good at the peak of your movie career. I don't think I look so bad but I'm lost in the shadows when you're around."

Ali, meanwhile, had picked up the phone, called Bill and made arrangements for him to pick her up for dinner at the office. When all the people had left for the day, she met Bill downstairs and they went to a small restaurant nearby for dinner. When they finished, Ali took him up to the office, only turning on the lights in the lobby area. They went into her office, opened the drapes, and she stood in front of him back-lighted by the lights of the city. Bill unbuttoned her shirt and then unbuckled her jeans and let them slide from her hips. He eased her bikini over her hips and ran his fingers lightly over her nearly-white pubic hair. His fingertips ran lightly over her body as she worked to undress him. Finally, they were both standing naked in the light coming in the window.

"You're gorgeous, my beautiful wife. How did I get so lucky?"

Ali smiled at him from the shadows. "Darling, your wife needs you ... desperately. I am going to start dripping on my carpet in another few seconds. Please take me."

He lifted her up on her desk, and she spread her legs wide to welcome him. He moved closer and she wrapped her supple legs around his hips. Soon she was cresting repeatedly. When she achieved her orgasm this time she retained consciousness. While Bill was still in her, she ran her fingers over him. She could feel the last pulsations of his discharge and the last contractions in her cunt. "How was it, darling?"

Bill faked a punch at her jaw. "Ali, it could not be better. It just couldn't."

She raised her body from the desk-top and sat on the edge. Then she went to the window and stretched. She came over to him and kissed him lovingly. "Thank you, darling, for humoring me. It was something I've wanted to do ever since I first saw this office." He returned her smile and said it was fun. She gave him a quick grin, then they dressed and returned to the hotel.



-------

Chapter 9



The next morning Ali arrived at the office early. She thought she would be opening it up but was surprised to see all the other girls were already there. They were sitting around the table in the conference room and jumped up as she entered.

Sandy looked embarrassed and said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Clifford. It's all my fault. Judy and Kathy were here when I arrived and then Joan came in. I said it was all right to have coffee in the conference room." Kathy took the opportunity to whisper to Ali that Sandy had brought in coffee cake for the office.

Ali looked down at her waist and then looked at the coffee cake. "Do you think I dare?" she asked no one in particular. The next thing she knew, she was hit on the head with an empty Styrofoam cup. She looked at Sandy and saw her grinning. "That is the absolute end, Mrs. Clifford. I can't take it! If you can't eat it, no one here can. And I don't think any of us are fat."

"Why Sandra Harris, I do believe you assaulted me. In fact, I might be able to persuade the jury it was a battery. Joan, you're the Lexis whiz, what do you think? I may even be bruised! Cut, even. You can't be too careful with that sharp Styrofoam."

Joan Fredrick came over to Ali and pretended to look at her scalp. "I think I can almost see where you were assaulted, Mrs. Clifford. Should I call the police?"

Suddenly Ali's face turned grim and she said, "The police will be here to pick up the pieces after a real-life remake of The Texas Chain-Saw Massacre if you clowns don't stop calling me Mrs. Clifford. The name is Ali! I'm old enough without you teenyboppers trying to put me in a wheelchair!" She turned to Sandy and said, "And as for you! Did you bring in the coffee cake?"

Sandy turned beet-red and nodded. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Clifford — no, I mean Ali — I did. I'm sorry and it won't happen again."

Suddenly Ali smiled her sunshine smile and said, "Why, in hell, not? I think it's a great idea." After taking a bite, she added, "It's great coffee cake, too. Just be sure it's on your expense account."

"I beg your pardon?" Sandy said, puzzled.

"Buying goodies for the office is a firm function, Miss Harris, it is not a personal expense. But you all better be sure you workout today in the health club. I will not be a party to creating a bunch of lard-asses. Incidentally, I think this is a great idea. Do we have any orange juice?"

Joan Fredrick blushed. "I'm sorry, Ali. I'm responsible for our stores and didn't get any."

Again Ali smiled her brilliant smile. "Would you teenyboppers quit being so damned apologetic? And as for you, Mrs. Carlson, where in hell is my coffee? Don't you have any sense of priorities?"

Kathy grinned at Ali and pretended to shake. She brought her the coffee, stripped off her shirtwaist dress and knelt on the floor. "Please, Mrs. Clifford, not more than ten lashes! I promise it will never happen again."

Kathy was jack-knifed over with her forehead touching the floor. Ali took advantage of the opportunity and started to tickle the girl's ribs. In a moment, she was rolling on the floor, laughing uncontrollably. Finally, she wrapped herself in a ball and Ali got up. Looking up from the floor, Kathy's eyes were glinting with laughter. "Please, Ali, the whip. I can't take being tickled. May I buy you a whip at lunchtime?"

Ali grinned at her secretary and said to the group, "Kathy's bragging. She just wanted an opportunity to show off her figure. Of course, Kathy, you are getting a little heavy in the thighs, and your stomach..."

Kathy looked alarmed and looked down, first at her flat belly and then at her shapely thighs. The other girls started to howl with laughter. Joan said, "Don't worry about it, Kathy. You look great ... for a mere mortal. Not in the class with our exalted partners, but who is?"

Kathy quickly put her dress back on and the banter continued. Ali noticed that Sandy looked very pretty and was joining in. It was clear she was trying to get along with the other girls and appeared genuinely relaxed. Ali also noticed that she looked very feminine that morning.

She glanced at her watch and said, "Sandy, shall we get this show on the road?"

Sandy jumped up, went to her office to retrieve papers and then joined Ali in hers. "Ali, here's all the stuff and it's an impressive stack. We have a summons and complaint for slander, breech of contract, and a RICO complaint [Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act] for triple damages. We are alleging a conspiracy, sustained over time, designed to deprive you of your civil rights. Then there is more Federal stuff, including a violation of your civil rights. We even have a California criminal complaint for grand theft: your residuals.

"Incidentally, Ali, guess what we found? In your papers were copies of three letters you sent to the studio formally requesting your residual payments for the television use of your films. None were answered." She smiled at Ali and continued, "Boss, I think we have a very good case. I can't wait to get it to court!"

Ali grinned and said, "Okay, coach, put me in! We'll take my car. I have an idea to surprise Si Goldberg. Shall we?" They went down to the garage and took Ali's convertible. "Which car is yours?" Ali asked.

Sandy looked at her and said wryly, "Guess."

"It has to be the Volvo. Right?"

"What else would a sober young attorney drive? It must be a serious car, after all." Sandy smiled at Ali and said, "Ali, would you do me a favor?"

"Sure," Ali replied, "what?"

"Ali, I'm still new at this relaxing business. Would you come with me to look at cars if we have some time this afternoon? For obvious reasons I'm getting rid of that one." She grinned at Ali and added, "It really is pretty tacky, isn't it? And Ali, could we drive with the top down? I get a sexy thrill from it ... I guess that's why I always avoided convertibles. But I love them! And could you come car shopping with me?"

"I would love to, Sandy. I won't comment on the rest, though."

They drove up to the gates of Alliance Studios. Fortunately it was where her hair stylist had his studio so she just waved at the guard who knew her. This time, however, she drove to the general offices. Ali was wearing a cord suit and a simple silk blouse. The girls got out of the car and walked in. Ali waved at the receptionist and walked into Goldberg's office. The door to his private office was open and she could hear him talking on the phone. His secretary looked up attentively, but Ali just smiled and walked by into the private office.

Goldberg looked up, startled. He told the other party that he would call him back and hung up. "What are you doing in here, Ali? You don't have an appointment."

"Of course not, Si. We have nothing to discuss. I just have a few things to deliver." As she was talking, she was opening her attaché case on his desk. "Here's one, and another, and another, and another. Si, you are now served with summons and complaints from both California and Federal courts. There's one here you'll particularly like: It's a California criminal warrant for your arrest for grand theft." She smiled at him and said, "Wear them in good health!" She closed her briefcase and started to leave.

"What is this shit?" he exclaimed. "You can't do this to me. I'll sue your ass!"

Ali smiled coldly, "I'm afraid you'll have to get in line. Right now, I'm suing you."

"Why you filthy bitch! I was just being nice to you. Some of my boys felt we should really do a number, but I told them it would be better if we just kept you from working and withheld your residuals. You don't have a case! I've got the best lawyers in town. You're just ... just a cheap two-bit little whore." He picked up the summonses and started to tear them up. "This is what I think of your fake legal documents!"

Ali just looked at him and said, "Your wonderful lawyers are going to be annoyed, Si. Now they won't even know what you're being sued for. And tearing up the criminal warrant is a no-no. You'll be hearing from the Los Angeles police." She smiled a very cold smile. "Good bye for now, Si. I'll see you in court."

With a scream of rage, Goldberg came charging around his desk with his arms outstretched. He screamed, "You bitch! I'll kill you!"

He looked like he was going to grab Ali by the throat and strangle her. Just as he was about to grab her, she moved. She drove the fingers of her right hand, held closely together, straight into his solar plexus. Goldberg folded up like a jackknife. Ali grabbed the back of his head with both hands and drove his face into her rising knee. There was a sickening crunch as his nose was smashed against her kneecap. The man collapsed on the floor moaning while Ali calmly gathered her things together and left with Sandy. Goldberg was just trying to sit up as they left his office. They could hear his obscenities as they walked out the door.

When they were headed back toward the office, Sandy breathed an audible sigh of relief. "Ali, what did you do? I'm a shrinking violet. I was scared stiff when he came charging around his desk at you. He had blood in his eyes, and I thought I was about to be the witness to a murder. Suddenly you moved and he folded up. What did you do?"

Ali grinned and replied, "It comes from a misspent youth. As you probably gathered from the files, I didn't get along with the powers that be in the studio, so I started to hang out with the stunt people. They're good folks who generally have their heads screwed on straight. Anyway, they're always practicing moves of one kind or another.

"What you saw was a karate knife. You hold your fingers together and drive it in like a knife blade at the solar plexus. If you do it right — get the right spot — you can feel the backbone with your fingertips. I got it right this morning. Si folded up and I just grabbed his head and mashed his nose on my knee." She glanced at Sandy and asked, "Did I do all right?"

Ali could see Sandy grin out of the corner of her eye. "Ali, you were perfect. May I please apologize? This morning Kathy took off her dress and prostrated herself on the floor. Maybe she'll let me borrow the whip. God, what a fool I've been! Here I was running off at the mouth yesterday about how you are subjugated by men! All I can say is I would love to be as downtrodden as you are. And then you level that slob this morning without mussing your hair. Ali, I'm an idiot." She smiled ruefully, then brightened. "I hope your tape recorder worked. Did you remember to turn it on?"

"I sure did," Ali replied. "Assuming it picked up what we heard, how's our case?"

"Ali, if it has it all, Goldberg's ass is grass and I'm going to delight in being the lawn mower!"

Back at the office Ali asked Kathy to come into her office. They put the tape on a player and started it. Ali whooped with joy as the tape replayed the events in Goldberg's office with startling fidelity. When it was over, Ali looked at Kathy and asked her if she could transcribe the tape.

The girl's eyes were gleaming with excitement. "Bet on it, Ali. This is going to be fun! There are some very interesting sounds at the end of the tape, before Goldberg started screaming. What happened?" Sandy told her how Ali had cut him down with her karate knife and then smashed his face against her knee. Kathy was very calm. She looked at Ali and said, "Ali, may I look at your knee? You may need treatment for rabies or something."

Ali pulled up her skirt and looked down. "He's got a big nose, but not a very strong one. I don't even think I have a bruise." She looked up at Sandy and grinned. "Do you suppose I could swear out an assault and battery complaint? Assaulting my knee with his nose?"

Sandy smiled a very cold smile, then picked up the phone and called the police. She identified herself and said she was reporting an attempted murder. Then she was transferred to the Detective Division and spoke to a sergeant. After explaining the events of the morning, she ended with the comment that the whole exchange was recorded on tape. It turned out the officer knew Sandy from her pro bono work with Legal Aid. He said he would be right up to hear the tape, and would bring a criminal complaint form with him.

A few minutes later Judy buzzed. She said two policemen were in the lobby to see Miss Harris. Sandy showed them into the office and introduced them to Ali. They reviewed the events of the morning and finally played the tape for them. The police were particularly impressed with Goldberg's screamed threat. They took careful notes and left with a copy of the tape.

Two days later they were in the courtroom for Goldberg's arraignment. Sandy had prepared perfectly. She insisted that a peace bond for $1 million be posted by Goldberg to be sure he stayed away from Allison McGrath Clifford. She then served Goldberg with papers seeking a permanent injunction against Alliance Studios to prevent it paying any money for Goldberg's legal defense.

When Sandy served the papers, Goldberg, his nose bandaged and his eyes blackened, went berserk again. With the courtroom full of spectators and in the presence of the judge, he again tried to attack Ali. It had a similar but even more painful result than the prior session. This time Ali flipped him with a judo move and broke his arm. He was quickly subdued by court officers. The judge immediately ordered him held in jail pending the posting of a peace bond. His attorneys were questioned and admitted they were retained by Alliance Studios. Goldberg was in serious trouble as he was taken away to the prison ward at the hospital to have his broken arm treated.

That evening, Ali was lying in Bill's arms as she told him what had happened. When she finished she turned to look at his face. "Darling, do you think I'm being too vindictive?"

"Honey, it looks to me like you're going to win this case and win it big. It's clear there was an active effort led by Goldberg to ruin your career and break you. I think he's getting what he deserves. By the way, how's Sandy doing these days? I remember you telling me about her prickly reputation at her old firm."

"She's doing great, Bill. She has really loosened up. She's in the process of replacing her wardrobe and has already replaced her car. She bought a convertible that she'll be picking up in a couple of days. I really like her, and so do the other girls in the office now."

-------

Three weeks later Ginger came bouncing into her office, bubbling over with excitement. "Ali, I think I found him!" she exclaimed.

Ali looked up from a report Ginger and Sandy had prepared for Boeing and said, "Found who? I didn't know you were looking for anyone."

"I found Jack Benson! Sandy's dream, remember? He's still in Los Angeles ... Orange County, actually. He's a very successful aeronautical engineer. And he's still single. What do you think?" They talked about it for a while. Then Ali called him up and introduced herself. It was a Friday morning and she asked if he could meet her for a drink after work. They agreed on a quiet bar on the ground floor of Ali's building at four o'clock.

That afternoon Ali was sitting in a corner booth when the maître d' brought a tall man to the table. Ali knew he was thirty-five but he appeared younger. He had brown hair, brown eyes, was six feet two, and moved like an athlete. Ali held out her hand and gripped his, apologizing for not getting up. She had positioned herself so Jack would be in the booth with his back to the door. Since the back of the booth rose above head height, he was hidden from the view of anyone coming into the lounge. They chatted and Ali learned he had been out of the country for several years on technical assignments abroad. He had returned for a management job only a few months earlier. She also found out he had no plans for the weekend.

Ali had made a date to meet Sandy at five o'clock. As the time passed, she became increasingly nervous. If Sandy hits me or quits flat,  she thought, it will only be what I deserve for meddling in things that are none of my affair. A few minutes before five she saw Sandy striding up to the table, and Ali waved. She noticed how much Sandy had changed in just a few weeks. Now she smiled all the time, was very relaxed and looked beautiful.

When she got to the booth she was about to slide in across from Ali when she saw Jack Benson. Ali said, "Sandy, I think you know Jack Benson. Jack, do you remember Sandy Harris?"

Jack was sitting on the outside of the booth. He slid out, got to his feet, and held out his hand. Instead of taking it, Sandy took him in her arms and kissed him. It was obvious that Jack's immediate reaction was surprise but he almost instantly recovered. Their kiss held and he put his arms around her, holding her close. Finally, they parted.

He held her and looked at her carefully. "My God, Sandy, what happened to you?"

Sandy smiled warmly and said, "Jack, Ali happened to me. I know that sounds weird but with a lot of luck maybe you'll understand, some day." Ali saw Sandy's expression change suddenly. She now knew the girl well enough to know that she was seeing fear in her eyes. "Where's your wife, Jack? Don't tell me she lets you run around loose."

Jack still had his hands around her waist. He smiled warmly and said, "There is no wife. No girlfriend. No girl at all. But Sandy, what about your husband? You look absolutely gorgeous! I've thought about you often."

Sandy smiled warmly but made no effort to move away from him. The look of fear in her eyes immediately disappeared. "No husband, no boyfriend." She stepped closer and kissed him again. When they separated she said, "Come on, Benson. I owe you! Ali, I'll see you Monday morning." Jack looked befuddled as Sandy took his hand and started to lead him out of the lounge. Ali just shook her head and waved.

-------

Ali and Bill spent Saturday and Sunday playing golf with Charley and Ginger. Bill's game had improved dramatically. From the mid-90's, he was now playing in the low 80's, with an occasional round in the 70's. He and Ali had fierce matches. Over the weekend it was the men against the women, and for the two rounds, it ended up dead even.

Monday morning Ali was at the office early. She brought sweet rolls in with her and went into the conference room. It had become the usual thing for the girls to come in early, eat together and idly chatter. By eight o'clock everyone was there except Sandy who was usually one of the first to arrive.

At eight-fifteen they heard the front door open. Moments later Sandy came into the room. She stood with her legs apart, then, moving strangely, sat down in the chair next to Ali. When she sat down, she put her head back against the chair and spread her legs wide.

"Allison Clifford you have destroyed me," she said softly. Her eyes were nearly closed as she continued, "I am so stiff, I can hardly move. I'm sore in places I never knew I had places. The only way I can feel close to normal now is to have my thighs spread as wide as possible. I don't think I got more than two hours sleep since Thursday night. And it's all your fault. I hope you're satisfied!"

Sandy opened one eye and located Kathy. "Kathy, as a purely humanitarian gesture, could you please get me a cup of coffee? Very black! As a matter of fact, let's try about a gallon of coffee."

Ali went to the girl and hugged her. "Sandy Harris, you look magnificent ... even without sleep. You have that 'you know what' look."

Sandy took the coffee and had a sip. She looked up at Ali who could see the girl's eyes glowing. "You mean I have that well-fucked look?" She looked at the other girls and asked, "What do the rest of you think?"

Almost in unison the girls said, "You look well fucked!"

Ali said, "How's Jack this morning?"

Sandy grinned and replied, "He's a creep. He's calling in sick. Would you believe he didn't even get out of bed to kiss me goodbye? After we made love this morning he just gave me this shit-eating grin and rolled over to go back to sleep while I have to come in here to work my fingers to the bone!" She looked at Ginger and then at Ali. "Could I talk to you two alone, please?"

They went into Ali's office and closed the door. Ali grinned as she saw that Sandy not only brought her coffee with her but brought the rest of the pot as well. They sat down and looked at Sandy, waiting for her to speak. The girl looked from one to the other and then her lips formed a wry smile. "I hope you two are happy! I am utterly destroyed. I wanted to ask how you two do it? Particularly you, Ali. Your partner is just a kid. I'm thirty, but you're older than I am. How in hell do you do it? I ache all over. Then I think of Jack and my crotch is instantly soaking wet. Is this the way it is with you two?"

Ali and Ginger looked at each other and nodded. They turned to Sandy and said in unison, "Sure is!"



-------

Chapter 10



Ali and Bill were having dinner together following his return from Seattle and a Boeing board meeting. He was looking at his wife and his love showed in his eyes. "Darling, you just achieved a coup," he said. "Homer Cumings told me your appraisal of their policies was brilliant. He also asked about your firm. It seems their counsel are dazzled with your people, particularly Ginger and Sandy. They couldn't stop talking about how pleasant they are and how effective they are with the employees.

"It seems they give you credit for heading off at least five major lawsuits. Apparently some women's rights groups in Seattle are getting pissed off. Every time they think they have a case against Boeing, they lose their plaintiff. This is off the record, honey, but Homer wants you to increase your fees. He thinks something on the order of $200,000 per month would be more appropriate. But what is going on?"

Ali smiled and took Bill's hand. "Honey, nothing's going on. It just seems that whenever there's a problem, one of us goes up to Seattle. So far, it's played the same way every time. It's always been some professional woman who feels abused. Bill, you know we're pretty freewheeling at the office. In fact, you might say we get pretty bawdy. It's like a men's locker room, only with women. Anyway, I guess it shows. Our people are pretty relaxed. Sandy and Ginger are better at it than I am. They just sit and listen to some tale of woe and then tell the girl something from their own experience. Then we usually follow up with a little coaching and counseling. Then she withdraws the complaint. It's funny sometimes. So far we've always been able to get the girls to come around."

She looked at Bill and said, "I had a strange day today, too. I got a call from Harry Bradford. He's the managing partner in Charley's law firm. He wanted to have lunch, so I met him at the luncheon club on the roof. We were sitting by the window and he just looked at me. Finally, he shook his head. He said he couldn't understand how we do it. I asked him, 'Do what?' Do you know what he said?"

Bill smiled and said, "I don't know, but I'll make a guess. He can't figure how you keep your people."

She grinned and squeezed his hand. "I love my perceptive husband! That's it! It seems he had lunch with Sandy a couple of days ago. She cleaned their clock in court last week and absolutely destroyed their senior litigation partner. The guy was so crushed he's accepted an appointment as a judge. Bradford offered Sandy his position: senior litigation partner. She turned him down flat. He said he would double whatever I was paying her. Sandy just grinned, he said, and told him that wouldn't be hard. She was making only about half of what she made when she was with his firm. Bradford said his jaw dropped and he asked her why she wouldn't leave. She said it was because she had never had so much fun in her life. She said we were more of a family than a firm, and there was no way she would leave. But he said she thanked him for the offer."

She smiled at Bill and said, "Bradford asked me what we had done to her. He said she was absolutely beautiful and her eyes glowed. He said she was sweet and warm with no rough edges. I just smiled." She looked at Bill and said, "What do you think I should do?"

"Allison Clifford, you know damn well what you're going to do!" he said sternly. Then he smiled. "Why don't you tell me?" She grinned and said she was going to offer Sandy a partnership. He smiled and they went back to the suite and made love for the rest of the evening.

The next morning Ali talked to Ginger about a partnership for Sandy. Ginger agreed instantly so Ali called Sandy and asked her to come in. When she entered the office, Ali noticed how beautiful she looked. She took a chair and looked at Ali expectantly.

Ali smiled and said, "Sandy, you look great! How do you feel?"

Sandy stretched luxuriantly and said, "Sinful! Ali, thanks to you and Ginger I couldn't feel any better. You know I haven't worn a bra in weeks? Now I'm thinking of trading in my bikinis for those plastic pants babies wear ... and for the same reason. Whenever Jack's around — or whenever I think of him if he's not — my cunt starts to run rivers. One of these days it's going to be embarrassing when my love juices start running down my leg in court."

"Sandy," Ali said, "I don't even know where you're living now. At your place or Jack's?'

"We argued about it, Ali. I guess it's the closest thing to a fight we've ever had. I wanted to live with him in Orange County so he could be close to his office. He said the commuting was much worse coming this way, so he insisted on moving in with me. Do you think I did the right thing? I still feel badly thinking of him with that long commute every day. There are compensations, though. It gives me some time to clean the apartment, prepare dinner, and get ready for him to come home. God, it's fun! Would you believe, I'm even an adequate cook now, and getting better all the time. Kathy's coaching me."

She looked at the two partners and said, "Somehow, I don't think that's what you wanted to talk about, though, is it?" Suddenly, she looked apprehensive, "I hope I haven't done anything stupid again? I've been trying very hard to change."

Ali just shook her head and looked at Ginger, "Do you think there's any hope for her, partner?"

Ginger just shook her head sadly and replied, "No, I'm afraid not. Sandy, stand up and take off your dress, would you please?"

Sandy was puzzled but did it immediately. As she had said, she wore a dress over a bikini; that was all. In a moment, she was naked. Ginger walked around her looking at her carefully. Her head was shaking sadly. Finally, she turned to Ali and said, "Have you seen enough? I know I have." Ali nodded and Ginger told the girl to get dressed again. She did and sat down again, now visibly worried.

Ginger said, "Ali, I don't know. Have you ever seen a more abused pair of boobs? She has bruises all over. She can't keep her legs together. Even her bikini is wet, for heaven's sake. But there's something familiar about her appearance I just can't place..."

Ali said, with utmost seriousness, "I think it's what we see in the mirror, Ging. There's only one solution."

"What's that?"

"We'll have to make her a partner. Every law firm should have a litigation partner, don't you agree?" Ali said, maintaining a straight face.

Ginger appeared to think for a minute and then said, "Ali, you've got it! And it'll serve her right, too." Turning to Sandy, she said, "Okay, now you're a partner."

Sandy had been watching the byplay and the sudden change of fortune. Suddenly, she started to cry. As the other two watched, her sobbing grew in volume. She was sitting up straight in the chair and didn't lower her head, but she was crying like her heart would break. Ali and Ginger looked at each other in amazement. Ali grabbed a box of tissues from her desk and went to sit beside the girl. She took her in her arms and held her as she continued to sob. Slowly, Sandy calmed down.

Finally, Ali held her away and looked at her. In spite of the tears,  she thought, Sandy still looks beautiful. She asked, "Sandy, what's wrong? I know Virginia and I can be a couple of creeps, and often are. But I honestly don't know what we did this time. What did we do?"

"You can't make me a partner!" Sandy wailed. "It's not right."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm a creep! I'm just starting to join the human race, all thanks to you two. I just rediscovered the love of my life, again thanks to you two. I'm even starting to act human ... you two again. I can't do it. I just can't!" Again she started to cry.

"Sandra Harris, knock off that shit this instant!" Ali said harshly. Sandy jerked up, shocked. The tears stopped instantly. Ali continued, "I want some straight answers from you young lady. Do you hear? Now, how much were you making at your old firm?"

"$110,000 a year, but..."

"But nothing! How was your performance in court, then versus now?"

"I'm doing much better now, but..."

"You and Ginger were brought to my attention by Boeing. Because of your brilliant work, we're now getting $200,000 per month. We're about to get millions from Goldberg and from Alliance in a settlement. Young lady, you are now a partner drawing $200,000 a year whether you like it or not! Understand?"

Suddenly, Sandy brightened. Ali and Ginger looked at each other and grinned. It was like the sun coming out from behind the clouds. They took turns after she stood up holding her and kissing her. They ended by all shaking hands. Ali noticed that Sandy's handshake was now as firm as Ginger's and her own. Then she turned to Ali and said, "Ali, could you do me a favor? Please?"

"Sandy, if I can, I will. What is it?"

"Ali, Jack makes $100,000 a year. With my $60,000 we're happy as clams. Please don't get me wrong. He wants me to succeed. I tell him what I'm doing and he makes wonderful suggestions. That's your fault, too. Both of you. It's becoming a Firm practice to sleep with your head on your man's shoulder with his hand cupping a tit. Anyway, when I'm like that — and it always follows wonderful lovemaking — we talk about all sorts of things. Ali, I would like you to take the rest of my money and invest it for me. I know you're the very best in the business. Maybe we can get enough to buy a house someday. Will you? Please?"

Ali immediately agreed, and then asked about the firm name. "I think we're now Clifford, Jamison & Harris. Agreed, Ginger?"

"Absolutely!" Ginger exclaimed.

"Absolutely not!" Sandy said emphatically. "It stays Clifford & Jamison! I think one of the dumbest things in the practice of law is changing the damned name whenever a partner is elected. In fact, if you two insist I'll refuse the partnership! It's still Clifford & Jamison!"

They shook hands all around again. Ali looked at her watch and found it was eleven-thirty already. She buzzed Kathy and asked her to assemble the staff in the conference room. The three went in and Ali announced Sandy's selection as a partner. Suddenly she realized Joan Fredrick wasn't there. Just then the door opened. Joan was there, topless, wearing only a tiny apron that barely reached her crotch, along with black net stockings and high heels. It was obvious that she had shaved her pubic hair. Ali thought she looked beautiful with her beautiful tip-tilted breasts. She was carrying a tray of Bloody Marys. After the girls cracked up with laughter, the celebration began.

Sandy got up and offered a toast to the senior partners. Then she said, "A few months ago, in my earlier — and very forgettable — life, I sat in this room and met the senior partner of our firm for the first time. It was memorable for me and I believe for you, too. She responded to a dare from the other name partner and took off her clothes. Well, I think we started a tradition here at Clifford & Jamison."

Having said it, she stripped off her shirtwaist dress and then slipped off her bikini pants. She stood there in front of the other girls and said, "I'm afraid the caliber of partner goes downhill when you get past the name partners. One has golden hair, and the other an autumn russet. Mine is just plain brown. You can see from my pubic hair that it's my natural color, though. My eyes are an uninteresting brown, too.

"My body isn't bad ... for a mere mortal. My buns are tight and my legs are pretty good. Fortunately, Jack doesn't like huge breasts. I don't particularly, either, but one of the things I learned here is how much fun it is to make a man happy. My complexion is good, my muscle tone is very good, and he loves the touch of my skin. I'm not in their class, but am I at least marginally acceptable as a partner?" The girls cheered, and the party got under way.

The next day Ali was in her office early when Kathy Carlson came in carrying two cups of coffee. She passed one to Ali and said, "Ali, could I speak with you for a few minutes?"

Ali looked at her and said, "Of course, Kathy. What's on your mind?"

Her secretary sat down and said, "Ali, you know I'm married, don't you?"

"I guess so, Kathy. How are things at home?"

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Ken — my husband — said last night that he's never had it so good, and he asked me what's happened. You see, Ali, I've been listening to you, Ginger, and Sandy, and looking and listening for tips. I hope you don't mind. Once I heard Ginger say that it was a good thing Charley didn't want to take her while she stood on her head because she had a hell of a time trying to do that. Of course, she said, if that's what he wanted, that's what she would do. It was said in just that matter-of-fact way, too.

"Well, I've been paying attention to Ken. Before, if I was cooking dinner — which I didn't do very often, by the way — I would really get annoyed if he did anything to distract me. Well, last night I was peeling carrots at the sink and he came up behind me and started to squeeze my buns. Normally, I would have hit his hand or something. Last night, I just melted; it's the way I always feel when he does it. I just leaned back against him and his other hand came around and grabbed my boob. Like the rest of the girls here, I've stopped wearing a bra so when he put his hand inside my blouse it was just me. I asked him if he was just going to stop and leave me with my cunt starting to run rivers. I pulled my skirt way up in back and slipped out of my pants. Would you believe it? He took me from the rear. I just leaned against the sink top with my forearms and kept peeling the damned carrot ... until I came, and then I dropped the carrot and the peeler. I think I heard that Ginger did it with Charley one time.

"Anyway, it was a great dinner, even if we did eat a little late. Ken just sat there across from me and stared at my tits and my nipples — I didn't bother to dress again.

"He's in law school, too. He asked about this firm, but I said flat, no! First, he couldn't pass the physical. Second, I can't handle the competition. Third, if he got elected partner, I would be embarrassed when he had to strip for the all the employees of the firm: our new tradition. Anyway, I said it was all your fault.

"Ali, I can't recall ever being happier than I've been the last few weeks. I've done everything I knew Ken wanted to try with me but I never dared do before. Some weren't great, but most of it was a lot of fun. I had never taken him in my ass before, and that hurt, particularly the first time. But it was interesting as a change. I had never taken him in my mouth before, either. That turned out to be fun. After I did him, he decided to do me and that was wonderful; he had never done that before, either. Ever since then, we do each other.

"I just want you to know what Ken said this morning. He said you ought to charge me at least $200 a week for allowing me to be here. He said it would be cheap at twice the price." Kathy smiled at Ali with a very warm smile. "Ken says I can't come home tonight until I have an answer. How much is it going to cost us for me to continue to work here?"

Ali returned the girl's smile with her own sunshine smile. "Kathy, thank you. You don't know how wonderful that makes me feel. I think you're a beautiful girl, too. In fact, Kathy, I think you're more beautiful by a good bit than you were just a few weeks ago when I got back from Hawaii."

Kathy blushed prettily. "I think I am, too, Ali. Ken adores my body, now. He loves to just touch it. He says he likes to feel my muscles quiver under his finger tips. Ali, I know my love for Ken has never been stronger, nor his love for me. I think I've joined the well-fucked crowd. But there's more: Ken is bringing me things for the first time ever. He'll bring a single flower and put it in my hair." She reddened and said, "Two days ago he got a little carnation and wanted me to wear it in my pubic hair."

"What did you do?" Ali asked softly.

"I pinned it in my pubic hair. That night we mashed it between us. We both smelled of carnation when I went down on him afterward. It was delicious." Kathy tried to act stern. "You still haven't answered my question, though."

Ali smiled and said, "How does $40,000 a year sound? Now there's a third partner and more work for you. How about if we pay you $40,000 plus bonus, plus profit sharing?"

Kathy's jaw dropped. "That's impossible, Mrs. Clifford. I'm making $25,000 now and Ken and I agree I'm grossly overpaid. I'm getting far more out of the firm than I'm putting in! It's out of the question."

Ali pretended to glare at the girl. "It's still Ali, damn it, and it's still $40,000. Now get your tight little ass out of here!" An hour later, Ali gave Kathy an envelope. "This is for you and Ken, with love and gratitude from the partners for a job very well done." Kathy opened it and found a bonus check for $5,000. Ali winked at her and said, "With a husband in law school, I dare you to tell me you can't use it."

Kathy came around from behind the desk and took Ali in her arms and kissed her softly. "Ali, all I can say is what I know Ken will say: Who do you want us to kill for you? Thank you so very much."



-------

Chapter 11



Fall arrived and Ali and Bill Clifford went back to Hawaii for three weeks. On their return in November, they planned to go to Austin where Bill's oldest child, his daughter Jennifer, lived. She was a graduate student in political science at the University of Texas. When they arrived and cleared security, Bill was annoyed that Jennifer wasn't at the airport to meet them. He had given her their flight information and the connecting flight down from Dallas had been on time. However, they were met by Fred who had driven the limousine over from Los Angeles. He took their baggage checks and made arrangements for their luggage to be brought to the hotel.

Meantime Bill called Jennifer's apartment. When he returned, Ali's eyes widened. She had never seen him look the way he did now. He appeared both angry and apprehensive as he gave her a weak smile going out to the car. When Fred pulled out on the highway, Bill looked at Ali and said, "I've got a problem, I'm afraid."

Ali looked concerned and felt a sharp pang of fear. "What's wrong, darling?"

"It's Jennifer. She didn't want to come out here and then didn't want to meet us in our suite at the hotel. She wanted to meet in the restaurant downstairs. Something's very wrong," he continued, "and I think I know what it is: I'm afraid Jennifer doesn't like you."

Ali did not reply. She just looked at him.

Finally, he continued. "Jennifer and her mother were close. You probably noticed I don't talk about her very much. The reason is my first wife and I weren't very close at all. Ali, if I seem utterly ecstatic when I'm with you, it's only because I am. I have never been so happy in my entire life." He looked at her and tried to smile but failed. "It's possible the reason I was so successful in business is because I was so unsuccessful everywhere else."

Ali took his hand and just held it in both of hers. She still hadn't said a word. Then she moved over close and gave him a kiss that was loaded with all the love she felt for him. Then she just held him tightly.

They had just settled into their suite when the doorbell rang. Ali moved to answer it but Bill motioned her to remain seated. He went to the door and opened it, returning to the sitting room followed by a girl Ali guessed to be his daughter, Jennifer. She was a tall girl with sandy-blonde hair about the color of Bill's. She had a beautiful figure and very lovely features but now her face looked grim.

Ali rose as she entered the room. She had intended to take the girl in her arms but quickly rejected that idea. Instead she held out her hand and said, "How do you do? I'm Ali, your father's wife. I'm delighted to meet you."

Jennifer looked at Ali's outstretched hand and then ignored it. She went to a chair and sat down still without saying a word. Ali looked at Bill who was red in the face and looked like he was about ready to explode. He looked at his daughter and said, "Okay, Jennifer. What's the problem? Aside from the fact you have clearly forgotten any manners that you may have ever learned."

Jennifer glared at Ali and said, "The problem is this dumb, cheap, gold-digging whore! That's what the problem is!"

Before Bill could say anything — and he appeared ready to explode — Ali said, "Bill, try to relax." Turning to the girl she said, "That wasn't very flattering, Jennifer. First, why do you say I'm a whore? You do know your father and I are married?"

"Because you trapped him with sex! I'll bet you did something quaint to get him to marry you, like telling him you were pregnant or something!"

Ali kept her face passive and quietly replied, "That's not true, Jennifer. Actually, your father and I were married almost four months before our marriage was consummated. Before that, all we ever did was kiss. I guess it's fair to say that I was unsuccessfully trying to seduce him, but we were married. Then I think you said I was a gold digger. I can see why you might say that. Your father and I do have a business arrangement. Maybe you're right, though. The arrangement was for me to play the part of his wife for one year for a fee of $1 million. I didn't ask for it; he offered. The fee may be excessive. In fact, I'm sure it is, but it could be revised downward. What do you think would be fair?"

The girl was glaring at Ali with hatred showing in her eyes. Finally, she said venomously, "The only thing that would help would be for you to get out of my father's life! This instant!" she screamed.

Before Bill could say or do anything, Ali got up and went into the bedroom. A few minutes later she reappeared with a suitcase. Bill's jaw dropped and he jumped to his feet. "Ali, where are you going?"

"Bill, I think it would be better if I got another room. I guess they can find a room for me in the hotel somewhere. I'll call you later." She quickly kissed him and left.

Bill wheeled on his daughter who was sitting open-mouthed. "Why you ungrateful little bitch! Do you know what you've just done?"

Jennifer had regained her composure and looked at her father with a self-satisfied smirk. "Yes, I do! I just got rid of a worthless piece of trash!"

She recoiled as it appeared Bill was going to slap her across the face. Then he relaxed a little and sat down. He shook his head in sadness and frustration. "Jennifer, you have just destroyed my life! That's what you've done. That woman who just left is the finest person it's ever been my privilege to know. She's also the most loving, the smartest, and the most capable.

"You said she's a gold digger? Let me tell you something! In the six months or so since I've met her, she's generated about $150 million for me. That's made, not spent. You won't believe this either: She was the purest, most virginal woman I've ever been with! A whore!? Ali McGrath is the farthest thing from a whore imaginable. When I first met her she was literally starving to death. Why? Because she wouldn't sell her body even if the alternative was starvation.

"I think I heard you say dumb, too. Ali is a Phi Beta Kappa and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Kansas. She was first in her class in UCLA's MBA program and later at its law school. She is the senior partner of the very best law firm Boeing has ever worked with. It's an all-female firm, by the way.

"I won't go into our personal life except to say she is the warmest, most loving person I could imagine." He frowned and shook his head. "That's wrong. I could never imagine anyone like her. Now what do you have to say for yourself and for your actions?"

The girl had been recoiling but she was not prepared to admit she had made a mistake. "That's okay, Dad. You're well rid of her."

"Jennifer, get out of here! Now!" he screamed. "Get out before I do something I could be prosecuted for. Consider yourself cut off. There will be no more money for you — ever again!"

The girl recoiled in fear and fled from the suite. Bill waited awhile in order to calm down enough to talk. Then he called the front desk. "This is Mr. Clifford. I believe my wife engaged another room. What is the room number, please?"

"Sir, we can't give out room numbers, but the hotel operator will connect you."

He heard the phone ringing and Ali immediately answered it. "Darling, it's me," he said. "What are you doing?"

He could tell there was something wrong with her voice. Then he realized what it was. She had obviously been crying and still was. "Honey, I got another room," she said, "and I'll send a bellman up for the rest of my things. I've made a reservation to go back to Los Angeles tomorrow. I'll be out of our suite at the Beverly Wilshire by the time you get back. I love you, Bill Clifford," she said very softly. Then the phone went dead.

Bill looked at the instrument and called the operator asking to be reconnected. He was told Mrs. Clifford had asked not to be disturbed. He was frightened. He could feel all of his happiness disappearing down a drain. Then he picked up the phone and called Ali's law office in LA. The receptionist, Judy Jeffries, answered immediately. Bill identified himself and asked for Ginger. Judy said she was unavailable.

Bill said, "Judy, this is a matter of life or death. I must get in touch with Ginger immediately!"

He could hear Judy's sudden intake of breath. "Would you wait, please? I'll try to reach her."

There was silence on the phone for a few minutes. Then he heard Ginger come on the line. The connection was not good. "Bill, it's Ginger. What's the problem?"

"Ginger, the problem is Ali ... and my idiot daughter. My daughter, Jennifer, started to insult Ali. She called her a dumb, cheap, gold-digging whore! Then she really let go. Ging, Ali's left the suite and took her clothes. She has a room of her own and she won't even tell me the room number. Ginger, I need help ... and I really think she does, too. Where are you?"

"I'm in Seattle with Sandy. Look, Bill, I'll come right down. If it's okay with you, I want to bring my mother, too. Ali refers to her as her best friend, and I think she is. I'll see you as soon as I can get there."

Bill paced the floor of the suite. Bellmen came up and he gave them the rest of Ali's luggage with the greatest reluctance. He tried to read but couldn't. Then he turned on the TV but couldn't stand the noise. He thought about eating, but the thought of food turned his stomach. Finally the phone rang.

It was Ginger. "Bill, Mom and I are downstairs. Can we come up?"

Bill's jaw dropped. It had only been three hours since he had spoken to her in Seattle. "My God, Ginger, of course!" He gave them the room number and a few minutes later the doorbell rang. He opened it and saw the mother and daughter. He kissed them both and they came into the suite and sat down. Both women looked somewhat bedraggled.

"My God!" he exclaimed. "How did you get here so fast?"

Barbara gave him a tired smile and said, "Blame Boeing. In addition to their commercial aircraft, they make a few little jewels for special purposes. Anyway, I called Bob after Ginger called me. He called Homer Cumings and one of their special birds was immediately made available to bring us down here. Unfortunately, it's built for speed, not for comfort. Bill, Ali rates very high in Seattle."

Barbara's face turned serious as she added, "Now tell us what happened."

Bill began to recount the events of the morning. He stressed the fact that Ali couldn't have been nicer or more reasonable to Jennifer. As he was finishing the story, the doorbell rang. He opened the door for a bellman with an envelope. The boy looked embarrassed. "Mr. Clifford, I need you to sign this receipt, please."

Bill scrawled his signature and gave the boy one hundred dollars. He had immediately identified the handwriting as Ali's. "What room did this come from?" he asked.

The boy turned red and looked into Bill's tormented eyes. Finally, he said, "It's suite 700, sir. But please don't tell anyone or I'm history!" Bill smiled and assured him he would not.

The boy left and Bill took the fat envelope back to the sitting room. He opened it and emptied it onto the table. Then he looked at the contents and started to cry. Spilled out on the table were Ali's American Express card, MasterCard, Visa, and personal check book. All the things he had given her were being returned to him, even her jewelry. He idly looked at the check register in the check book. When he looked at the last entry, he grabbed the phone and called Morgan Guaranty in New York.

His account officer checked and verified that $600,000 had been put into the account by a Federal Reserve wire transfer from Bank of America. "Bill, there was something odd about the transfer. It's why I happened to know about it. There was no indication of the originating account and B of A refuses to release the information."

Bill sat on the sofa stunned. Tears were running down his cheeks. "My God, it's over! What am I going to do?"

Ginger was sitting next to him and took him in her arms. She just held him and listened to his sobs. Barbara had heard Ali's suite number and took her suitcase to the elevator. She went to the door of suite 700 and rang the bell. Hearing Ali call out, she waited. Barbara guessed Ali was washing her face to eliminate some of the signs of tears. Awhile later the door opened.

Ali gasped in surprise as she saw her friend. "My God! Barbara! What are you doing here?"

Barbara smiled although she had nothing to smile about. Ali looked terrible; the worst, by far, that Barbara had ever seen her. The most noticeable thing was her eyes: they were dead. Barbara wanted to cry but forced a smile. "Hi, cous! You forget I'm a Texan. I do get back home every once in a while. Can I come in?"

Ali stepped back quickly and invited her friend in. They went to the sitting room and Barbara could see the signs of Ali cleaning things out. Bill hadn't exaggerated one bit: she was leaving. Barbara looked at her friend and said, "Ali, what happened?"

Looking into her eyes, Barbara wanted to cry. Ali was tormented and looked it. She said, "Barb, I have to leave Bill. His daughter hates me and I will not come between a man and his children. I won't!"

Barbara spoke very softly. "Ali, shouldn't Bill have something to say about that? I thought you loved him?" As she said it, Barbara Jamison was frightened. It was obvious that Ali was only hanging on by a thread. She was only moments away from a complete breakdown.

"Love Bill?" Ali looked at her friend with her tormented eyes. "No, Barb. I don't love Bill Clifford. I adore him. I would cheerfully sacrifice my life for him. In fact, I guess that's what I'm doing." She broke down in tears and huddled in a small ball in the corner of the sofa. Watching Ali's misery made it the very worst day of Barbara Jamison's life. She went over and held Ali in her arms and just listened as she cried her heart out.

The next day Ginger got a call from Sandy Harris while she was in Bill's suite. Barbara never told Ali that Ginger had come down to Austin with her. Sandy said, "Partner, I got a call late last night from Ali. She was unable to reach you so she called me. She wants to file for divorce against Bill. Actually, first she wanted to go for an annulment but I eased her off that. You can't contest an annulment but you can contest a divorce. Ging, this is the most contestable damned divorce I've ever heard of. What do you think?"

Ginger said, "Sandy, I have an idea. Here's what it is..." She then proceeded to outline in detail what she had in mind. She ended by asking Sandy, "If you called in every chit we have in the Firm, how soon could we get a trial date?"

Sandy immediately endorsed Ginger's idea. "I think I can get us on the calendar for the end of next week. Good enough?"

"Partner, that's great! You know what? If we weren't playing for such incredibly high stakes, this could be interesting!" Ginger continued with sadness becoming evident in her voice, "I guess you know that even if we win, we lose. We both have to leave the firm."

Sandy replied quietly, "Of course. But we don't have a choice, do we? If we don't win, Ali dies and the firm dies anyway. Ginger, that woman saved my life! At any cost, I must try to save her."

Ali flew back to Los Angeles with Barbara and Sandy met them at the airport. She had borrowed Jack's car so it would be big enough to handle Ali's things. When she saw Ali come through security Sandy was shocked. My God,  she thought. She died! Her eyes are absolutely dead. Sandy felt her heart knot up as she felt the pain Ali had to be suffering. Ali gave directions to her old apartment in the Valley where she had continued to pay the rent rather than give it up. On the way out she asked Sandy what was going on and was told that the process was being rushed. It would be completed by the end of the following week.

-------

The case was called for Thursday morning at nine-thirty in Family Court. It was to be heard by Judge Helen Carter. After Sandy escorted Ali into the courtroom and up to the plaintiff's table, Ali paid no attention to her surroundings as their case was called. The judge asked if the plaintiff was ready and Sandy said the plaintiff was. She then asked if the defendant was ready and Ginger said the defendant was. Ali heard Ginger's voice and looked across at the defendant's table. Ginger was sitting with Bill Clifford.

The judge asked the counsel to approach the bench. She glared at Ginger and Sandy and said, "What is this, you two? Is this some kind of sick joke? Your senior partner is sitting at the plaintiff's table and you, Miss Jamison, are defending the case ... against your own senior partner?"

"Yes, your honor," Ginger said quietly.

"Young ladies, I'm warning you! I am going to watch this very carefully. I am fully prepared to move for disbarment against you both! Is that clear?" They both said it was perfectly clear and returned to the counsel tables.

Sandy called Jennifer Clifford as her first witness. Ali's jaw dropped as she heard Jennifer's name called. She whispered, "Sandy, what in hell are you doing? There's no need for this!" Sandy just shook her head and went to the stand as Jennifer was sworn.

After the preliminaries, Sandy addressed Jennifer. "Miss Clifford, are you related to the defendant?"

"I am his daughter," she replied.

"Do you know the plaintiff?"

"I met her briefly, once."

"What was said at that one meeting?" Sandy asked.

"I called her a dumb, cheap, gold-digging whore."

"What had Mrs. Clifford done to provoke this accusation?"

"She married my father, the bitch!"

"Miss Clifford, could we take your accusations one at a time please. First, you said she was dumb. What is your basis for that statement?"

"She's nothing but a cheap actress. Everyone knows you wouldn't have a whole brain if you combined them all in one person's head!"

Sandy frowned. "Are you asking the court to take judicial notice of what you are claiming to be general knowledge: All actors and actresses are stupid?" Jennifer looked puzzled and didn't answer. Sandy said, "Let's skip that and go to the next statement. I think your words were cheap. What do you mean by cheap? Inexpensive?"

Jennifer said, "Of course not. Everyone knows what cheap means: too much makeup, flashy clothes ... that sort of thing."

"Oh, I see! Miss Clifford, am I wearing too much makeup?"

Jennifer looked at Sandy for the first time. She realized the girl was beautiful. She looked closely and could see no sign of any makeup at all and said so. Sandy said, "I'm wearing lipstick which is more than my client is wearing. You also mentioned flashy clothes. Is Mrs. Clifford wearing flashy clothing?"

Jennifer glared at Sandy and exclaimed, "She's not Mrs. Clifford, damn you!"

Judge Carter immediately interjected, "The witness will control her tongue or she will be held in contempt! And as a matter of both fact and law, the plaintiff is Mrs. Clifford. Counselor, you may continue."

"We were talking about dress," Sandy said. "Is Mrs. Clifford cheaply dressed today?"

"No," Jennifer answered very softly.

"Your Honor, would you please instruct the witness to speak up. I did not hear her reply to my question."

Jennifer glared at Sandy as the judge said the witness must speak loudly enough to be heard. Sandy then said, "I repeat, is Mrs. Clifford dressed cheaply today?" Ali was wearing a suit custom-tailored for her in a very conservative gray material.

Jennifer nearly shouted, "No, she is not!"

"Oh! Then she was dressed cheaply when you met her in Texas?"

"No, she wasn't," the girl replied in a more normal tone of voice.

"Then what is the reason for referring to her as cheap? It's neither of the things you referred to earlier. It's not makeup and it's not clothing. What is it?"

"She married my father!" the girl wailed.

"Oh, I see!" Sandy continued brightly. "Then your mother must have been cheap. She married him, too."

Jennifer put her nose in the air and said, "That was different. He loved my mother! This woman is just a whore!"

"Please define a whore for me," Sandy asked quietly.

"A whore is a woman who has sexual relations with everything in pants," she replied smugly.

"Oh, I see. Now, you said gold-digging: How much money did Mrs. Clifford take from your father?"

Jennifer's eyes widened and she said, "Millions! I don't know how many, but millions. And she's trying to get more today!"

Sandy turned to Ginger and said, "Your witness, counselor."

Ginger said, "I have no questions at this time, but I would like to request the witness to remain available. I may have questions for her later."

Sandy said, "I call the plaintiff, Allison McGrath Clifford, to the stand."

Ali had said next to nothing to Sandy before the trial except to say she wanted nothing from Bill. She was stunned when Sandy called her to the stand. She was sworn and took her seat. Sandy made sure Jennifer was still sitting in the courtroom as she began the questioning.

"Mrs. Clifford, how long have you been married?"

"About six months," Ali replied quietly.

"When was the marriage consummated?" Sandy stopped and said, "Let me rephrase the question. When did you first have sexual intercourse with William Clifford?"

Ali glared at Sandy and said, "About three months ago."

"Then your first sexual experience with Mr. Clifford came after you had been married for about three months?"

"That is correct," she replied softly.

"With how many men have you had sex in your life, besides Mr. Clifford?"

Ali glared at Sandy. Her eyes were glinting with blue fire; she was angry. Sandy was secretly delighted. It was the first sign of life she had seen in Ali since the day she left for Texas. Ali muttered under her breath, "Wait until I get you back in the office, young lady!" and then said in her normal quiet tone, "Two."

Sandy said, "Mrs. Clifford, did I hear the number, two?"

"That's correct."

"On how many occasions did you have sex before meeting Mr. Clifford?"

"Three."

"When was the most recent occasion?"

"About seven years ago," Ali said quietly, all the while glaring daggers at Sandy.

"So, Mrs. Clifford, you slept with two men a total of three times before meeting Mr. Clifford. The most recent prior occurrence was about seven years ago?" Ali said that was correct.

"Now, Mrs. Clifford, Jennifer says you are dumb. Did you go to college? If so, where, and how well did you do academically?"

"I went to the University of Kansas in Lawrence. I graduated summa cum laude with a major in history. I was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. I received my masters degree in business administration and my law degree from UCLA."

"What was your class rank at UCLA?"

"I was first in my class in both programs."

"Your honor," Sandy said, "I request the Court to take judicial notice of the fact that a woman who is Phi Beta Kappa and first in her class at UCLA law and business schools is not dumb."

Judge Carter glanced at Ginger who shrugged and nodded. The judge said, "It is so noted."

Sandy turned back to Ali and said, "Mrs. Clifford, how does Mr. Clifford's net worth today compare with what it was when you met him?"

Ali glared at Sandy and replied, "I'm really not sure."

Sandy pressed the point. "Surely, you have some idea?"

"It's a little higher today, I think."

"Mrs. Clifford, what do you think would be a fair divorce settlement for you? What do you want?"

Ali glared at Sandy and said, "I would like one dollar and my freedom!"

Finally, Sandy said, "Ali, do you love Bill Clifford?"

Ali glared but then her eyes started to fill with tears. "Of course I love him. My God, I love him more than life itself!"

"Thank you Mrs. Clifford. I have no more questions nor any more witnesses." She turned to Ginger and said, "Your witness."

Ginger said, "Your honor, I have no questions of the plaintiff at this time. I would like to reserve the right to recall her later, if I may. I call as my first witness, William Clifford."

Bill went to the witness box and was sworn in. He took his seat and waited. He looked like hell. It was obvious he had scarcely slept or eaten since the events in Texas, and Ali was shocked by his appearance.

"Mr. Clifford," Ginger asked, "why are you contesting this divorce? Is it a matter of money?"

Bill, like Ali, had no advance knowledge of what was going to happen. When the question was asked, he looked stunned. "Money? Of course not. Ali is welcome to all that I own if it will get her back. She won't let me give her anything. And I owe her."

"What do you mean, you owe her?"

"She has been managing the family money for the last six months. Through yesterday she has increased the family wealth by about 10 percent, or roughly $200 million. She is paid 1 percent of the assets under management, so for six months that would be about $10 million. She won't take a penny!"

"Do you love Allison Clifford?"

"More than my life! She's the finest thing that ever happened to me. I don't want to lose her! I'll do absolutely anything to get her back. Anything!"

"Mr. Clifford," Ginger said softly, "do you agree with your daughter's characterization of Allison Clifford?"

Bill glared at his daughter and said, "It would be impossible for me to disagree more. Calling Ali a whore? When we finally made love for the first time, it was apparent she was inexperienced with men in spite of having been a sex symbol on the screen. Nevertheless, all she could think of was how she could increase my enjoyment." Bill started to cry as he continued to speak, "That's so typical of Ali, too. All she ever thinks about is other people and what she can do for them. You know it, Ginger, and you do, too, Sandy. She doesn't have a selfish bone in her body!"

Ginger said, "Mr. Clifford, Allison Clifford said she wanted one dollar and her freedom. Do you believe her?"

"Hell, no! I don't believe it for an instant. She's sacrificing herself — and me — because I have a daughter who's so selfish she can't see a thing. Jennifer is cut off and has been since last week. I will not speak to her again until and unless she abjectly apologizes to my wife!" Bill turned to Judge Carter and pleaded, "Please, your honor, don't give her a divorce!"

Ginger asked if Sandy had any questions and Sandy shook her head. Ginger called Ali for cross examination.

"Ali, did you listen to Bill's testimony?"

Tears were flowing down her cheeks, but she said, "Yes, I did."

"Did you believe him to be lying?"

Ali looked genuinely shocked. "Bill? Lie? That's ridiculous! He's incapable of lying."

"Then you believe him when he says he loves you?"

"Yes," she said very quietly.

"More than life itself? Weren't those your words about him, too?"

"Yes, he does, and they were."

"Why do you want a divorce? Can't you stand to live with him?"

Ali glared at Ginger and said, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard in my life!"

"Then why do you want a divorce?"

"Because I refuse to come between a man and his daughter!"

"But it's okay for a girl to come between a man and his wife? When he adores his wife and she adores him? When he's already disowned the daughter? When her accusations have been proven to be false and malicious?" Ginger stood up straight and looked right into Ali's eyes. "Ali, are you sure you want this divorce?"

Ali finally lost her fragile control. She broke down in tears, slowly shaking her head from side to side. Bill jumped up from the table and went to her. When he took her in his arms and held her close, she buried her head in his shoulder and clung to him.

Meanwhile, Sandy approached the bench. "Your Honor, on behalf on my client I would like to withdraw the complaint. As you just heard, it really wasn't much of a complaint."

Judge Carter looked at Sandy and at Ginger who had come up to join her partner. "You two are law partners of Mrs. Clifford, aren't you?"

"Yes, Your Honor," they replied in unison.

"Well why, in hell, did you let it get to this courtroom in the first place? Never in my life have I seen two people so much in love as those two, with the woman trying so hard to destroy everything she loves!"

Ginger shrugged. "I'm sorry, Your Honor. We were unable to talk her out of it. In fact, we couldn't talk to her at all. However, my client has offered to pay anything at all in the nature of court costs and apologizes for wasting the Court's time."

Judge Carter looked at the two girls carefully and slowly shook her head. "I've heard about you and your firm. You're the hottest thing in Los Angeles and I can see why. Incidentally, you're undoubtedly the most beautiful lawyers in town, too. Would you please give your senior partner my very best regards when she's feeling better? I don't think she'll be sorry about the outcome.

"As for the rest of it, the mission of the Court is to try to see that justice is done. I'm convinced it just was. Thanks, girls!" Judge Carter smiled at them and whispered, "Now get your trim little asses the hell out of my courtroom. I've got some real cases to try!"

They grinned and returned to the counsel tables, got their papers together and prepared to leave. Ginger led Bill away, while he still held tight to Ali.

When they got back to the Beverly Wilshire, they went up to the suite. As he opened the door, Ali put her hand to her mouth and gasped. "Bill, I have nothing! Everything I own is back at my apartment!"

Sandy and Ginger were with them. Sandy said, "Do you want to bet?"

They went into the suite and Ali went to the bedroom. All of her things were back in their accustomed places. She came out to the living room. There on the table were all of her cards, her checkbook, and everything else she had returned to Bill. Ginger was pouring champagne.

"What's this for?" Ali asked.

"This is to celebrate your rebirth," Ginger replied. "Ali, have you looked at yourself lately? You were dead. Take a look. Please!"

Although the light was back in her eyes, she still looked haggard from lack of food and sleep. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her mouth formed an 'O', and she covered it with her hand. Then she looked at Bill and realized again how terrible he looked. "My poor darling," she said. "What have I done to you?"

The two girls quickly excused themselves leaving Ali and Bill alone. She went into his arms and kissed him. After he held her tightly, she could feel moisture on his cheeks. She moved away and realized he was crying.

"Ali, don't ever do that again. I couldn't take it! You can't realize how much I love you." Then he smiled at her and said, "I think I finally figured it out. You're so busy thinking of others, it never occurred to you that I could love you as much as you love me. Darling, if anything, I love you even more!" The tears stopped as he looked at her. "Ali, could we eat? I can't remember eating since that day in Texas. I feel like hell and you don't look much better."

Ali tried a grin and reached for the telephone. A few minutes later a waiter wheeled in a cart with shrimp cocktail and two big steaks. As they started to eat, they both realized how hungry they were.

Still later when it was time for bed, Ali looked at Bill and said, "Darling, would you do me a favor? Could we go back to the very first night we spent together?"

Bill gave her an odd look but agreed. She was in bed waiting for him when he came out of the bathroom. He pulled back the covers and felt a twinge almost like pain. Ali was thin again; not nearly as bad as the first time he saw her, but very thin. He got in bed beside her and she rolled over on top of him.

As she lay on his chest she said, "Bill, the first time I wanted my body to be perfect for you before you took me. I guess I let it go to hell in the last week or so. That's only right because I was in hell. Darling, I can't tell you how bad it was. Can you possibly forgive me?" He held her close and kissed her. She made noises deep in her throat and nuzzled her cheek on his chest. Then she rolled over, snuggled as close to him as she could get, placed his hand on her breast and went to sleep. They were both exhausted from the emotional strain.

Early the next morning Ali was only dimly aware of Bill moving on her. She spread her legs wide and felt him enter her and move gently within her. Almost instantly her cunt had begun to flow with her juices. As he moved within her she smiled softly, but still hadn't opened her eyes. She achieved a small orgasm and finally opened her eyes to look into his. She gave a start and murmured, "Bill, you cheated! You weren't going to do this."

He continued to move inside her, bringing her up towards another climax. "Why are you punishing me, Ali? I thought you apologized last night? Do you realize how agonizing it is to lay beside the world's most beautiful woman who's also my loving wife and not be able to touch her?" He grinned down at her and whispered, "Besides, your glorious cunt feels so wonderful!"

Just then Ali crested. She exploded inside taking him over with her. Moments later after she had extracted all his juices he collapsed on top of her. Still later she awakened. Bill was still above her. She kissed him softly and he took her again.



-------

Chapter 12



It was after nine o'clock when Ali entered her law office downtown and found that Judy wasn't at her desk. In fact, the front door was still locked. Ali went to the conference room and found the girls around the large table drinking coffee. Normally, the coffee hour was a time of joking and banter. This morning it seemed like a wake. When she opened the door it was as if the executioner had just entered the cell to bring out the condemned man.

Sandy Harris smiled wryly at the others and said, "Good bye, all. Thank you." She got up, passed a letter to Ali, and started to leave.

Ali glanced at the letter and said, "What's this?" Then she looked at Ginger who also had a letter which she, too, gave to Ali. She got up and prepared to leave.

Ali glanced at Ginger's letter and exclaimed, "Not so fast, you two. Sit down! I'm not through with you yet. You're not getting off so easy."

The two girls looked at Ali and saw blue fire in her eyes. Ginger thought, Uh, oh! This is going to be even worse than I thought. Her eyes were downcast as Ali sat down at the end of the table. "Let's review the events of the last twenty-four hours or so. You first, Ginger. This letter says you're resigning as a partner of Clifford & Jamison. Why?"

Ginger looked up, startled. "Because I went counter to the interests of our senior partner." Ginger was puzzled. While she was looking at Ali, Kathy, moving like a mouse, had poured coffee and passed the cup to Ali.

"Mrs. Conrad, I realize you're a new member of the bar. Whose interests are you supposed to represent? The firm's or the client's?"

"Why, the client's interest, of course," she said.

"Your client was William Harrison Clifford. What was his interest?"

"To contest your action for a divorce. He didn't want to give you one."

Ali's voice was accusing and the blue fire was still coming from her eyes. Ginger felt like a bug impaled on a pin. She couldn't move nor escape Ali's gaze. Ali continued, "And you won the case. Here." As she said the last word she had reached into her purse and pulled out a folded piece of paper which she slid down the table to Ginger.

Ginger unfolded the paper and saw it was a check. She looked at it and almost fell over. It was a check made out to Virginia Jamison Conrad for one million dollars. It was signed by William H. Clifford. Ali didn't say a word.

Ginger looked at her and suddenly saw the fire replaced by a glint of amusement. "What is this?" Ginger exclaimed. "It says one million dollars! And it's made out to me."

"It's the best I could do, I'm afraid," Ali said sadly. "Since half the money is mine, I was trying to economize but Bill was adamant. He thinks it's not nearly enough and will be happy to replace it with a check in what he considers to be a more appropriate amount."

She then wheeled on Sandy. "But as for you, Sandra Harris, what's your excuse? Believe it or not, Bill was going to give you the same size check. I told him it would be grossly unethical for him to pay counsel for the opposing party. Ginger was protecting her client's interest. What were you doing?" Again the blue fire was coming from Ali's eyes.

Sandy was sitting up straight in her chair. Tears were starting to roll down her cheeks. She said softly, "I was guilty of the worst sort of malpractice, Mrs. Clifford. That's why I'm resigning from the firm and from the Bar. Clearly, I can no longer practice law. I spoke with Jack last night and we thought I might be able to get a suspended sentence or only have to serve a few months in jail. He said he'll wait for me. I'm sorry."

Still Ali glared at the young woman. "Suspended sentence for what?"

"For a gross breech of client confidence, and..."

"What is a lawyer's responsibility?" Ali demanded.

"To serve her client's interest, of course," Sandy replied.

"I was your client. What was my interest?"

"To obtain a divorce. Except I thought..."

"You thought what?"

Ali didn't think the girl could sit up any straighter but she did. Sandy replied, "I did not think a divorce was in your best interest. I know you love Bill Clifford more than life itself. A divorce would have killed you. Therefore, Mrs. Clifford, I substituted my judgment for yours. I subverted the divorce action you began, I breached your confidence, and I'm not sorry. I still think it was the right thing to do, even if it was certainly unethical and probably illegal!"

Again Ali went to her purse and slid a piece of paper down the table, to Sandy this time. Sandy picked it up and looked at it. Her jaw dropped. It was a check on Bank of America made out to Sandra Harris for $500,000. It was signed by Allison McGrath. Ali smiled softly at the girl and said, "Sandy, that's only a down payment. It's all the money I have right now, and I refused to accept any of Bill's. There will be more later today — I get my investment management fee — and I'll sign it all over to you. You said you exercised your judgment over mine. You said you didn't believe a divorce was in my best interest. We both know you were absolutely correct.

"Sandy, I don't know what I have to do. Would it help if I crawled to you on my hands and knees and begged you to stay?"

Suddenly Ali had dropped her act. She went over to Sandy who rose from her chair. Ali hugged the girl tight and said, "Sandy, there aren't any words for me to tell you what I feel! As a start, you saved my life!"

Sandy pushed Ali away and glared at her. If blue flame had been apparently coming from Ali's eyes, it was nothing compared to the fire now in Sandy's. She took the check and carefully tore it into tiny pieces. She took Ali's hand and put the pieces in her palm and closed her fingers over them. "I've been listening to you Allison McGrath Clifford! Now you listen to me! We both know when I joined this firm I was a mess — a disgrace to the human race! What did you do? You picked me up and put me together. Notice, I didn't say back together; that would imply I had been together and we both know that's just not true. You and your partner even managed to find the love of my life, Jack Benson. He is coming over to meet me later this morning. He insists on going to the courthouse with me when I turn myself in to the District Attorney. He says he's waited for me for five years. Now that we've been together for a while, a few more months will be easy. Do you think what you have done for me has no value? It may not have value to you, but it certainly does to me!"

Ali was abashed. Just then Ginger gave her Bill's check, also ripped into small pieces. Ginger said, "Charley and I may talk to you about borrowing some money later for a down payment on a house. What you did for Sandy is nothing compared to what you did for me. Ali, will you just this once try to understand there are people for whom you have provided the greatest gift imaginable: the gift of love! Ali, it's priceless!

"All I can tell you is if I accepted Bill's check, it would not only cost me my marriage — and there's no value high enough for me to place on that — it would also cost me my parents. They would never speak to me again. They worship the ground you walk on and with reason." She looked at Sandy and said, "We'll make a deal with you: You and Bill can pay for the office Christmas party out of your own pockets and we'll call it square. Do you accept?"

For the first time in weeks the girls saw Ali's sunshine smile. There were audible sounds of relief from the girls around the table. Ali had been listening in wonder to her two partners. Slowly she nodded her head.

Then she turned to Kathy and said, "I need to be fattened up. I guess the lack of food finally affected my brain." Kathy went off to order a big breakfast for her.

When she returned, Ali was organizing the Christmas party. She grinned and put Sandy and Kathy in charge. Then she looked around the table and excused herself. When she arose, the sense of relief around the table was palpable. A few minutes later she returned with a folder. She reached into her purse and took out a pair of rimless reading glasses. Ginger smiled to herself. She knew the glasses were only a prop. Ali's eyesight was perfect; the lenses were uncorrected optical glass. While she wondered what Ali was doing, the answer was not long in coming.

She looked around the table and appeared stern. The girls slowly sat up very straight in their chairs and the room become quiet. The only sound was the air flow from the registers. Ali was amused. They appeared like children with their hands caught in the cookie jar, waiting for their mother to say something.

Ali said, "There's been enough time wasted around here. We have decided we're going to have a Christmas party. When I left the room the discussion seemed to be centered on making it a formal dance with husbands or dates. Normally, bonuses are paid at year-end. However, I've always felt that practice made life a bit difficult for people who have holiday expenses and no exact knowledge about a bonus: whether they would even get one, let alone how much it might be. Then, of course, there's all the jazz of withholding for FICA, and Federal and State income taxes.

"I decided we would have our performance reviews today. I remember from business school that compensation action is supposed to be removed in time from performance reviews. Frankly, I always thought that was a lot of garbage. If the compensation doesn't relate to performance, what's it supposed to relate to? Anyway, let's begin."

She looked at Kathy Carlson. "Kathy, aside from taking care of all the secretarial work for the three partners, what in hell do you do around here?" Then she grinned. "Kathy, your bonus is being reduced from what you deserve because you got a partial a month or so ago." Ali looked at the check and said, "We'll get you the appropriate stub later. The checks are net pay; we're going to need our computer whiz, Joan Fredrick, to run our payroll program backwards to figure out what the gross pay and deductions are. Anyway, Kathy, here's your bonus."

She slid the check down the table to Kathy who gasped. "Ali — Mrs. Clifford — you can't do this! It's not right! It's for $35,000!"

Ali looked at her and said, "You're earning $40,000. You already received five thousand. Forty minus five is thirty-five. See," she said with a grin, "I can, too, subtract. Now what's your problem? Isn't it good enough?"

Kathy just shook her head; tears of joy were flowing down her cheeks. Ali passed out bonus checks to Joan and Judy Jeffries also equal to their gross annual salary. The girls sat around the table stunned. Finally Ali looked at Ginger and Sandy and said, "As for you two, I'll take care of you later!" She left the room and went back to her office. Her breakfast had arrived and she sat down to eat it.

A few minutes later there was a knock on the door, and Joan Fredrick came in looking worried. "Joan, what's the trouble?" Ali asked.

"Ali, may I talk to you, please?"

Ali looked at Joan. She was about to graduate from Cal Tech with a major in computer science. Before coming to work for Clifford & Jamison, she supported herself by tending bar topless on Sunset Strip. Joan was dark haired with brilliant green eyes like Ginger's. She was five feet four with a perfect body. Ali liked the girl and liked her spirit. "What's the trouble, Joan?" Ali asked again. "I guess you're probably coming in to resign, aren't you? Don't you get your degree next month?"

Ali was surprised to see the girl's eyes widen and register genuine shock. "But Mrs. Clifford, I thought I was doing a good job here for you and the others. And then you gave me that magnificent bonus!" Ali saw tears start to roll down the girl's cheeks. "Mrs. Clifford, I love it here! I really do. Do I have to leave? I'll work harder and try to improve the quality of my work. I didn't realize you weren't happy with it."

Ali realized she had put her foot in something and hastened to make amends. "Joan, first, damn it, it's Ali, and you better not forget again! Second, we couldn't be more pleased with your work. I didn't talk about compensation action for you, but I will now. We know from information we get from the bar association that Clifford & Jamison is probably the most profitable law firm in Los Angeles. I'm just sort of part time around here. I spend most of my time soaking up the sun.

"That leaves the workload to Ginger and Sandy. They handle about three times the case load of any other lawyers around ... and don't even stay late. They are both very passionate young women and their priorities are at home. So how can they do it? With a level of support that would be the envy of every lawyer in the city ... if they had the first foggy clue how we work. With our billings we're supposed to have a support staff of fifteen to twenty. We have three!

"Joan, you are the outstanding computer scientist in your class ... and Cal Tech is no slouch as a school. I have been hoping against hope you would consider staying ... at least for a while. I propose to increase your salary to $60,000 a year beginning the first of the year. You're still underpaid for what you do, but it's a start. We really do want you to stay, although we know this work is as simple as riding a tricycle for you. Don't you get bored?"

As she was speaking a range of emotions was passing over Joan's face. When Ali finished, the girl said with a grin, "That's the trouble working with a bunch of computer illiterates! You don't realize how tough it is, or how much fun it is to try to develop programs that are easy for non-techies to use! I try to create programs that produce the right information presented in the most useful way for the users. It's the most technically-challenging computer job around. I'm the envy of all my colleagues. And I get to run the whole operation myself!

"Then there are the other things," she said with a warm smile. "I feel like I belong. This is almost a sorority combined with a men's locker room. Did you know we have a pool — Kathy, Judy and me? Only now Kathy's out — and Judy's about to be out, too. The pool is to figure which of you came more times the night before. First, it was between you and Ginger. Then we added Sandy. Now Kathy's in it, too! Judy and I just shake our heads in amazement as you four come staggering in, day after day looking utterly exhausted but with the most glorious expressions on your faces!

"Then there's the health club, the free parking, the goodies ... Ali, thank you for letting me stay." Joan was now relaxed and smiling. "Ali, Ginger hired me. I was here when you came back from your honeymoon. Do you know anything about me? Other than the fact that I'm finishing at Cal Tech?"

Ali shook her head, no. Joan continued, "Ali, I'm an orphan. I have no money. You know I worked topless because it was the best way for me to make the most money in the least time to pay for my education. Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about the party. Do I have to bring a date?"

Ali looked at the girl closely. She realized she was a truly beautiful girl. Then an idea started to form. She said, "Joan, what I think I'm hearing is you don't have a boyfriend. There is no one you want to invite. You only meet two kinds of guys: the guys ogling your tits at the topless bar — and the less said about inviting one of them, the better — and guys at Cal Tech. What's wrong? Are they too stiff?"

Joan smiled and nodded. "Ali, I'm not sure they could put two English sentences together back to back. Some of the guys I used to see on the Strip were probably nice, but they always think a girl working topless is just a quick lay. So they're out. Anyway, is it all right if I just come alone?"

Ali smiled her beaming smile, "Of course it is, Joan. But you've raised a very good point. With Ginger, Sandy, Kathy and me, all with our husbands, things could get pretty bawdy. We're not the most prim and proper group of girls in town! What about Judy? What's her situation? And I don't mean to pry. It's really none of my business and I know it."

"That bitch!" she said, but her words were belied by her smile. "Do you know what happened three weeks ago, just before you got back from Hawaii? It was Monday morning and I was waiting for her for our pool. She just stumbles in and says, 'Pay me. I win!' She found a Marine officer stationed down at Camp Pendleton. She's been watching you people and then she took the bull by the horns. Anyway, she's gone, too! I'm sure Mike will be up for the party. He's getting out of the Corps pretty soon and Judy didn't want to let him get away."

-------

It was Friday three weeks later and the day of the firm Christmas party which was scheduled for the restaurant on top of their building. Ali had decreed that the office was closed for the day so the girls could all get ready. While Bill was off somewhere, she was in the suite going over her investment information when the doorbell rang. Ali was wearing her favorite outfit: her skin-tight Levi's and chambray shirt. Rising from her chair she buttoned her shirt and went to answer the door. Opening it, she found Jennifer Clifford.

She looked at the girl in surprise, but asked her to come in. Ali was genuinely shocked by the girl's appearance: she was haggard and pale. Ali realized with a shock that the girl looked worse than she had herself on the day of her divorce hearing. Jennifer held out her hand diffidently. It was obvious from the look in her face that she expected Ali to ignore it, if she didn't slap it away.

Instead, Ali took the girl's hand and gripped it. "Come in, Jennifer, and sit down if you wish. I'm sorry, but your father's not here, so you may prefer to come back some other time."

Jennifer just shook her head and came in. She turned to Ali and said, "Mrs. Clifford, I came to see you. I've been hiding downstairs for days. This morning I saw my dad leave the hotel alone so I came up here. It's a good thing he's not here. He'd throw me out!" Ali looked at the girl and could see anguish in her eyes. She continued. "He would be absolutely correct, too. He should throw me out! So should you! I took a chance coming up today to see you, anyway.

"After the trial I stayed around town. I was so sure I was right and Dad was wrong. I went over to UCLA and then to USC law school and asked about Ali McGrath. Two things always happened. First, everyone knows you. Second, they all love you. You can't understand what this has done to me. Day after day I would go to the Student Union and order a beer. I would strike up a conversation and ask about Ali McGrath. The same thing happened every time! I would still be there when they were closing the place each night. I couldn't guess how many people I've talked to, but the result is always the same — can you top this — one Ali story after another, after another. I even met a few people who know my dad. They all say the same thing: He's never been happier or looked better."

Tears were flowing from the girl's eyes. Ali was shocked as Jennifer dropped to her knees on the floor and said, "Ali, my dad said he would never speak to me again. He said I should drop on my knees and beg your forgiveness." She looked up at Ali and she could see the pain in the girl's eyes. "Ali, all I can do is beg! I am begging you to forgive me. There's not one single reason I can think of why you should. Not one! And as you saw, I'm pretty creative.

"Ali, it's not the money, believe me." Still kneeling on the floor, Jennifer reached into her purse and pulled out a letter which she gave to Ali. Ali read it. It was a To-whom-it-may-concern letter signed by Jennifer Clifford renouncing any claim to the estate of her father, William Clifford. Ali saw at once that it had been very carefully drafted by a skilled lawyer. It further provided that if anything were to be left to her from his estate it was to be immediately transferred to Allison McGrath Clifford or to her estate. The reason was an effort to try to make amends for the great harm she had done to Mrs. Clifford. Ali put the letter down and extended her hands to the anguished girl. Ali saw a look of hope appear where there had been pure anguish before. Jennifer took her hands and stood up. Then Ali took her in her arms and held her.

Jennifer had started to cry and now was bawling like a baby. All Ali could hear was, "Ali, I'm so sorry!" Finally, the girl ran out of tears.

Ali held her away, looked at her, and said softly, "Jennifer, they say it's an ill wind that blows no good. What you did for your father and me was to confirm us in our love for each other. I had been so preoccupied with others I guess it never penetrated my thick head that you father loves me ... let alone how much. He said he couldn't go on living without me. Seeing the terrible shape he was in that day, I guess I have to believe him. Now what are we going to do to get you two back together?"

Jennifer smiled at her. It was an intensely warm smile. She shook her head and said, "Nothing, Ali! Absolutely nothing at all. This letter is on file with my attorneys and at the Los Angeles County Court House. The best thing that's ever happened to me was being cut off by Dad. I won't go back on the tit! Speaking of which," she said as she shrugged off her shirt, "I've got a job working as a stripper out on the Strip. I've transferred to UCLA for the rest of my doctoral work. Do you think I can make it?" she asked with a wry grin.

Jennifer was full-chested and her breasts were beautiful. She slipped off her blue jeans and then her bikini briefs. Then she just stood in front of Ali with a questioning look in her eyes. Ali smiled and nodded saying, "You'll make it. Your body is exquisite!"

Jen quickly put her clothes back on. Then she stuck out her hand again, "Thank you, Ali!" The girl went to the door and stopped. She looked at Ali and said, "Could you possibly do me an enormous favor sometime?"

Ali said, "Of course. What?"

Jennifer grinned wryly and said, "The boss hasn't made up his mind yet, but he may want me to have a bare mound. I tried, but I can't bring myself to pluck the hair. I have a machine that pulls it out. If I need to be hairless, could you do it for me?"

Ali smiled and shook her head. "Only on one condition: If I do, you have to tell me where you're working. I'm going to bring your father out to see you!"

Jennifer's face fell, "My God! He would..." Then she smiled, "I don't know what he would do. It might show him I am human! Ali, it's a deal!" With a grin she let herself out.

-------

That night Bill looked at Ali as she prepared to put on her dress. She was standing in front of the mirror wearing only her bikini briefs, her shoes and her stockings. He came up behind her and cupped her breasts in his hands. Once more, they were perfect. She closed her eyes and leaned back against him. "Do we have to go, Bill? Couldn't I just send Fred with a check? We could stay home and neck."

Bill kissed her neck and smiled. "You have it easy! I have to wear a dinner jacket ... in Southern California, yet."

They finally went to the party and were the last to arrive. When they came up to the table the others stood and applauded. They were greeted warmly by Charley Conrad and Jack Benson, both of whom looked great. Judy Jeffries, her eyes glowing, introduced her date, Marine Major Michael Morris. Morris was tall and tanned and wearing his dress whites along with the Medal of Honor around his neck.

Judy, looking worried, took Ali aside. Ali asked her what was wrong. "Ali, I took the liberty of reserving a suite for Mike and me at the Beverly Wilshire. We're there for the whole weekend. I had completely forgotten that it's where you and Mr. Clifford live. I hope you don't mind too much? We could change hotels," she said, sounding doubtful.

Ali smiled at the girl warmly. She said very quietly, "What's this I hear about you leaving Joan all alone? She told me about the pool you had, but now she's left with no players! As far as the hotel is concerned, don't worry about it." She smiled at Judy and added, "Mike seems like a very nice guy. Do you like him?"

Ali noticed that Judy had never looked better. She glowed. She said, "I'm sure he's the one, Ali. I utterly adore the man!"

Ali looked for Bill and spotted him out on the floor dancing with Joan Fredrick. The evening passed quickly. Even Joan had a good time as all the men took turns dancing with her. Finally Judy said, "Joan, you're doing more dancing than any two of us. You're monopolizing our men!"

Joan just pertly stuck out her tongue and said, "You have them for the rest of the night and for the whole weekend. Don't begrudge me a few minutes on the dance floor."

Ali danced with Ken Carlson, Kathy's husband. As they danced, Ken said, "Ali, I've been hearing all about you and Ginger for months. I couldn't believe there could be two such beautiful women. Then Kathy started to become more affectionate. I couldn't believe that, either. Finally, she comes home with a $35,000 bonus check. Ali, all I can say is thanks. I guess Kathy already asked you who we're supposed to kill for you?"

He grinned and she grinned back. "Ken, I love her and think she's the best damned legal secretary alive. I'm glad you don't mind her working for us."

"Mind? How could I possibly mind? This has to be the only law firm in the country where everyone is thrown out of the office at five o'clock! I gather you have a set of personal priorities you share with your partners." He held her away and grinned, "I have only one complaint, lady: I haven't been getting much sleep."

Ali's eyebrows went up. "You haven't? Gee! What do you know about that? Bill complains about the same thing! You ought to talk to him about it. Maybe it's some virus going around."

He pulled her close and kissed her lightly on the cheek. He whispered, "Right! It must be a virus!" and grinned at her.

Later in the evening Ali asked Bill what he wanted to do over Christmas. He said he was thinking about going skiing in Switzerland. "Ali, you've had a terrible experience with one of my children. Dare I introduce you to another? You have to promise me, no matter what, you won't walk out. Promise?"

She reached for him, pulled his face down to hers and kissed him softly. "I promise, Bill. Never again!"



-------

Chapter 13



It was a cold evening in New York when their flight landed at Kennedy International Airport. Ali stretched and yawned having slept during most of the flight east. There was a layover until their Swissair flight for Zurich departed and she took the time mentally to review their plans for the upcoming trip. As soon as they had decided to spend January in Switzerland, Ali had called her old friend, Karl Gaudli, who lived in Zurich. She had met Karl years earlier when she was in Switzerland making a skiing movie. She knew that Karl and his wife had a daughter who was now eighteen and an outstanding skier. She had been a member of the Swiss National Junior Ski Team.

When she reached Karl, she filled him in on what had happened to her since they had last communicated. When he learned she was now married to Bill Clifford, Karl let out a low whistle. For some years now he had been with one of the major Swiss banks. The Clifford name — and money — were well known to him. Finally, she got to the purpose of her call: "Karl, would your daughter, Karen, have any interest in being our guest for a month of skiing in Zermatt? Bill's son, Brian, will be with us."

Karl said it sounded like fun and promised to relay the invitation. Subsequently it was accepted.

Although she had told Bill about the plans they hadn't said a thing to Brian. They were supposed to meet him in the Swissair first-class lounge at Kennedy. After quickly checking in, they went to the lounge, and Ali's heart was in her mouth. The last thing she needed was another scene — this one in public.

While Bill was checking in with the attendant, a young man with long blonde hair came up to her. He looked shy, but his hand was outstretched. "Mrs. Clifford? Mom? I'm Brian."

Ali looked at him and took his hand. Then she pulled him close and hugged and kissed him. "Hi, Brian," she whispered. "Merry Christmas, and thank you so much!"

Brian Clifford was tall and very slim. He was twenty years old but Ali didn't think he weighed over 155. He looked puzzled and said, "Thank me? For what?"

She smiled her sunshine smile and said, "For calling me Mom. Brian, I love it and would be very proud if you wanted to call me that. Honestly, though, it's far more than I dared hope!"

Bill had finished the process and joined them. He shook hands with Brian and then hugged him. Ali thought, At least this is starting off a lot better than the last time. Their flight was called and they boarded the Boeing 747. After a magnificent meal, Ali took down a couple of blankets, slipped off her sweater and put Bill's hand on her bare breast.

She slept through the overnight flight, awakening as they were entering their final approach to Zurich. She quickly slipped back into her sweater, grinned at Bill, and folded the blanket. "Bill, that was so nice! Thank you so much."

He grinned at her and said, "You thanked me so nicely, I won't even complain about my sprained wrist. I sprained it keeping it bent around you all night."

The plane rolled to a stop at the gate and they disembarked. For reasons best known to itself, Swissair considers Geneva to be the air gateway to Zermatt. However, there is excellent train service south from Zurich connecting with the mountain train at Brig. Moreover, they were meeting Karen at the Swissair first-class lounge in Zurich.

As they walked down the concourse and turned towards the lounge, Ali's heart was again in her mouth. She had started off very well with Brian and hoped she wasn't going to screw things up now. As they were about to go in, she realized she had no idea what Karen Gaudli looked like. Entering the lounge, they were greeted by an attendant. Just then, a beautiful slender blonde girl came up to her and said, "Mrs. Clifford? I'm Karen Gaudli. My parents asked me to give you their warmest regards."

Ali breathed a sigh of relief. This was almost too good to be true. She introduced Karen to Bill and then to Brian. "Brian, Karen is the daughter of very dear friends of mine. She lives here in Zurich and is going to be skiing with us in Zermatt. She was a member of the Swiss National Junior Ski Team, so I think she'll probably be able to keep up with you," she added with a grin.

Turning to Karen, she asked if she was all set. All she had with her was a knapsack. Everything else was checked through to Zermatt with the railroad. There the hotel porter would claim her baggage for her and bring it over to the hotel. They went to the Swissair baggage claim and retrieved their things, taking them only the few feet required to reach the railroad baggage checking facility. Then they went down to the railroad station below the Zurich airport and boarded their train for Brig.

As they ate lunch in the dining car, the train wound through the mountains that repeatedly slice east and west across Switzerland. When they went back to their compartment, Ali went to sleep leaning on Bill's shoulder. As she dozed off she could hear the young people talking across from her. They changed to the mountain train at Brig and began to wind south up into the mountains. The glacier at Zermatt fed a small stream that became one of the headwaters of the Rhone River. When they reached Zermatt it was dark and they were only a few miles above the Italian border.

They were greeted by a driver from the Hotel Zermatterhof. Riding down the small main street in the battery-powered car, they pulled up at the front entrance and quickly checked in. Ali and Bill were shown to their suite while Brian and Karen were shown to their respective rooms. The two young people thought they would look around the town while Bill and Ali just shook their heads and headed for bed.

That night, Ali kissed Bill and whispered, "I owe you. Lie on your back." He did and closed his eyes. Ali used her fingers and lips to bring him to a raging erection and then lowered herself down on it.

He smiled with his eyes closed and murmured, "What are you doing?"

She leaned over and kissed him passionately. "I'm fucking myself, silly. What do you think I'm doing?" Just then she came and brought him over the edge with her.

The next morning the four met for breakfast in the dining room. Ali decided that she and Bill were in fine shape but the young people didn't look too good. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "What time did you two get back to the hotel last night?"

Karen smothered a yawn with her hand while Brian shook his head and replied, "Not early enough, it seems."

They started a pattern that they continued for the next ten days. Bill and Ali would be met by a guide they had retained and in consultation with him they would decide on a mountain for skiing that day. Then they would take the appropriate lift and start skiing. Inevitably Brian and Karen would disappear in the direction of the expert terrain. At noon the four would meet at one of the mountainside restaurants. If it was sunny they would sun themselves on the deck while they sipped beer, cider or wine. Then the couples would go off separately again not to meet until the end of the day. Then they would have a sauna and a massage.

Ali watched closely when Karen and Brian caught up with them at noon. They were always laughing and joking, but Ali was certain she was seeing a familiar light in Karen's eyes. Occasionally, they would go out dancing with the young people after dinner but more often they stayed at the hotel.

Then on the morning of the eleventh day at breakfast, Brian came up to their table. Ali saw Karen sitting alone at another table. Brian took a deep breath and said, "Dad, could I speak with Mom alone? Would you mind eating with Karen over there?"

Bill shrugged and went over to join Karen. Ali looked at Brian expectantly. "What is it, Brian?"

"Mom ... Mom, I slept with Karen last night," he blurted out.

Ali just looked at him calmly. "Was it good? For both of you?"

Brian looked at Ali strangely. "What do you mean, 'for both of you?' I don't understand."

"Brian, boys and girls are different. Men can get off a lot faster than women can. On the other hand, women can cum far more often than men can. That's why a male prostitute is essentially a contradiction in terms. A woman can take far more men than a man can have women. Do you understand?" She smiled at him warmly and said again, "Was it good for both of you?"

Brian looked sheepish. "Mom, I guess it was better for me than it was for Karen. I don't know, though. I really didn't think about it. What should we do?"

"Brian, I think I should talk to Karen and you should talk to your dad. Brian, your father is one of the world's greatest lovers and I'm sure you could learn a lot. I want to talk to Karen. But first, what did you and she have in mind? I'm sure you didn't come over just to make a confession."

"We thought we could change rooms ... get one room with a double bed. Could we?"

Ali smiled at him again and said, "First, I want to talk to Karen. Then, if she's really willing, I'll call her parents. Brian, she's our guest and the daughter of a good friend. I'm responsible for her and I have to take that responsibility seriously. Is that all right with you?"

It was obvious Brian wasn't happy, but it seemed to be the best arrangement he was going to get. He went over to the other table and Karen came over to join Ali. She was blushing as she sat down. She said, "Mrs. Clifford, Brian told you ... about us?"

Ali put out her hand and took the girl's hand in hers. "Yes, Karen, he did. Tell me, was it good for you?"

Karen looked puzzled. "Good? I don't understand. I think it was good for Brian."

Ali shook her head and said, "No, Karen. I know it was good for Brian. I asked if it was good for you? Tell me about it. What did you do?"

It was all Ali could do to keep a straight face. It was so obvious that this girl's English — which was perfect — was lacking in a sexual vocabulary. Ali glanced at her watch. They had finished eating by this time so she said to Karen, "Come up to our room with me."

She went over to the other table and said, "Bill, could you tell the guide we'll be going up the mountain late today? Say, at one o'clock? And how about if you and Brian do some of the things that men find to do while Karen and I have some girl talk? And, Bill, if you need anything from our room you better come up and get it now." They had their ski wear on so Bill came up to change into more comfortable clothes for walking around town with his son. He left Ali alone in the suite with the girl.

Ali took off her ski wear and stood in front of Karen almost naked except for her bikini. Karen looked at Ali, shook her head, and said, "My father said you were very beautiful. But words fail: it's like saying the Matterhorn is big. It's true, but it's inadequate. Mrs. Clifford, you are gorgeous!"

Ali smiled her thanks and put on her jeans and chambray shirt. Then she sat down and looked at Karen. "Karen, we were talking about you. I asked if sleeping with Brian was good for you. What did he do and what did you do?"

Karen was obviously uncomfortable. Somehow seeing Ali nearly nude had eased things for her in some fashion. She said, "Brian stroked my ... my breasts?"

Ali nodded and said quietly, "In English, they are sometimes called boobs or tits. But yes, in the dictionary, they are breasts. Brian stroked them and then what happened?"

"Then he took off my pants, spread my legs, and put his thing inside me. Then it was all over and he went to sleep. And I guess I just tossed and turned."

Ali shook her head and asked, "Is that all? Did you touch him?"

"There wasn't time. He was hurting. He needed to get inside me quickly. So I let him."

Ali said softly, "Karen, that was terrible. You must love him very much. Do you?"

Karen's eyes widened in amazement. "I do love him. But why did you say that?"

Again Ali shook her head. "Because if he did that to a girl in the States, she might have slapped his face. For damned sure she wouldn't ever care to see him again. Karen, Brian left you cold. I'll bet when he was finished you were shaking. You wanted something more, but didn't know what, but he was already asleep. Is that what happened?"

The girl's jaw dropped as Ali was speaking. "How could you know that? I was vibrating! I didn't know what to do. What could I do?"

This time Ali grinned and said, "You could have punched him in the ribs, woke him up and told him, 'Do me!' or you could have done yourself. It's not very satisfying but it sure beats tossing in bed all night. Karen, did you ever sleep with a boy before Brian?"

Karen reddened and said, "Once. It was awful. It really hurt! But what do you mean, 'Do me?' What does that mean?"

Ali explained that it meant the man spread the girls legs and licked her cunt and nibbled on her clit to bring her to orgasm. She then explained female masturbation. Karen's eyes widened as she listened. Finally the girl said, "But that's not nice!"

"What's 'not nice' about it? I'll admit it's not as nice as both of you cuming together. Karen, I want to tell you something: As far as I'm concerned, Brian's father, Bill Clifford, is the greatest lover alive. Last night, for example, Bill came in me three or four times, and I must have cum a dozen times or so. With a father like that, there's just no excuse for Brian. As I said, you must love him or you wouldn't be here now. You would be on the train headed back to Zurich."

She smiled warmly at the girl and took her in her arms. Then she held her away and said, "Karen, would you like to have a suite of your own with Brian? One like this? However, if we arrange it, you must promise me to kick him out of bed if he can't perform better than he has. It's called incentive: If he's good, he can sleep with you beside him in the bed. If he's not, he sleeps on the cold floor. What do you think?"

Karen giggled at the thought of Brian sleeping on the cold floor. Then she said, "But Mrs. Clifford, that would be cruel!"

Ali said, "No, Karen. It's not cruel, it's called incentive. Now, would you like a suite like this one?" The girl agreed instantly. Ali called the front desk and made arrangements for the two to be moved to the suite down the hall from theirs.

Then she called Zurich and explained things to Karl. He said he had hoped Karen would be nice to Brian but he didn't expect her to be that nice. Finally Ali explained that they were going to be in a comfortable suite. She said finally, "Karl, it's a lot better than trying to do it on the mountainside somewhere." He laughed and agreed it was. Ali hung up the phone. "I guess it's all set then. Karen, would you mind getting undressed? I would like to see your body."

The girl quickly stripped off her clothes and Ali gave a soft whistle of appreciation. Karen's body was magnificent. She nodded and Karen got dressed again. When she was again seated, Ali said, "I think I'm going to murder my stepson! Karen, you have a body a man should worship! And he just takes you like a sack of potatoes. His father would disown him if he knew!"

She then spent the next couple of hours telling Karen about handling men and how she should behave. When it was over, she realized that Karen had spent a great deal of the time blushing. Ali reassured her there was nothing she described that she and Bill didn't do regularly.

Then she said, "Karen, you and Brian need to experiment with your bodies. Everyone is different. Try different things. Talk about it. Find out what you both like best. Bill and I sort of like everything. Whoops, I almost forgot! It's like second nature to us now. Karen, every night regardless of how many times we've made it or how, when we're ready to go to sleep I snuggle as close to Bill as I can get. My head is on his shoulder. His arm pulls me close to him and his hand is cupped over my tit. Every morning when I awaken his hand is still there. Sometimes he awakens first and squeezes my boob. If I waken first, I squeeze his hand.

"Karen, there is nothing as nice as lovemaking first thing in the morning when you're not even fully awake yet. It's so nice and slow. It's the greatest way in the world to wake up. Try it. I think you'll like it."

That afternoon, as she and Bill were riding the lifts, she told him about her talk with Karen. Then she said, "I told her you were the greatest lover in the world and you would kill your son if you knew what he had done." She hadn't yet told Bill about the beginning of the story. She said, "Bill, he felt her boobs — and they are simply magnificent, by the way — stripped off her pants, took her, and went to sleep. He was sleeping while she was still tossing in frustration. The poor kid is so innocent she had no idea what to do. She thought that was the way it always was."

"What did you say to her?" he asked with a smile. He had been shaking his head as Ali told the story.

"I told her to punch him in the ribs, wake him up and tell him to do her." She grinned at Bill and said, "And as for you, Dad, you better be sure he knows how! I'll be damned if I'm going to give my stepson lessons in how to eat a girl's cunt!" They were riding a chair lift at the time. Bill pulled her close and kissed her softly. The kiss lingered and he heard her make warm noises deep in her throat. Bill promised he would talk to Brian before dinner.

That evening, Bill went down to the young people's suite and sent Karen back to Ali. Ali had hors d'oeuvres and a small bar set up. She knew liquor was very expensive in Switzerland so she and Bill had brought in a duty-free supply. She made Karen a martini. As she had guessed, it was the first one the girl had ever had, but she sipped it appreciatively. They made small talk and then Karen said, "You told me about a man doing a girl. Can she do a man?"

"Yes, she can. Would you like to, Karen?" Ali asked quietly.

"I think I would like to try," she said earnestly.

Ali gave her instructions and finished by saying, "Karen, I like the taste of Bill's cum. In fact I love it! However, I heard there's a very continental way: wash it down with champagne. I've heard that Dom Pérignon is best." With that she went to the Minibar and took out a chilled bottle of the fine champagne and gave it to the girl. "Karen, you can keep it until the opportunity presents itself, if you care to try. Otherwise, just drink it to celebrate."

The four had a magnificent dinner together. Ali noticed that Brian had dressed for the occasion and had even been to the barber to have his hair trimmed. She frequently had to cover her mouth with her hand to mask a grin as the boy tried his best to express his concern for Karen and her feelings. For her part, Karen just glowed. After dinner, they adjourned to the small bar for coffee and cognac. Ali was looking at Bill and when she caught his eye she licked her lips. Karen and Brian excused themselves early, pleading weariness.

That night Ali went down on Bill. When he finally exploded in her mouth, she jumped out of bed and went to the Minibar. She opened a bottle of Dom Pérignon and poured glasses for each of them. She took a sip and said, "Yum! The rumor is right."

Bill had been watching her with amusement. "And what, may I ask, is my bride doing?"

"I told Karen that if you go down on a man and take his cum in your mouth, rumor has it that it washes down beautifully with Dom Pérignon." She came back to the bed and climbed in beside him. She was surprised when his head went under the covers.

Moments later she could feel his mouth on her cunt and his teeth nibbling at her love bud. She spread her legs wide and raised her hips. She started to moan as he worked on her; her hips took on a life of their own and began to move by themselves. Finally, she came in a flood of cum which he lapped up. He licked her dry and then moved back up in the bed beside her.

He reached for his champagne glass still sitting on the night table and took a sip. "Yum," he declared.

"What does that mean?" she asked.

"Your love juices are great washed down with champagne, too," he replied with a smile.

The next morning at breakfast, Ali and Bill each took a table for two. When the young people came down, Bill motioned Brian to come over while Karen joined Ali. Ali smiled at the girl as the waiter came for their breakfast order. Karen was now eating an American breakfast rather than the usual Swiss breakfast of croissant, butter and cold cuts. Ali asked, "How was it? Karen, it had to be better than the last time. You are positively glowing! What happened?"

The girl's eyes were dancing. "Ali ... Mrs. Clifford, it was magnificent! I came for the first time! And then for the second, third, fourth ... It must have been at least a dozen. Brian was so good! He did me! And then I did him. And I tried the champagne and it was wonderful. But you were right: the very best was this morning. Last night after our lovemaking I snuggled as close to him as I could and put his hand on my tit." The girl smiled warmly and added, "He says I'm more than a handful! Then this morning he woke me by squeezing my tit gently, just as you described. I just spread my legs and he eased into me. He was slow and soft and gentle. Then I came again and again and again." The girl grinned and said, "I was like the Swiss artillery firing salutes. I just didn't stop! Then the girl's face became serious. She said, "But then, Ali, I fainted. I was unconscious! Do I need to see a doctor?"

Ali took the girl's hand and squeezed it. "I think you should probably see a doctor about birth control pills — unless you already have them. Do you?" The girl shook her head. "As for the other, you experienced your ultimate orgasm. Karen, it's a sensory overload. You just couldn't take any more and everything cut out. It didn't hurt, did it?"

The girl relaxed and said, "Of course not! But I thought I was in good physical condition. Ali — may I call you Ali? You are like no mother I've ever known. You're like an older sister I can confide in. Do you mind?"

Ali squeezed her hand and said, "Of course I don't mind. Karen, you're one of the most beautiful girls it's ever been my good fortune to meet. I would love to be your older sister! Now what about your physical condition?"

"Ali, I hurt in places I didn't know I had places. And I thought I was in great shape!"

Ali smiled and said, "Don't worry about it." She looked at the girl and asked, "How did it compare to the first time you were with Brian?"

Karen grinned. Ali thought her grin was cute. She also decided that grinning was very un-Swiss. Then the girl said, "It was like heaven compared to hell! I understand now what you were telling me." Then she looked at Ali carefully and then whistled softly. "Ali, you were telling me it's like this for you night after night after night. You were, weren't you?"

"I certainly was! That's the way it is for Bill and me every night ... and most days. Now do you see why I was upset when you told me about Brian just leaving you writhing while he went to sleep? The creep!"

Karen suddenly looked very serious. "Ali, please don't be angry at Brian. He just didn't know, either. Last night he was magnificent! He said his father had been talking to him. Now, Ali, what should I do tonight?" Ali talked with the girl and told her more about their bodies and lovemaking.

The following day they didn't see Karen or Brian. The second morning Karen came into the dining room alone. She smiled at Bill and joined them at their table. Ali smiled back at the girl and asked her how she was. Bill excused himself to let the girls talk.

All Karen could do was roll her eyes. "I'm destroyed! Ali, I wanted to talk to you, so I dragged my aching body out of bed. I complained to you about my body hurting two days ago? Now, I just ache all over." She blushed prettily. "Ali, my tits are now so sensitive that last night I came when Brian just caressed them. He wasn't even near my cunt! Ali, how do you do it? You look magnificent. I'm younger than you are and thought I was in better condition, but it just shows how wrong I can be. I really just came down to tell you we're still alive ... but barely. If we sleep all day, I may have Brian in condition to meet you two for dinner, if that's all right?"

Bill came back to the table and they both smiled warmly at the girl as she made her way back to the restaurant door. Ali could see she could hardly walk. As she disappeared from sight, Ali took Bill's hand in hers. She said, "Bill, she's a very beautiful girl. And it looks like you're going to have a Swiss daughter-in-law."

Bill smiled and squeezed her hand. "And all thanks to the wicked stepmother." He smiled and said, "I had to provide him some coaching after that buildup you gave me. Thanks, darling. Now how about some skiing?"

That evening they had decided to go to the hotel next door for dinner and dancing. Ali insisted that Bill wear a dinner jacket and he called Brian to tell him. Bill turned back to her and said, "Darling, I'm not sure he has anything other than beat up old army pants. Formal for Brian is wearing shoes!" Ali just smiled.

When they met in the lobby, Ali noticed that Brian's hair was even shorter than the previous time. He was wearing a dinner jacket and looked very handsome. Karen was gorgeous. Ali noticed the girl just glowed with happiness. The evening was one of the nicest she could remember. At one point Karen and Bill were dancing, leaving Brian and her alone. Brian leaned over and kissed Ali on the cheek. She rubbed her cheek gently and looked at him. "Brian, thank you. But what was that for?"

"That was for being the best mother a guy could possibly hope to have! I thought I was a man of the world. But I almost blew it with Karen and she's as beautiful as you are." He looked at her and she was surprised to see tears in the corners of his eyes. He took her hand and held it. "Mom, Dad says you are absolutely the greatest. Karen says so, too. Mom, you won't believe some of the things she does with me... !" He interrupted himself and grinned. "Yes, you will!" he said. "Karen says you taught her all of them. Mom, no wonder Dad looks so good. He's never looked as good as he does now! Never! And it's all you. Mom, all I can say is thanks. We're really trying. Incidentally, Karen told me that sleeping with her head on my shoulder and my hand on her tit was your idea. She calls it a tit, by the way. She says you sleep that way with Dad every night. Is that true?"

Ali smiled at him warmly and said, "It sure is! Brian, I can't describe how wonderful it feels to snuggle close to your dad — as close as I can get my body — and have him hold my tit in his hand. I think it's particularly neat here in the Alps, with the air so crisp and cold. Then in the morning, he takes me slowly and it's just magnificent." She looked apprehensive and said, "I hope what I said doesn't shock you?"

He grinned at her and said, "Mom, a couple of weeks ago I wouldn't have been shocked but I wouldn't have known what you were talking about, either. After the last few days, I know exactly what you mean."

He smiled and continued, "Karen and I take turns in the morning now. She says it is not fair for her to stay nice and snugly and warm all the time while I have to get cold. So she got on me this morning, instead." He smiled as he remembered. "The room was really cold. She got on top of me and her skin was covered with goose-bumps. Then when I was in her she lay on top of me and pulled the covers up over both of us. Would you believe it? We fell asleep that way? I was still in her. For what seemed like hours one or the other of us would sort of wake up and move a little just to be sure we were still in place, then fall asleep again. It must have been hours later when we finally came."

The next morning Karen and Brian joined them for breakfast. Bill was delighted to see them up and about. Later, they began a routine they followed for the rest of their stay. Instead of Karen and Brian going off together to the expert trails, they skied with Ali and Bill, primarily on intermediate terrain. In the weeks they had been at Zermatt, Ali's skill on skis had come back to her. They found a run off one of the main trails that had been set up with giant-slalom pylons. Bill laughed uproariously when he edged Brian's time by a couple of tenths of a second. Karen had won, of course, but Ali was a remarkably close second.

Ali was wearing stretch pants that showed off her perfect legs. Karen was feeling very close to Ali by this time — she addressed her as sister in German. She looked at Ali after her run and after her time was posted. She said, "I thought the legs are supposed to go first? Sister, when are your legs going to go?" Ali just laughed — or tried to. She was still trying to catch her breath from the exertion in the thin mountain air. The town of Zermatt is over a mile high. At the highest skiable point — the Kleine Matterhorn — the altitude is over 13,000 feet. The four had run the slalom course starting at 8,500 feet, or about a mile and a half above sea level.

They found they enjoyed the skiing more when they weren't pushing. Ali had said, "This is a vacation. What are we working so hard for?" Everyone had laughed, but they also started taking the runs easier.

It didn't stop the horseplay between Karen and Brian, though. One day they were on a steep run that cut through a rocky ridge. On the far side of the cut, the trail took a sharp turn to the left. Karen had positioned herself to Brian's left; as he cleared the cut and began his turn Karen cut him off and ran him head first into a huge, fluffy snow-bank which was positioned to safely stop any skier who couldn't negotiate the sharp turn. Karen stopped and howled with laughter as Brian almost disappeared into the fluffy snow with only his skis showing above it. As he emerged from the snow, he looked like a snowman with snow stuck to everything.

While he wiped off his face with his gloves he threatened, "Karen, just you wait!"

She yelped and launched herself down the trail. With her speed and skill there was no way he could catch her, but it did not prevent him from getting his revenge. The next morning Ali found out from Karen that Brian had reached outside their window while she was still asleep and made a snowball which he put right between her naked breasts. He was next to her on the bed when she awakened with a scream. He instantly covered her mouth with his and held the snowball against her tits as it slowly melted. Karen said she didn't even mind after the first shock wore off because the cold snow bothered Brian more than it did her.

Bill was very impressed at how relaxed the two young people now seemed. They were always laughing and joking. Periodically, one would ski over to the other for a kiss. He spoke to Ali about it. "Honey, what did you do to these young people? They seem to be having such fun."

Ali just looked at him and said, "They're just behaving like we do, dear."

When they finished the vacation, Brian was invited to stay over for a few more days with the Gaudlis in Zurich. It was obvious that Karen was planning on attending a college in the United States to be close to Brian; Brian was even talking about transferring to a different school with a stronger academic program. Bill asked Ali about that change as well.

She replied, "Bill, it's simple. Brian is now a man with responsibilities. In fact, I guess you could say that he's become a man."



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Chapter 14



Ali and Bill were back in Los Angeles. Bill was meeting a banker downtown and Ali was going over her investment portfolio. She had just given Barbara Jamison some stock trades to execute when the phone rang. It was Jennifer Clifford. "Ali, welcome back! I just got a letter from my brother, Brian. What did you do to him? The little kid seems to be floating in the clouds. All he could talk about was Karen who, I gather, is a Swiss girl you introduced him to. Who's Karen?"

"Your little brother found an angel! Karen is a wonderful girl who's the daughter of a Swiss friend of mine. She also seems to be madly in love with your brother. She's a gorgeous blonde who was on the Swiss National Junior Ski Team. Anyway, that's the story. But what are you doing?"

"That's really why I called. I'm still working on the Strip and the manager has decided I should get rid of my pubic hair so I'm taking you up on your offer. I guess it includes bringing my father to see me dance if you really insist. Believe it or not, I'm the headliner now. Could you help me? I guess it's something I have to do, but I just can't bring myself to do it."

Ali agreed and said that she would come right over. She ordered her car out and drove to her old apartment that she had given to Jennifer to use. When the girl greeted her at the door, Ali was immediately struck by how different she looked. The first time Ali had met her she had been grim and antagonistic. The second time she had been distraught. This time she was smiling and relaxed.

She invited Ali in and they had coffee. Then Jennifer said, "Ali, could we just forget about the hair? Since we talked, I realized how disgusting the whole thing is."

Ali smiled softly and said, "Jen, I want to see you dance. It's the price of admission. Let's do it!"

"Thank you, Ali, very much. I read the directions for the infernal machine and already cut my hair short the way the directions said." She smiled wryly at Ali and said, "I thought the kitchen counter could serve as the operating table. The directions say I need something firm under my ass."

With that Jennifer slipped off her shirt and shucked her jeans. Ali saw the girl had a magnificent body. Her breasts were larger than Ali's but perfectly shaped. The rest of her body was slim, supple, and muscular in a very feminine way. Her pubic patch looked odd — almost as if she had a short crew-cut. While Ali examined the electrical instrument, she saw Jennifer take a piece of hard rubber and put it between her teeth to bite on. She slid up on the counter with her right leg dangling over the edge to flatten the pubic area as much as possible.

The instrument was all ready for use. It was a strange thing that caught a hair between rubber teeth and pulled it out by its roots. Ali started to work. Jennifer remained perfectly still although the process seemed never-ending and was obviously very painful. Once Ali glanced at the girl's face and saw tears of pain streaming from her eyes while she could see the girl's jaws locked on the hard rubber. She was about to stop when Jennifer signaled her to keep going. Finally it was done. Jennifer had her head propped up against the wall of a closet at the end of the counter and had been watching the whole process.

When Ali finished, Jennifer took the piece of rubber out of her mouth and said huskily, "Thank God!"

Ali looked at her for a moment and then helped her off the counter top, into the bathroom and ran the bathtub. After Jennifer gratefully lowered her body into the warm water, Ali used the washcloth to wash off the sweat that had been streaming from her body. Finally she helped the girl out of the tub, dried her off, and lay her on her back on the bed. Then she took a painkilling ointment and spread it on Jennifer's pubic area and started to massage the girl's body. There was not an apparent ounce of fat on the girl — just smooth skin and supple muscles. As she worked, she saw Jennifer drift off to sleep. When she finished the massage, she covered the girl and darkened the room. Several hours later, Jennifer emerged from the room looking angry.

Ali was startled and asked, "Jen, what's wrong?"

"You're what's wrong, Allison Clifford! I ask you over here to do me a favor. Not only do you handle an impossible chore — my God, if a girl asked me to pull out her cunt hair, I would die! — but you bathe me, dry me off and give me a massage to boot. Damn it, the only thing you didn't do was kiss me good night!" At that Jennifer bent over and kissed Ali sweetly on the lips, whispering, "Good night, Mom!"

Then she grinned at Ali and held out her hands saying, "Come on, Mom. I've got to work on that decrepit body of yours and try to keep it going for another couple of days!" With that she pulled Ali to her feet and led her into the bedroom.

Then she did for Ali what Ali had done for her: bathing her in a scented bath, drying her, and then massaging her body with oil. As she did she said, "Mom, I was pretty proud of my body until I saw yours. No wonder Dad is so happy! You are out of this world!"

As she massaged her muscles, Ali was moaning with the pleasure of it. She said, "Jen, where did you ever learn to do this? You're marvelous!"

Jen replied, "I'm a dancer, remember? We have more aches and pains than we can count so we always need a massage. The only way you can get a massage, though, is to be able to give one. But I'm only an amateur compared to you, anyway." She finished the massage leaving Ali asleep. Then she pulled the covers over her and kissed her sweetly again, whispering, "Thanks, Mom."

Later Ali was awakened. As she opened her eyes, she found Jennifer putting musk oil in her slit and between her breasts. The girl smiled and said, "Mom, it's time to go home. I thought I would set you up to be raped by Dad as you come in the door. Your glorious body is my gift to him tonight." She grinned and Ali grinned back.

When she got back to the suite Bill had just returned. He took her in his arms and kissed her softly. As he did he whispered, "My God, Ali. What are you wearing? You smell heavenly — and very exciting!" He continued to kiss her. Soon they were making love on the floor. Their lovemaking was exquisite.

Ali knew that Jen was off that night. The next evening she told Bill she wanted to go out to a nightclub. He looked at her strangely but agreed. Ali told Fred the name of the club on Sunset Strip and timed their arrival for Jen's last show at midnight. Jennifer had made sure there was a table for them in front next to the stage.

As they entered, Bill recognized the club immediately as a strip joint so he looked at Ali strangely and said, "Honey, are you sure this is really where you want to go?"

She said it was and they walked in. A stripper was ending her act as they were seated. There were the usual ribald yells and catcalls as well as a host of lewd suggestions aimed at the dancer. Bill started to redden about the ears and glanced at Ali. She appeared to be oblivious to the whole thing — she was not disturbed a bit. She even ignored a couple of low-voiced comments obviously aimed at her.

After they were seated and ordered beer, the MC came out and introduced the featured act at the club, Jenny. When she first came out on the stage, Bill partially rose from his chair. Ali took his hand in hers and squeezed it as he said softly, "It's Jennifer!"

She nodded and whispered, "I know, darling."

The music changed dramatically from the traditional stripper's beat to music that was slow and melodic. Jennifer came out wearing a white terry cloth bathrobe and sat at a mirrored dressing table. Then she took a letter from the table and read it. As she did, she allowed her robe to fall open and then slide off her shoulders. Now she was completely nude and fully visible to the audience in the mirror. It was obvious she was expecting her lover to arrive after an extended absence. First, she carefully applied lipstick to her lips. Then she quickly fixed her hair and applied rouge lightly to her nipples and her nether lips. As she did, she spun around so the audience could have a full view of her cunt as she spread her legs wide to apply the rouge. Then she rose from the chair and began to move as if she were in a dream.

Ali thought she was extremely good as she moved with grace and feeling dreaming her way through a seduction. She lay on the floor and ran her finger up her slit while spreading her legs wide to welcome her lover inside her. Ali noticed that the club was very quiet with the music setting a mood rather than a beat. Looking around, she saw the club was packed to the doors but the audience was mesmerized watching Jennifer on the stage. Finally, she reached her orgasmic peak and her loins seemed to explode in a frenzy of motion.

At one point in her dance she was close to the edge of the stage directly in front of Bill and Ali. She went to her knees, spread them as wide as she could, and leaned over backward, arching her back as her head touched the stage. Meanwhile her slender fingers were stroking her loins and her now-bare mound. When she jumped to her feet she gave Ali a quick wink.

The number concluded with door chimes ringing. Jennifer seemed to awaken, grabbed her robe and disappeared from the stage. There was thunderous applause that continued as, now wearing her robe, she came back on the stage to take her bows. Now there were cheers and shouts of approval as Jennifer smiled, waved, and left the stage. Since hers was the last act in the show, the house lights came up and the crowd noise started to increase in volume. Clearly, many in the audience were talking about the performance they had just witnessed.

Then Bill looked at Ali and tried to glare at her but without success. "You knew she was here, didn't you?"

"She had a problem that I helped her with, Bill. In return for the help, I told her I wanted to bring you here to see her perform."

Ali smiled. "Bill, when I learned she was working as a stripper I wasn't happy. But she is absolutely outstanding! She had the crowd in a trance. You saw the difference yourself: The first girl we saw was treated the way you expect a stripper to be treated — shouts of 'take it off'. Of course with Jennifer, since she started without clothes there wasn't anything for her to take off, but she had the audience absolutely mesmerized."

A few minutes later Jennifer joined them. She was wearing a very conservative sweater and skirt. When she sat down, the waitress was there immediately to take her order. Jennifer ordered a ginger ale and looked at her father. "Hello, Dad," she said quietly.

Bill looked at her and smiled. "Hi, Jen. You looked very good up there, although it came as a hell of a shock to see you. But why did you ask us to come?"

Jennifer smiled softly and said, "Because Mom wanted to see me."

"Mom?" Bill asked with his amazement audible in his voice.

"Mom," Jennifer repeated even more firmly. "Dad, there's something I want to give you. I gave it to Mom, but I'm sure she didn't give it to you." She took out a copy of the letter the lawyer had written for her renouncing her inheritance and giving any money due to her to Allison McGrath Clifford or her estate.

Bill looked at it and shook his head. "Jen, I didn't even know you were in Los Angeles. When did you leave Texas, and why? What are you doing here in LA?"

She smiled and said, "I'm still in school. This is how I support myself."

Her face turned solemn as she said, "Dad, when you cut me off it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was such an unmitigated little shit! I think working as a stripper started off as a form of penance. Mom already knows the story and I guess you should, too. I was so certain I was right and you were wrong! I went to USC and UCLA and talked to the kids about Ali McGrath. I would order a beer about noon and not get out of the Student Union until closing time. It was a game of Can You Top This? with Ali McGrath stories. The more I learned the worse I felt. Then I got this job.

"Incidentally, Dad, I got down on my knees in front of Mom to beg her forgiveness. I did it, not because you told me to, but because I wanted to. I told her there was no reason on God's earth why she should forgive me, but I learned that Ali is Ali. Dad, she helped me up and kissed me and just held me close. God, it felt good! Dad, believe it or not, I've reformed. I accused Ali of being a whore. Then I learned at the trial that Ali had been with two men a total of three times in her life ... and I believe her. She was virginal when you and she were married, wasn't she?"

Bill just nodded and said, "Jen, you can't believe how much I love Ali. Let's just say I couldn't imagine being with another woman. By the way, I fully expect Ali to replicate your act for me alone some day. It's just the sort of thing she would do. She claims it keeps me interested!"

Jennifer smiled warmly at her father and said, "Dad, Mom came over two days ago to pull out my pubic hair. It's a lousy, disgusting job. Yet she was as tender as she could be. When she was finished and I was in tears, she took me into the bathroom, bathed me, gave me a massage, and tucked me into bed. I told her later that all she didn't do was kiss her little girl goodnight. So Dad, I kissed her. I insisted on giving her a bath — I have never in my life seen a more gorgeous body, by the way — giving her a massage and tucking her into bed."

Ali interjected, "Bill, that was two nights ago. When I got home you smelled the musk oil our daughter poured in my slit. You took me right on the floor. Remember?" She smiled and gripped Bill's hand.

Just then a tall young man came over to the table. Ali heard Jennifer mutter, "Oh, shit!" A club bouncer moved to head the man off, but Jen motioned him away.

When he got to the table he looked at Jennifer and said, "Jen, is it really you?"

"I'm afraid it is," Jen said. "Steve, I would like you to meet my parents, Bill and Ali Clifford. Mom and Dad, this is Steve Chapman who is also a student at UCLA with me."

Bill rose and shook Steve's hand. Steve was very tall — about six feet three — with light hair and blue eyes. He had a very athletic build.

He took Ali's hand as well and his grip was firm. Ali said, "Jen, you're finished for the evening, aren't you?" Jen said she was, and Ali said, "Let's go somewhere then. Steve, would you care to join us?"

They agreed to meet at the Beverly Wilshire in the coffee shop downstairs because Jennifer said she hadn't eaten dinner yet. When Ali asked why, she smiled and said, "They don't like strippers with protruding bellies."

When they reached the hotel, they found that the coffee shop was about to close. Jennifer had made it ahead of Steve, providing Ali the opportunity to try to find out who he was. Jen said, "He's a guy I see at school. I guess he's in the graduate business program. We started to talk in the Student Union one day. I've never told him where I live, my phone number, or even my last name. He only learned that my last name is Clifford when I told him at the club tonight. He probably won't even show up."

A few moments later Steve appeared. Ali said, "Steve, it looks like we'll have to go to our room. Do you still want to join us?" Steve agreed with alacrity.

As soon as they entered the suite, Ali saw Steve's eyes widen. He immediately recognized it as the top suite in the hotel. Ali asked him if he would like to join Jennifer for dinner. When he immediately agreed, Ali ordered steaks for the young people and a platter of hors d'oeuvres for themselves. Bill made drinks for everyone and they sat down.

Steve was looking at Jennifer and said, "Well, I finally found you! And I finally learn your last name is Clifford."

He looked at Ali and Bill and said, "I met your daughter about a month ago and wanted to get to know her better. I meet her at the Union — in fact we had a couple of dates there — but nowhere else. Then, completely by accident, I find her dancing on the Strip. In some way, I guess it's her fault, though. I was feeling so frustrated because she would never go out with me, I wound up in a strip joint and then find she's the star there." He looked at Jennifer and said, "You were absolutely spectacular tonight. And your body is spectacular, too!"

Jennifer looked at him closely and said, "Thank you, Steve. I'm glad you like it. You really liked my dance?"

"I've never seen anything like it," he said. "Where did the idea come from? And the dream sequence: Unbelievable! How do you do it?"

She smiled at him and said very softly, "I think about you."

"You what?" he exclaimed.

"I think about you. I think of getting a letter from you saying you're coming to visit me after we have been apart for a long time. Then I think about how I would act, and that's what I do on stage."

Steve and Bill were utterly stunned by the statement. Ali only smiled and said, "Steve, she's saying that she loves you ... very much. How did you get to be so lucky?"

Steve looked at Jennifer and said, "Is your mother right? Is that what you mean?"

Jennifer looked at him with her face impassive. "Of course," she replied.

The young man just shook his head. "I don't understand. Until tonight I didn't even know your last name. You wouldn't even give me your phone number. We've never even been out on a date. How could you possibly feel that way about me?"

Jennifer just gave him a very small smile and shrugged. Just then the doorbell was rung by the waiter bringing their supper. Steve pulled up chairs, seated Jennifer and sat down himself. He was surprised to see that she ate heartily. He said, "You're not picking at your food. You're really eating."

She looked up at him and smiled. "Maybe that's because I'm really hungry." Her smile faded and she added, "I'm glad you could join us for supper, Steve. It's not much, but it is sort of a date. I'm glad we had at least one before..."

"Before what?" he asked.

"Before you disappear," she replied softly.

"What do you mean, disappear? Why would I want to disappear?"

She looked at him with her green eyes expressionless and replied, "Because I'm a stripper. Because I'm used goods. Because I'm just not very nice at all."

Steve looked at her without saying anything. They finished eating in silence. Bill looked at Ali, shrugged, and shook his head sadly. Shortly afterward the two young people left the suite together. They hadn't said much after Jen's self-description.

-------

On Monday morning, Bill had to go to San Francisco for the day so Ali had decided to spend her time reviewing her entire investment portfolio. She was particularly pleased with the performance of ComTech which was now quoted at over ten dollars a share. Ali had already tripled her investment.

As she went over the stocks and their prices, the door bell rang. Ali rose to answer it and found Jennifer standing at the door. A glance at the girl's eyes showed she had been crying her eyes out. After she stood aside and motioned for the girl to come in, Ali realized her eyes were so tear-filled she could scarcely see. She guided her to the sofa, sat down beside her and then took the younger girl in her arms.

That was all Jen needed for her last shreds of control to give way. She started to bawl. Ali had her arms around the girl trying to comfort her but all it did was to cause the sobbing to redouble in intensity. Finally, there was nothing left. Ali held the girl away and looked at her. She realized there still had not been a single word spoken between them.

Ali looked at the girl and said softly, "Do you want to tell me about it?"

Jennifer nodded and began to talk in a husky whisper. Her throat was raspy from all her sobbing. It was apparent that the heartbroken tears Ali had just witnessed weren't the first. Jen said, "I threw Steve out this morning!" Then she began to sob all over again. Because of the earlier tears, there was now nothing left.

The sobs were dry and wracking — they were tearing up Ali who just held the girl close. Finally, she asked softly, "Why did you throw him out? Did he hurt you?"

Jennifer pulled away and looked at Ali in shock. She said, "Steve? Hurt me? That's impossible! It's as impossible as Dad hurting you, Mom. He couldn't hurt me. But I couldn't get rid of him any other way so I threw him out."

"Aside from throwing him out, how was yesterday? What did you do after you left here Saturday night?"

"We went to my apartment ... your apartment, Mom. By the way, I have something for you." Jennifer reached into her purse and gave Ali a check. It was for four months rent. Ali looked at it, folded it and put it under some papers on the table. The girl continued, "We got to the apartment and he took me in his arms and kissed me. Mom, I just melted. I knew he should leave, but all I could think of was the end of my dance. The kiss he gave me was the one I dream about — the one I get from the man at the door — from Steve. Mom, I didn't wait. I just shrugged off my clothes and presented my body to him."

Jen looked puzzled as she continued. "Mom, he didn't even take me — not then, anyway. He went to his knees and started kissing my body. I couldn't get him to stop. I told him it was a dirty stripper's body — the only clean thing I could offer him was my cunt. He kissed me all over. My cunt was running rivers by this time and he was on his knees in front of me. The next thing I know, he's doing me. I could feel his tongue enter my slit and feel him start to nibble on my clit. Mom, I almost fell over! The sensation was so marvelous, but I couldn't get him to stop. Then I came in a flood and he just licked it all up. Meanwhile, he's still fully dressed. Finally, I get him to take me into the bedroom. Then he really takes me. It went on and on and on. It didn't really stop until this morning, when I told him he had to leave. Mom, he just wouldn't listen!"

Ali held the girl in her arms and saw that she was about to collapse from exhaustion. Ali asked her if she had to work that night and Jen shook her head, no. Ali led her into the second bedroom and helped her off with her clothes. After darkening the room she pulled the covers up under the girl's chin and kissed her softly on the lips.

Jennifer's arms came out from under the covers and hugged Ali tightly. The girl gave her a warm kiss and whispered, "Thanks, Mom."

Almost immediately the girl was sound asleep. Ali returned to the sitting room and called the UCLA Graduate School of Business. She spoke to the Dean who knew her well and asked for the address and phone number of Steven Chapman. Moments later she dialed his number.

The phone was answered on the first ring. The male voice Ali recognized said, "Jen?"

Ali said, "I'm sorry, Steve. It's Ali Clifford, Jen's mother. I hope I'm not bothering you?"

She heard a sigh of relief and Steve said, "Don't be silly! It's not as good as hearing from Jen, but almost. Mrs. Clifford, thank you for the wonderful supper Saturday night. It was a very thoughtful thing for you and Mr. Clifford to do."

"Steve, it's none of my business, but what happened over the last thirty-six hours or so? How did you get along with Jen? And by the way, please call me Ali. I'm really not that much older than you are."

"Mrs. Clifford — Ali — Jen threw me out this morning. And that was in spite of the most glorious day I've ever spent in my life. Jen is unbelievable. All she could do was think of ways to entice me — to give me pleasure — with her glorious body. Yesterday afternoon, she even did her dance for me alone. When it ended, she took me on the floor. Then this morning she told me she never wanted to see me again and ordered me out of her apartment. I left, but stayed near the door. Then I heard her start to cry like her heart was breaking. I banged on the door but she refused to open it. What's wrong? How did I hurt her? What can I do?"

"Steve, what would you like to do?"

"I want to marry her and take care of her!" he replied.

"Then as a first step, I guess you would like to see her again, wouldn't you?"

"Ali, are you kidding? Would right this instant be too soon?"

Ali smiled and said, "Steve, I have a plan if you're interested." She then proceeded to outline it. After hearing it, Steve agreed instantly.

At four-thirty in the afternoon, Ali entered the room where Jen was sleeping and sat on the edge of the bed. She smoothed the girl's golden hair off her face and lightly stroked her head. Jen's eyes opened immediately. She smiled at Ali and whispered, "Hi, Mom!"

Ali bent down and kissed the girl softly on her lips. Again, Jennifer held her and returned the kiss.

Ali said, "Jen, aren't you getting a little hungry about now? Would you like something to eat?"

Jen smiled ruefully and said, "Mom, if you have a horse out there barbecuing, I'd eat the whole thing, hooves and all. Could I get something to eat, please? I have some money with me."

Ali felt her heart wrench. She's really so much like me,  she thought. She won't take favors. Aloud she said, "I thought you might be hungry so I ordered for you from room service. It should be here any minute."

Just then the doorbell rang. Ali went out and then came back followed by Steve dressed in a waiter's uniform. Meanwhile, Jen had the covers up under her chin, waiting for the waiter to leave. Instead, Ali left the room, closing the door behind her. The last thing she heard was Jen crying, "Steve!"

Much later, Jen came out of the room still nude. She went up to Ali and kissed her warmly. Tears — but this time tears of happiness — were flowing down her cheeks. She just held Ali who could feel her cheeks becoming wet with the girl's tears. "Mom, I'm losing. I keep trying to make things up to you but instead you keep fixing things up for me. I just don't know what to do!"

Ali grinned and said, "It's selfish of me, Jen. Good sons-in-law are hard to find. Did you and Steve make up?"

"Mom, he wants to marry me! He insists. Do you think he really means it?"

"How was your lovemaking just now?" Ali asked instead of answering the girl's question.

"Delicious! Oh, Mom, it was spectacular. I just exploded time after time after time!"

"Do you love him?"

"Mom, that's such a small word. I adore him!"

"Jen, Steve seems like a very fine young man. But how well do you know him? You've spent a good deal of time and effort hiding from him, but did you ever find out anything about him? How old he is? What his plans are?"

Just then Steve came out from the bedroom. He had showered and was wearing a shirt and slacks. He patted Jen on her bottom and said, "Jen, why don't you take a shower, too. Then we can eat."

He grinned at Ali and said, "Your daughter is such a spectacular lover, we never seem to get around to eating. And those beautiful steaks I brought in are ruined. They were in the hot cabinet and we never took them out; now they're the consistency of shoe leather!"

Ali picked up the phone and dialed room service. As she did, Bill returned. He greeted Steve and offered him a drink. While they were talking a platter of hors d'oeuvres arrived. The three nibbled and talked while Steve waited for Jennifer. Suddenly, Steve's mouth dropped. He said, "I think I've just been the world's biggest fool!" He looked at Bill and said, "Sir, I don't mean to be nosy, but are you the William H. Clifford on the Forbes list?"

Bill smiled and said, "Guilty, I'm afraid. But why do you ask?"

Steve looked chagrined. "Because my father's been after me to look you up for more than a year and a half. His name is Dave Chapman and he says he's a friend of yours."

Now it was Bill's turn. He looked shocked as he said, "You don't mean David Chapman from Chicago?"

Steve nodded. Suddenly, Bill started to chuckle. It quickly turned into full-bore laughter, and finally became almost uncontrollable mirth. Just then Jen came out from the bedroom. Ali noticed that she was wearing her own favorite combination: tight Levi's and a chambray shirt. She looked at her father in amazement as he convulsed with laughter. Bill looked up and saw Jen. His laughter redoubled. Tears were starting to roll down his cheeks.

"Mom, what on earth got into Dad? What's so funny? What happened?"

Ali said, "We've just established that Steve is the son of Dave Chapman of Chicago. That fact alone seems to have set your father off. That's all I know." She turned to Steve and asked, "Do you know any more about it?"

Steve was shaking his head. "All I know is my dad has been pestering me to look up your husband. I never knew why. From Mr. Clifford's reaction, it sounds like he has some idea."

Bill slowly regained control. He held out his arms to Ali and she went over to snuggle. He looked at her and asked, "Are you familiar with the Forbes list? You know I'm on it, but have you ever read it?"

"No, darling. Remember me? When we met I think I had $7.64 or some such amount. Any sum of money over one hundred dollars was more money than the Mint. But why?"

Bill smiled and said, "Because Dave Chapman and I have been friends since graduate school. We always tease each other about our relative rank on the Forbes list." He looked at Jennifer and said, "Because of your mom's investment skill, we're now pulling away. I think Dave is about number ten or something. Anyway, I knew he had a son and he knew I had a daughter. Dave always thought his son and my daughter should meet. We exchanged photos years ago, but you never did meet. He told me his son is a great guy, even if it was the father talking. So I told him I would love to meet him if we were ever in the same city together."

He turned to Steve and stuck out his hand. "I guess we finally made it! Your father is going to howl. Your first date is a weekend in bed with my daughter after seeing her perform as the featured exotic dancer on the Strip!"

Jen was aghast. "Do you mean to say, Steve is ... rich?"

Ali had begun to laugh. She was howling with laughter, but controlled herself enough to say, "Stinking rich! Darling, he's almost as rich as you are!"

Steve just looked at Jen and held out his arms. She came to him and put her arms around his neck. They were still in their embrace when the dinner arrived. Ali winked at Bill, got up and tapped the two on their shoulders. The kiss was ended reluctantly and they both looked at Ali. Ali was trying to look stern — both Steve's and Jen's eyes were glazed. Ali said, "Look, you two. Burning steaks once can happen, but damn it, you're going to eat these. Now knock off the necking and eat something before you both blow away!"

The two sat down at the table and Ali went back to sit with Bill on the sofa. They watched as the young couple ate automatically while just looking at each other. Bill commented, "Ali, you could substitute sawdust for the food right now and neither of them would know the difference." Ali just squeezed his hand and grinned.

Steve was looking at Jen. He grinned at her and said, "I remember seeing a picture of you years ago. You were the leggy little kid with braces and the all the bodily curves of a straight stick."

Jen grinned back, "And I remember you. You were that insufferable fat kid in the yachting costume posing against the backdrop of a Lake Michigan marina. I remembered showing the picture to Dad as the perfect illustration of a guy I would never be caught dead with."

Steve leaned towards her and she kissed him softly. The electricity between them was visible to Ali and Bill. Ali whispered, "They're a beautiful couple, Bill. What do you think?"

"I think it's the funniest thing I've ever heard of. Those two kids must have spent the best part of fifteen years avoiding each other like the plague. Listen to them now!"

They heard Steve tease Jen, "By the way, is your body still as straight as a stick? Aren't there any curves at all?"

Jen pretended to glare at him, and then pertly stuck out her tongue. "I think I'll do my dance at our wedding." She looked up at him brightly, "As a matter of fact, I think it's a great idea! The bride begins in a wedding gown, slowly strips and then goes into the dance. But, darling, aren't the people in Chicago a little ... stuffy?"

The banter continued throughout their dinner. Ali and Bill just watched and enjoyed it. Ali was snuggled close to Bill who had her breast cupped in his hand.

Steve glanced over and saw them. "Hey, you two! Watch that stuff. There are some impressionable children in the room."

Ali grinned and stuck out her tongue. Then she unbuttoned the bottom of her shirt and placed Bill's hand directly on her bare breast. She arched her back and her nipples, now engorged, protruded from under the fabric. She sighed, "Bill, that's so much nicer!" She relaxed against him while Steve and Jen just grinned at them from across the room.

The young people finished eating and got up from the table. Steve closed up the table and wheeled it out into the hall. Meanwhile, Jen went over and kissed Ali. With her arms around her neck, Jen whispered, "Mom, I love you. Steve and I are going to bed now."

She went into the bedroom and Steve followed. Ali heard the door latch click.



-------

Chapter 15



The next morning Ali and Bill were having breakfast when Jennifer came out of the bedroom wearing one of the hotel's short terry bathrobes. She came up to Ali, kissed her, and said, "Good morning, Mom!"

Ali smiled at the girl and said, "Jen, you've been telling me that you owe me. Do you really mean it?"

The girl looked shocked. "Of course I mean it! Why? What can I do for you? Anything at all!"

Ali smiled her sunshine smile. "Jen, it seems you've adopted me as your new mother. Nothing has ever made me happier or more proud. Now could you unbend your pride a little more and apologize to your father, too? Darling, you hurt him far more than you did me. And he's known you far longer, too."

Jen looked startled. She turned and gracefully went down on her knees in front of her father. "Dad, can you find it in your heart to forgive me?" Tears began to run down her cheeks as she said, "I know I hurt you. I also hurt your wife — my new mother — who I now know loves me. In spite of all I've done to her, Dad, she really loves me and forgave me! Could you forgive me, too?"

Bill got up from his chair. Ali could see the moistness in his eyes, too. He lifted Jennifer up and held her in his arms. He said, "Pumpkin, I've always loved you and always will. You're my little girl. Now are we back on speaking terms?"

"Oh God, yes! Thank you, Dad!"

"Then would you please do me a favor? Tear up that letter and the copy on file? Jen, I'll tell you a true story: Your mother is probably the best money manager in the world today — doing it in her spare time, of course. She's making money far faster than we can possibly spend it. Can't I get you to take a couple of bucks from time to time? It would be a big help to both of us if you took some of it off our hands."

Jennifer looked from her father to Ali and then back. Then with a bright grin she said, "Well, as long as you recognize the sacrifice I'll be making. And we understand I'm only making the sacrifice because you're my parents and I love you both so damned much. Okay, Dad, I'll take some of your excess money."

Ali got up and kissed Jen warmly. She said, "Jen, welcome back, darling. We've missed you!"

Ali called and ordered breakfast for Jennifer. Then she asked Jen what she and Steve were planning.

"Mom, I guess I'm flying out to Chicago to meet Steve's parents." Jen looked worried as she said, "Mom and Dad, I forced Steve to make me a promise. The only way I'll marry him is if he allows me to tell his parents I've been working as a stripper. Dad, because his father's a friend of yours I'm also going to tell him how I tried to destroy your marriage — as well as the finest person alive, my new mother. If they say no — and they should — I told Steve I'll be his mistress for as long as he wants me."

Bill looked at Ali and said, "Darling, why is it I think she must be your daughter? That's exactly what you would do, isn't it?" Ali just smiled and gripped his hand. He asked, "Jen, when do you plan on leaving?"

"I guess in a couple of days. I told Steve I'm not going to quit my job until I come back — and then only if we're going to get married. I told him that as his mistress I would continue to work. He can bring his friends over to see what he's sleeping with. The boss won't like me taking a leave of absence but there's not much he can say. He claims I'm really packing the house."

Ali asked with a grin, "Bill, could you go out and play with Steve? Do the things little boys do when the girls aren't around? I have something very important to do with our daughter. And she's the only one we've got."

She turned to the girl and said, "Get your tail in gear! Take a shower and get dressed; your breakfast will be here in about five minutes. Now scoot!" Ali gave the girl a pinch on her bare bottom under the short skirt of the robe. The girl yelped, rubbed her bottom, but ran for her room.

Bill took Ali in his arms and kissed her. "Darling, you still never cease to amaze me. You have transformed that girl. And, darling, she really loves you! I think she loves you more than she loved her real mother — honest! You're much more loving and warm. Now what are you two going to be doing?"

Ali grinned and said, "Just girl things. As I said before, you and Steve go out and play like good little boys. Bill, I'll bet you can clean his clock on the golf course. How about that?"

Bill grinned and went to take a shower. Then Ali called the office and Judy Jeffries answered. "Judy, it's Ali. Something very important has just come up. I need the entire staff in the office to meet with a new client in the conference room in an hour. Are Ginger and Sandy both in town today? I really need them both to be there, too."

"Ali, they're in town and should both be in. But you know how it is when you make your living on your back with your legs spread!" Judy yelped and said, "Oh God, Ali, I said that and then moved my own legs — it's excruciating! I guess I'm not fully used to taking Mike yet. Now I understand why Sandy could hardly walk! I'm not in condition yet, but I'm sure trying! We'll see you soon, Boss."

Jennifer came out of the room closing the door softly behind her. Like Ali, she was dressed in tight jeans and a chambray shirt. She shook her head in mock disgust. "Men! They just can't take it. Mom, Steve took me this morning and then just rolled over and went back to sleep. What can we do?"

"Get a vibrator?" Ali asked innocently.

Jennifer hugged Ali and said softly, "God, I love you, Mom!"

The breakfast cart appeared and Jennifer quickly devoured a huge breakfast. She said, "I'm all set, Mom. What now?"

"Now we get going. Come on."

They went out front where Ali's convertible was waiting, then roared off and headed downtown for Ali's office while Jennifer just reclined her seat back and soaked up the sun. Her hair was blowing in the wind and the girl seemed to love it. She seemed completely unconcerned about their destination. Ali parked in her reserved space and they went up to her office. When they reached the thirty-eighth floor and got off the elevator, Jen saw the office entrance and stopped in her tracks.

"Oh, Mom! It's gorgeous. My God, what an idiot I was. This law firm is for real! But what are we here for? Do you need to get something?"

Ali just grinned and the two went in. Judy was behind her desk and Ali winked at her. She asked, "Are the others in the conference room?" Judy said they were. Ali told her to lock the door and come on back. Then she led the way back to the conference room and opened the door. The girls were talking but quieted as soon as Ali appeared with the new client they had heard about. Asking Jen to take a seat, she then went to her usual place at the head of the table. Both Sandy and Ginger looked at Jennifer with mixed emotions showing on their faces. The dominant emotion was scorn.

Kathy and Joan served coffee and the girls waited for Ali to begin. She smiled at Jennifer and said, "Jen, from the looks my partners are giving you, you're as welcome here as a skunk in church." She turned to Ginger and Sandy and said, "Please do me a favor? My daughter has reformed. And I mean, my daughter! Please give Jen a chance?"

Ginger and Sandy both got up and went over to where Jennifer was sitting. Although Jennifer was looking abashed she rose to greet them. When she held her hand out diffidently, Sandy, reaching her first, took it in a firm grip. "Jennifer, we've never formally met. I'm Sandy Harris, one of your mother's reclamation projects. I'm very happy to meet you. I want to apologize for being so hard on you at the trial."

Jennifer extended her other hand and gripped both of Sandy's. "I'm not! Sandy, I am very proud to meet you. What you did was the bravest thing I have ever seen in my life! You were sacrificing yourself to try to save the marriage I was trying so hard to destroy! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so good!" Jen pulled Sandy to her and hugged her tightly, then kissed her on the cheek.

Ginger came up and Jennifer took her hands. "Ginger, I've heard so much about you! In the brief time in the courtroom I didn't realize how gorgeous you are. Mom tells me your mother is prettier than you are. But seeing you, I just can't believe it. And you, too! You helped save my mother's life and my parents' marriage. I owe you and Sandy both more than I can ever repay. You are both brilliant attorneys."

Ginger had been holding Jennifer's hands and looking first at her figure and then into her eyes. She said, "And you are beautiful, Jen. You've changed ... You..." She turned to Sandy who nodded and then to the other girls who nodded too.

In chorus, the girls all said, "Jennifer, you look well fucked!"

Jennifer reddened and then began to laugh. She held up her hands in a sign of surrender. "I give up! If I do, it's because I am. I'm not yet in my mother's class, but I'm working hard."

Ali smiled as the girls sat down again and looked at her. Now the earlier tension had been broken. She said, "I called Judy and asked her to get you all in here to meet a new client. I'm serious. Our client is Jennifer Clifford. Because the work has to be done immediately, our fee will be substantial. However, she's rich as hell! She can afford us. Jen is going off to meet her potential in-laws in Chicago. I say potential because my daughter is working as a stripper ... No! As an exotic dancer; she's not a stripper because she's naked when she begins her act..."

"She's Jenny!" Joan exclaimed. "Jen, I've seen your act. I never thought ... You are absolutely spectacular. You have the finest exotic act in the country today." The girl grinned and said, "I saw it written up in one of the trade papers. But no one knows who you are."

Jennifer smiled and thanked Joan for the compliment. Ali said, "She'll be stripping soon enough. It seems her fiancé, Steve Chapman, is the son of one of Bill's buddies, Dave Chapman. Dave is somewhere in the top ten on the Forbes list, too. I don't know if we're talking about a marriage or a merger," Ali said with a grin.

"At any rate, we have to get my daughter a trousseau... and fast! It's got to be completed in only two days. I want you to take her measurements and go hunting. Meanwhile, I'm going to take her over to Henry at the studio and have him do her hair. When she goes off to Chicago with Steve, I want her to look like the daughter of one of the richest men in the world — which she is. She's also a Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton and a doctoral candidate in political science at UCLA. She intends to tell her in-laws she's a stripper. I want to blow them away first. Understand?"

Ali smiled, and turned to Jennifer. "Jen, get undressed. I want my colleagues to see you and take measurements."

Jen looked at Ali with a bewildered expression but got up and quickly stripped. The girls looked at her appreciatively. Kathy said, "My God, another candidate for partner in the Firm! Ali, your daughter is exquisite! Her body is almost as perfect as yours." They started to take measurements and looked at her carefully to fix her coloration in mind to use for color suitability. Finally, they agreed Jen could wear any color or style at all. Ali went to her office to call Henry while Ginger and Sandy made assignments.

The girls scattered and Jen came into Ali's office. Ali hung up the phone as the girl looked around. "Mom, this office is spectacular! Do you know what I would love to do? I would love to have Steve take me on your desk with the backdrop of the mountains and the sea. It would be so wonderful!"

Ali slowly shook her head. "Dear, you're a little late. I think nearly every girl in this office has been taken on my desk with the drapes open ... at all hours of day and night. Since it's mine, it most particularly includes your father and me. Why do you think I rented this office, anyway? Jen, I rented it after we were married but before we had ever made love," Ali said with a soft smile. "I wanted your father to take me here so badly!"

"I don't know what to say. Why did you ever forgive me? My God, I couldn't have been more wrong about you. It's embarrassing to meet your staff. I never had the opportunity to say anything to you about it before, but Sandy and Ginger were brilliant in the courtroom. Mom, did Sandy realize the risk she was taking with her career?"

Ali looked up at Jennifer and the girl could see tears forming in the corners of Ali's eyes. "Jen," she said, "Sandy was prepared to go to prison. When I came in the next day she had letters written resigning from the Firm, from the California bar, and she was going to surrender herself to the District Attorney later that morning. What can you say about people like that?"

"Mom, you can say they love you ... very much! They're smart girls." She cocked her head and said, "What now?"

They went off to the Alliance Studio and Henry Hall. When he saw Jennifer, he turned to Ali and said, "Ali, what's going on? Where do you find these beauties?"

"Henry, this is my daughter, Jennifer. Do you think you can make her look like the daughter of the fourth richest man in the country? And while you're at it, can someone try to do something for me, too?"

Henry laughed. Ali's hair was trimmed, restyled and treated with moisturizers to counteract the effects of all of the sun she had been getting. Meanwhile, Henry lavished his attention on Jennifer. The girl's hair was more brown than Ali's but more gold than Barbara's. When he finished, it was glorious. As they were leaving, Ali reached into her purse and took out an envelope.

She gave it to Henry and said, "Look! Enough is enough! I've been freeloading for months, Henry Hall, and it's not my style. If you don't accept this check, I can't come back ever again. And I really want to!"

Henry looked at the check and his eyes bugged. It was for ten thousand dollars. He looked at Ali and said, "Ali, this is ridiculous! What are you doing?"

She grinned and said, "Remember when I said her part is that of the daughter of the fourth richest man in the country? It happens to be true — he is. By the way, he's also my husband." She blew him a kiss, grinned and added, "Bye, Henry." He just shook his head.

As they were walking over to the car, Ali stopped short. "My God! I forgot about the weather! February in Chicago can be murder. The girls will have to take all the things back — I can see them with great Southern California clothing!" With a grimace she added, "Oh well, it's too late now."

After driving back, Ali parked the car and they went up to the office. When they entered, Ali shivered. Strangely, the office was very cold.

They went to the conference room and found the girls sitting around the table wearing sweaters and jackets. Sandy grinned at Jennifer and said, "Jen, as a stripper, you're going to earn your money. You'll be stripping here in the cold. Ginger remembered Chicago in February can be the coldest place in the country — particularly with a northeast wind coming in over the lake. We powered up the air conditioning to start to get you in shape."

Joan got a warm sweater for Ali to wear as she sat down to watch. One after the other they presented outfits for Jennifer to try on. They were all beautiful, the colors were right and they fit her perfectly. One was a cashmere dress that was utterly exquisite. It had a crocodile belt, and Ginger placed a magnificent string of pearls around the girl's neck. Then Judy presented her with a full-length natural mink coat. With the temperature in the room as cold as it was, Jen wrapped herself in the coat with the collar up high around her face. Ali sat in her chair and watched in amazement as the fashion show continued. Kathy even had a mink-lined storm coat for her to wear as well as storm boots. Joan produced a three-section mirror so Jen could look at herself from all angles.

When it was over, tears were streaming from Jennifer's eyes. She hugged and kissed each of the girls then looked at Ali and said, "Mom, this is a tribute to you. It's also one hell of an accomplishment by your people. Where they found these things, I have no clue. All I can say is the chief of costume design at a major studio couldn't have done as well, let alone done it so quickly. What it says to me, Mom, is they love you very much."

Sandy grinned and retorted, "Bullshit! We love money. Wait till you get our bill." Then she looked serious. "Jennifer, your mother says you've changed. It certainly appears that you have. All we can say is, good luck. If the guy is the right one — and it sounds like he is — we'll be attending your wedding soon."

Ali had left the conference room and made a call. Then she asked Joan to get the temperature back up to normal.

Rejoining the others, she stood in the corner of the conference room looking at them. Shaking her head she said, "Guys, that was absolutely spectacular! You outdid yourselves. Ging, I had completely forgotten what February in Chicago is like, but you didn't. I don't have the slightest idea where you got these things, but thanks. I owe you." Turning to Jen she said, "Gather up your toys, Jen. Fred will be downstairs in about five minutes."

Jen grinned at Ali and started gathering up bags and boxes. The girls all had armfuls as they all helped carry the purchases down in the elevator. When they reached the street level, Fred was standing by the car and ran around to open the trunk compartment.

Soon the two women were driving back towards the hotel. Ali looked at Jennifer and took her hand in hers. "Jen, I have a small gift for you: an engagement present from me." She gave Jennifer a small, beautifully wrapped box.

Jen unwrapped it and found a gold Rolex identical to Ali's own. She looked at it and gasped, "For me?" Then she turned to Ali and put out her arms. Ali took her in her arms and heard the sound of sobbing. She pushed the girl away just enough to be able to look at her face. Tears were running in rivers, and Jen was struggling to get close to Ali again. Ali just held her tightly and listened to her sobs. Finally, she hiccuped and pulled away.

She looked at Ali with tears still running down her cheeks. She said, "Mommy, I love you so much. I just realized some of what I owe you. You do things for me that no natural mother would do. You don't have to. And all this in spite of the fact that the very first thing I did when I met you was to try to destroy your life! And I almost succeeded. Now you give me this watch." Jen took it out of its box and looked at it. She looked at the back and broke down in tears again. Engraved on the back were the words, "Jen — with all my love, Mom."

She looked up at Ali and said, "Mom, I'm going to knock 'em dead in Chicago. I think it just penetrated my thick head. You know I don't care — at least, not now. I'm perfectly happy to be Steve's mistress. But you know Dad would care, you care, and I guess I would, too, eventually. Mom, I'm going to make you very proud of me." Ali held the girl and could feel her tears in her own eyes.

When they returned to the suite, Jen put on a fashion show for Bill and Steve. Even though the two men — like men everywhere — didn't know anything about fashion, they knew a beautiful woman when they saw one. Jen finished her show with the tan cashmere dress and the mink coat. When she had her face buried in the soft fur collar she had raised around her head, Steve went over and kissed her. She kissed him lovingly and they both heard the bells and felt the electricity. With her head on his shoulder and her lips only inches from his ear, she whispered, "Darling, now I have something snugly to keep me warm when you get tired of me."

Steve kissed her again and whispered, "Honey, that's how you'll know I'm dead."

Ali watched the young couple with tears in her eyes. Bill winked at her and said, "Honey, thank you so much! And by the way, that was a great idea you had this morning! I cleaned Steve's clock on the golf course today ... and I shot a seventy-five!" Ali hugged and kissed him and congratulated him on his achievement.

Ali looked again at the young couple and then climbed on Bill's lap. She kissed him and murmured, "Darling, I'm so proud ... of all the Cliffords."

The next day they drove out to the airport and put Steve and Jennifer on an American flight to Chicago. Steve was in a state of shock looking at the elegant young woman by his side. Ali whispered something to Jennifer just before they boarded; the girl grinned and nodded. When they boarded the plane and found their seats in the first class section, Jen took down a pillow and a blanket from the overhead compartment. She wrapped herself in the blanket and appeared to be about to go to sleep. But then she took Steve's arm and put it around her. Only then did he realize she had stripped off her top and was bare to the waist under the blanket. She cupped his hand and put it on her breast. Then she leaned over and kissed him, murmured softly and went to sleep holding his hand in place.

Good heavens,  he thought, what have I lucked in to? This girl is perfect!

-------

Several nights later, Bill got a call from Dave Chapman. Dave spoke in awe-filled tones of his first meeting with Jennifer. "Bill, Steve's so in love with that girl, I don't trust him to drive a car. He'll drive right through a wall! My wife, Judy, is trying to figure out how to get Jen to meet all of our friends in the least possible time. Bill, Steve is our only child and you know how mothers are: No girl could possibly be good enough for their darling. But already Judy loves Jen like the daughter we always hoped for but never had. She showed us some of her publicity pictures from the club where she works. All I can say is my son is getting the real article. Your daughter is utterly exquisite. Judy wants to meet Ali soon to discuss wedding plans.

"Incidentally, maybe I should apologize to you and your wife. Steve and Jennifer insist on sleeping in the same room. Except from what Judy and I hear through the walls, they don't spend much time sleeping. I hope you don't mind, Bill? She's your daughter, so I felt I had to tell you. Not that we could do anything about it, you understand. Steve made it very damned clear that they sleep together or they move out of our house and into a hotel."

Bill just chuckled. "Dave, I'm glad you like her. Ali and I think she's a pretty nice girl. And we're both very fond of Steve. Ali's comment on Steve to Jennifer was, 'Grab him, Jen! Good sons-in-law are very hard to find!'"

"Bill, there's one more thing: Judy can't get over your daughter. She looks like she just stepped out of the pages of Vogue. But at the same time, she's warm and friendly and kind. And she radiates happiness — it's a joy just to watch her. She's anything but the kind of girl you would think she would be. What have you done with her? The girls around here with money — a small fraction of what she's got, by the way — are the most arrogant, obnoxious bitches imaginable. Do you know, my wife is trying to figure out how to brag about Jen's dancing? Oh, and Jen calls Judy, "Mother." She explained that Ali is Mom. Judy loves hearing it and utterly adores her.

"You would howl listening to the kids still go at it, though: When they're not making love, they're teasing each other. Steve kids Jen about her figure: He teases her about still being a stick — some stick! She teases him about being a pompous sailor. There I think she has a point! But, God, are they in love!"

Bill hung up the phone. He took Ali in his arms and kissed her. "Darling, you've done it again. Judy Chapman is actually proud of Jen being an exotic dancer. She also looked like she just stepped out of Vogue. Ali, all I can say is thanks."



-------

Chapter 16



Ali entered the office late one morning in March. She had been on the phone to the people at ComTech that morning; there was a board meeting scheduled for the end of the week. The company also had a computer operations problem and Ali mentioned the work that Joan Fredrick had been doing for her Firm. She agreed to see if Joan could be available to come east with her to take a look at their systems. When she walked into the conference room and looked at the girls, her eyes were sparkling in spite of the frown on her face. Joan was pouring coffee; all of the other girls were in bad shape. Ali asked, "Joan, do you charge extra for playing Florence Nightingale ministering to the wounded? What's happened to the rest of you people?"

Sandy pretended to prop one eye open with her finger. "Ali, Jack got a promotion and a raise yesterday. So I took the chance and told him about my raise. And he took me ... and took me ... and took me." She grinned and added, "Ali, I'm thinking of marrying him and then encouraging him to take a mistress so I can get some sleep!"

Ali just grinned and shook her head. "Virginia Jamison Conrad, what's your excuse? You're already married."

Ginger had her arms folded on the table with her head resting on them. She opened one eye and said, "I made the mistake of teasing Charley about getting old last night. I think he found a gray hair or something. Anyway, he set out to prove to me he's not." She grinned sleepily and added, "You know what Ali? He's not! It was utterly glorious!" She closed her eyes again.

"Kathy?" Ali said.

Kathy smiled sleepily. "I got carried away last night. I fixed a very fancy dinner to celebrate Ken's last class in law school before spring break. I even bought some of the cognac you recommended. And Ali," she said sleepily, "I even washed him down with Dom Pérignon early this morning."

Judy just held up her hands in a sign of surrender. "Ali, I'm still trying to get in shape. I can't even get my thighs back together yet!"

Ali said, "Okay, enough is enough. I need your help again. Fortunately, the work is for Joan who seems to be the only one of you left alive."

She looked at Joan and smiled sheepishly. "Joan, I think I should have kept my big mouth shut. I volunteered your services to ComTech. They're having a major problem with administrative systems; I told them you're the world's leading authority on computer-based administrative systems. Anyway, they've asked if you could come east with me." Ali now looked embarrassed. "Joan, we're supposed to leave tomorrow morning. Can you do it? Do you want to?"

Joan's eyes had lighted up and were now as big as saucers. "Do you mean Ali, I get to fly ... to Boston? With you?"

"That's exactly what it means. Joan, we're going to have a problem, though. You're a Southern California girl, aren't you?" Joan said she was. "The problem is that this is winter in the East," Ali continued. "They can get thoroughly miserable weather this time of year. Are you sure you want to go?"

Joan was sure. The girls had quickly come back to life and were listening attentively. Ginger said, "Ali, could we do a Jennifer on Joan? I thought we did a pretty good job for her. Could we try it again?"

Judy grinned and said, "It's a chance for revenge! Ali, Joan spilled the beans to you about our pool, didn't she? About who had cum more times the night before? Did she tell you, though, that it was a steady source of extra income for her? I think she has one of our computers programmed to come up with the answers somehow. Anyway, it's a chance to get back some of our money."

Ali held up her hands. "No, it is not! She's representing the Firm. Moreover, there's going to be no problem persuading the IRS that these are specialized clothes she would not need in the normal conduct of our business. Joan's wardrobe is a Firm expense. And by the way, this is a top firm and I expect her to look the part. Now get with it." Turning to Joan she asked, "By any chance do you ski?"

She said she skied a great deal up at Tahoe. Ali knew she was going to be tied up over the weekend on Cape Cod, so she suggested that Joan plan on going skiing in New England. Joan thought it was a great idea. The girls scattered to do the shopping. Whatever she needed had to be acquired that day.

At four o'clock they got together again. It was a replay of Jennifer's experience. Like Jennifer before her, Joan was stripped to her pants. Ali saw once again what a perfect body the girl had. The outfits were magnificent. Joan looked like a very young senior executive. Her ski wear and leisure clothes were sensational. Finally, they were sitting around the table with drinks Joan had insisted on making for them. Everyone was exhausted.

Sandy and Ginger left the room and came back a few moments later with a big box which they presented to her. Sandy said, "Joan, this is separate from the rest. It's a gift from the junior partners in the firm, Ginger and me. We know we yell and scream at you constantly. Your response is an inevitable warm smile or grin ... and a level of support every other lawyer in practice can't even dream about. Unlike our senior partner who goes out of her way to tell you girls how well you're doing, the junior partners tend to take it all for granted and just grump. Joan, we really do appreciate it in spite of the way we usually act, and hope you like our gift."

The girl opened the box. Inside was a full-length nutria fur coat. Ginger shook it out and held it for her to try on. Joan shrugged into it. Tears came to Ali's eyes watching the girl pull the coat tight around her face and snuggle in the fur the way Jennifer had done.

Tears were rolling down the girl's cheeks. "Ginger and Sandy, I don't know what to say! Needless to say, I've never had a fur coat in my life before. It feels so light and warm and wonderful. Thank you so much!" She kissed them both; Ginger found a tissue and wiped Joan's eyes. As she did, Ali could see that Ginger's eyes were running, too.

The next morning Joan met Ali at the Admirals Club at American Airlines. "How do I look?" the girl asked. As she had done with Jennifer, she had taken Joan to Henry's studio. His styling of her hair was perfect. She was magnificent — in some way the hair style featured her gorgeous green eyes. She was wearing tight jeans and a chambray shirt under her new fur coat. She looked stunning and Ali said so. Joan said with a grin that the Levi's and shirt were the firm's official casual uniform. Ali enjoyed the flight to Boston because Joan was enjoying it so much. The girl had seldom flown anywhere and never flown coast-to-coast. She had never flown first class before, either, so the trip was obviously a big thrill for her. Ali took joy from the girl's excitement and enthusiasm.

Ali was impressed with the way Joan so professionally took charge of ComTech's administrative problem. She acted, spoke and dressed like the senior systems professional she truly was. The ComTech people, all of whom were East-Coast trained, were impressed. She left on Friday for Sugarloaf in Maine while Ali stayed on for the weekend Board meeting. They agreed to meet Tuesday afternoon at the Admirals Club in Boston for the flight back to Los Angeles.

-------

Joan was sitting in the club waiting when Ali arrived. Ali was amused at the looks Joan was attracting from the predominantly male clientèle in the club. Looking at Joan's face it was instantly apparent that the weekend had been a success. Joan was reading and hadn't seen Ali come in. Ali went up to her and said very softly, "Hi!"

Joan looked up quickly and beamed. She jumped to her feet and hugged Ali close. Suddenly, the girl looked embarrassed and let go as if Ali were scorching hot.

"What's wrong, Joan?" Ali asked softly.

"That was familiar, Mrs. Clifford. I'm an employee, not your daughter."

"It's still Ali," she said, taking a seat beside the girl, "and sometimes I feel like you are. Joan, I couldn't be more proud of you if you were my own daughter. In fact, I think that's the way it should be." Ali smiled softly and added, "Besides, it felt so good when you hugged me. Joan, you smell so fresh and sweet and look so beautiful. Anyway, looking at you it seems like your weekend was fun. Want to tell me about it?"

Joan began and continued the narration after they boarded the plane and were in the air headed for home. It seems she had met a young man on the ski slopes and then had run into him again in an arcade that had a lot of computer games. They had played together, eaten together, and skied together. They had not slept together, though.

Joan said, "Ali, it was like no weekend in my life. First of all, for the first time ever, I was the rich kid. Usually, I'm traveling on the cheap." Suddenly Joan's lips pursed together and she seemed to be angry, but Ali noticed there was still a glint in her eye. "Speaking of which, the reason I have money is I went to make a payment on my giant collection of student loans. Ali, the total of my loans is exceeded only by the National Debt. Do you know what happened? There aren't any! I went to make payments and found they are all paid off! Now who could have done a thing like that, Allison McGrath Clifford?"

Ali pretended to look contrite. "I'm sorry, Joan! I didn't realize... ! How was I supposed to know that the loans were a surrogate security blanket? Now I guess you feel all exposed because they're not there any more?"

Joan beamed and her eyes flashed. "No! Now I feel rich. Ali, for the last two months, there's been money left in the bank at the end of the month. It's delicious." She grinned and said, "But back to my story. I was staying at the Sugarloaf Inn in the best room they had. I was feeling as rich as a Clifford! I was eating at the good places and didn't even have to ask which beer was the cheapest. Anyway, I met this guy who is just super. He's in medical school in Boston and now he's off for six weeks of vacation. He graduates this June after one more six-week rotation when he goes back. Anyway, he may come out to see me in Los Angeles."

Ali was interested. "What's his name?" she asked.

Joan looked embarrassed. "It's Bill. Believe it or not, I don't even know his last name. He never said, or if he did, I didn't catch it. I have his phone number and he has mine, as well as my address."

Joan continued to bubble all the way back home. When they were met by Bill and Fred with the limousine and Joan was driven home, she said, "This is absolutely the perfect ending to a perfect trip! My God, what will the neighbors think — being taken home in a limousine." She kissed Ali on the cheek and ran in ahead of Fred who carried in her luggage.

Bill had been watching and listening during the ride back. Ali said, "Bill, that is one great girl! Would you believe she's all alone in the world? Whatever she has, she's done herself. My God, tending bar topless because it paid more and she needed the extra money for the tuition at Cal Tech. What do you think?"

"I think she's the kind of girl my wife loves. I think she reminds my wife of her own struggles. That's why there's a little more money in my wife's bank account to cover a few payments she made on some student loans." Ali beamed at Bill with her sunshine smile. He kissed her softly, and then with increasing passion. Her blouse was unbuttoned and Bill was caressing her breasts when Fred returned to the car and headed toward the hotel.

-------

On Friday morning ten days later Ali was in her office when Joan Fredrick knocked and came in. The girl looked embarrassed. Ali asked her to sit down and buzzed Kathy for coffee. Joan looked even more embarrassed when Kathy served her as if she were a client. Ali waited for the girl to get around to telling her what was troubling her. Ali saw the girl take a deep breath and look up at her. "Ali — Mrs. Clifford — could I take a two-week leave of absence?"

Ali looked at the girl, then looked startled, and finally, embarrassed. She ignored being addressed formally. But without answering the girl she buzzed and asked Kathy to come into the office with her pad. Kathy came in and sat on a side chair with her pencil poised. Ali said, "This is a staff memo, Kathy. To: Employees of Clifford & Jamison; From: Managing Partner; Subject: Vacations.

"Paragraph: It has been brought to my attention that the Firm has no formal policy on vacations. Accordingly, the following is our policy: (1) All initial employees (Mrs. Carlson and Misses Fredrick and Jeffries) are entitled to four weeks paid vacation per year. After five years employment, they are entitled to six weeks. (2) All employees subsequently hired will receive two weeks vacation the first year, three weeks in years two through five, and four weeks after five years. After ten years service, these employees will be entitled to six weeks vacation. (3) The differential treatment of the two classes of employees is in recognition of the extraordinary efforts of the initial employees in establishing and building the Firm in a manner that creates the opportunity for the others.

"Kathy, type it for my signature, show it to the other partners and distribute it to the staff." Kathy was looking at Ali with an expression of shock on her face. Ali couldn't resist teasing her. "Thanks Kathy. But please don't let your mouth hang open. It spoils your beauty."

She turned to Joan as Kathy left the office slowly shaking her head. She smiled and said, "I'm sorry for the interruption, Joan. You were saying something about a leave of absence? Why don't you just take two weeks of your vacation instead? Where are you going? And by the way, young lady, just in case you think I'm over the hill, I did hear you call me Mrs. Clifford. I'm going to ask Kathy to buy that whip she has been talking about and I plan to start using it on employees who are proving to be slow learners. Am I clear?"

Joan just shook her head. "Ali, you are too much! The fact is I'm going up to Tahoe with Bill. He's out here now. We had fun skiing Sugarloaf so I want to show him how we ski in the West. He's never skied our powder and the snow in the mountains is supposed to be fantastic right now." She looked at Ali with concern on her face. "Ali, I apologize for the lack of notice. We only made arrangements yesterday. I wanted to do it in two weeks, but we couldn't get reservations and Bill has something else he needs to do."

When Joan left, Ali called the other girls into her office. At the end of the day there was a staff meeting in the conference room where Joan was given yet another wardrobe of Western ski wear as well as some very attractive clothing for apres ski. Joan just shook her head in amazement.

On the Monday morning when Joan was due back from her vacation, Ali made it a point to get to the office early. She was amused to find that the rest of the girls obviously had the same thought — they were all in the office waiting for Joan. Ali had a very warm feeling looking at them. They were all such beautiful girls. Moreover, it was obvious that they looked on Joan as a beloved sister and they were waiting for a report on the vacation with her new man. When Joan came floating in and sat down, Ali thought she looked beautiful. It was obvious she was now desperately in love.

Judy Jeffries, Joan's best friend in the Firm, was the first to speak. "Don't hold out on us, Joan! How did it go?"

Joan just smiled. "It was marvelous!" She smiled warmly at her friends and added, "And thank you so much for the wardrobe. I wore everything. Those dresses! We went dancing and Bill thought I was exquisite. And I'm in love! Desperately!"

"Well, don't keep us in suspense! Are you engaged?"

Joan's face fell. "No, I'm not. In fact, I did something terribly stupid. I asked to meet his parents. Bill brightened and said he would like to talk to mine first. He has something to ask them." Joan's face fell and she wailed, "But I don't have any!"

Ali looked at the girl and realized she had come to love her like a daughter. She said, "Joan, would you allow me to be your mother?" She smiled and added, "I was a professional actress, you know."

Joan looked up, stunned. "You! But Ali, you couldn't..."

Ali's face fell and Joan ran over to her. She realized she had hurt Ali's feelings — the very last thing she wanted to do. She said, "Ali, what's wrong? What did I do?"

Ali tried to smile and said, "That's okay, Joan. As a matter of fact, I can hire a good character actress for you — one who's used to playing mother rôles. I'm sure someone like that would be a lot better than I could possibly be."

Joan had been studying Ali's face as she spoke. "Ali, are you saying you would like to play my mother? You can't be serious!"

Ali looked up at the girl and Joan saw tears in the corners of her eyes. She said, "No, Joan. I don't want to play your mother. I want to be your mother. May I?"

Joan reached out her arms and Ali stood up. She enfolded the smaller girl in her arms and hugged her tightly. The girl felt so warm and smelled so fresh and clean. Then Ali felt a wetness on her cheek and looked down at the girl. She saw tears streaming down Joan's cheeks. "What's wrong, honey? Why are you crying?"

Ali realized that in spite of the tears, the girl was trying to smile. Joan said, "Because I'm so happy."

The other girls were looking at them and Ali realized there was great warmth in their eyes. They understand,  Ali thought.

"Ali, you know I'm an orphan. I've been an orphan since I was fifteen. My father was killed when I was twelve and my mother died when I was fifteen. I lied and forged papers so I could work and keep our little apartment. I ducked to stay away from the damned state social service agencies." She looked up at Ali's face and her eyes were glowing. "Ali, no one has held me like this for nearly ten years. God, have I missed it!"

Then she dropped her voice and whispered, "Thank you for holding me, Mom!" Ali kissed the girl softly on the cheek and Joan held her tighter. They planned for a dinner at Joan's apartment the following Thursday night.

-------

It was Tuesday morning the week of the dinner when Ali drove into the office. She was late that day and went right into her office. The morning coffee period was over by the time she arrived; everyone was at her desk. Workmen were in the office resetting partitions to create an office for Sandy as big as Ginger's and were adding additional outside offices. The firm needed room to grow. Already Ginger and Sandy were interviewing applicants for the professional staff. In fact, Ali remembered, she had an interview with a candidate that afternoon.

There was a knock on the door and Joan came in. She had two cups of coffee in her hands. She gave one to Ali and kept one for herself. One glance showed Ali the girl was upset.

"What happened, Joan? What's wrong?" she asked.

"Ali, I owe you a lot of money," the girl said softly. "I wanted to tell you before you found out yourself. Your brand-new daughter is a disgusting slob. Did you look at the edge of your desk and the carpet below it?"

Ali hadn't but did. There were spots on the floor as if something had been spilled. The top of her desk was inlaid with leather. Right in front of where Ali normally sat there was a large stained area. It was apparent efforts had been made to clean it but had failed. "What happened? What is it?"

Joan turned red. She said, "Ali, it's blood ... and it's mine." The girl's eyes started to tear as she continued, "I guess I'm so ignorant, it never occurred to me I might bleed so much when he took me. I'm sorry. I'll buy you a new desk and pay for new carpeting in the office." The girl tried to smile as she said, "We're expanding so we're going to need more carpeting anyway ... and we're buying furniture..." She got up to leave the office and return to her own.

Ali had been looking at the girl intently. As Joan rose to leave Ali's eyes widened and she said, "Sit down, young lady! Did you lose your virginity last night? Here in my office, on my desk?"

Joan's head had been downcast. She raised her chin and sat up straight. Ali could see tears flowing down her cheeks. "Yes, ma'am, I did. I'm sorry."

Ali jumped out of her chair and went to the girl. She lifted her up, held her in her arms, and then led her to the sofa. Ali was shaking her head as they both sat down. "Joan, I vividly remember the conversation that we had before the Christmas dance. You didn't date, but it never occurred to me you were still a virgin. I assumed you were sleeping with Bill when you were in Tahoe. Obviously, you didn't. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Ali, it shouldn't have happened! At least not the way it did," the girl said, trying to grin. I had the damned guy. We were here in the office last night, and it was a beautiful night. You know, of course, that your computer links with Ginger's and now with Sandy's. Well, I got pretty good with a computer game — and pretty cocky, I guess.

"Anyway, you can take turns using a single computer. That's what most people do. If you have a major-league system — and we do — you can get trickier. We have a program called Falcon. You link the computers and have dogfights between F-16's. Since the aircraft are the same and the computers are the same, it gets down to the skill of the operator. I guess pride go goeth before a fall ... and the loss of virginity.

"Damn it!" she said, looking up at Ali. The tears had stopped by now. "I had him, too. It was my own damned fault! Bill was in here and I was in Ginger's office. Ginger has been complaining about a sticky mouse for weeks. The stupid thing costs no money — a couple of bucks is all — and I was going to replace it, but hadn't gotten around to it. Anyway, I was on his tail and all set to burn him when the damned mouse sticks! I lose him and before I got it going again, he burned me. And school was out."

"What were you playing for?" Ali asked.

"The winner got his wish," Joan replied softly.

"What would you have done if you had won?" she asked.

Joan looked at her and smiled wryly. "I would have asked him to take me on your desk with the drapes pulled back with the full view of the mountains and the ocean."

"What did he ask for when he won?"

"The same thing," she replied with a small smile.

"Then what are you mad about? You got the same result."

Joan smiled ruefully, "I wanted him to be my slave, though. I didn't want to be his. Not yet, anyway."

"Did he know you were a virgin?"

"My God, no! He would have run all the way back to Boston."

"How was it?" Ali asked softly.

"The first time hurt. The next one was good, and the third time was marvelous." Joan smiled softly. "Mom, I'm sure not in the same league with the rest of you. I came for the first time last night. It was so wonderful! I don't know what to say."

"Joan, I have one question: Why didn't you wait? Why now, before he has a chance to meet your mother?"

The girl's eyes fell. "I don't think it's going to work, Mom. And I love him so! I felt I had to take a chance and I took it. I'm sorry."

Ali took the girl in her arms and hugged her. "I can't get over the fact that you were a virgin until yesterday. By the way, what did Bill say and do?"

Joan said, "It was kind of funny. He was inside me and his cock had just reached my hymen. Before he knew what had happened, I had my legs around his hips and just pulled him into me. The thing parted and that was that. Later, when he saw the blood all over us, the desk and the carpet he almost died! Then he just held me tight and kissed me. Ali, it was so nice."

The girl was leaving the office but turned and said, "Ali, do you and Bill hear bells and feel electricity flowing when you kiss?"

"Every time!" she replied smiling warmly at the girl.

-------

Later that morning she got a call in the office from Bill who said, "Guess who just called?"

"Who?" Ali replied.

"My phantom son, Bill. He called this morning. Believe it or not, he's out here in Los Angeles on vacation. He got in a couple of days ago. I called up Jennifer — woke her up, of course — and she and Steve will join us for dinner tonight. Will you be back at the regular time? Bill's coming over this afternoon. I haven't seen him in nearly a year so we have some catching up to do."

Ali said, "I have a candidate to interview. It should be over around four and I'll leave then. Does that give you enough time?"

Bill agreed that it did and they hung up.



-------

Chapter 17



That afternoon Sandy escorted a young woman into Ali's office. "Ali, I would like you to meet Constance Foster. Connie is finishing this year at USC Law School. She comes to us highly recommended by Ginger and Charley, among others. She's in the top five in her class." She turned to the girl and said with a smile, "Enjoy your chat with our phantom partner." She quietly closed the door as she left.

Ali was impressed with the girl's appearance. She smiled at her and then looked over the notes Sandy and Ginger had made on the girl's résumé that Sandy had handed to her. She said, "Connie, I'm sure you must be pretty well talked out after meeting with my two partners. I have two questions for you, though: First, what do you think of our merry band? Second, why are you so nervous?"

At the second question the girl was so startled she nearly jumped from her chair. Ali was looking at her closely and saw a look of fear come into the girl's eyes replacing the nervousness she had sensed when the girl came in.

Connie Foster was another tall girl — five feet nine. She had blonde hair and brilliant emerald-green eyes like Joan and Ginger. Her blonde hair was more silver than Ali's gold. She had a light tan and a perfect complexion. Ali noticed that the business suit she was wearing was inexpensive but conservatively styled and most appropriate for a young lawyer.

"Mrs. Clifford, before answering your questions may I ask a couple of my own? First, I'm very impressed with your Firm. But where are the rest of your people?"

Ali laughed merrily and put her finger in front of her lips. "Shh! That's part of our secret. There is no 'rest.' I think you've seen us all. There's only Ginger and me, along with Sandy who's the litigation partner. Then we have Kathy Carlson who's secretary to the three of us, assisted by Judy Jeffries who doubles as receptionist, telephone operator, and travel agent. Then there's Joan Fredrick who makes it all work. We're it, I'm afraid."

The girl looked puzzled. "But there have to be more people! I have a good idea of your client list and your billings. You have to have a support staff of at least fifteen."

Ali just shrugged. "I'm sorry. We don't. We just muddle through. But you didn't answer my question: What do you think of us?"

Now the girl smiled. "I don't know what to make of it. It's more like a sorority than a law office. I have never seen so much kidding and teasing ... at all levels. When I visit some other law offices I sense fear on the part of the support staff toward the partners — and sometimes even toward the young professionals. There's none of that here. The people seem to like each other..."

"Why did you stop?" Ali asked.

The girl's head had come up and she was looking at Ali thoughtfully. "Because as I said it, I realized it's not true. It is not like, it's ... love! Of course," she said with a brilliant smile, "That's it! Your people actually love each other. I gather something's going on with Joan, isn't it? Damn it, now I see! It's like a family. Something's going on with Joan and the rest of the family is helping, isn't it?"

Ali smiled and nodded. "How about the second question? When I asked, Connie, the nervousness I sensed was replaced by fear that I saw. What's the trouble?"

Ali was surprised as the girl got up from her chair, apparently to leave. Ali rose, too. The girl looked at her and said, "I'm sorry for wasting your time, Mrs. Clifford. I thought it could work but I forgot you were an actress. You can spot an act in an instant and my act isn't nearly good enough."

Ali said firmly, "Sit down, Constance!" The girl was startled by Ali's tone. Her eyes widened as she quickly sat down again. "You're not going to get away with that, young lady! I hate mystery stories. Now what are you trying to hide?"

Ali saw the girl swallow hard but then looked her straight in the eye. "I didn't want you to know that I earned my way through school working as a stripper out on Sunset."

She was astounded at Ali's reaction — or rather, the lack of one. Ali looked at her as if she had told her the sun was shining. Ali asked, "Which club, Connie?" Connie told her and Ali brightened. "Good heavens! My daughter worked there. Do you know her? She danced as Jenny."

This time the girl's jaw dropped. "You're Jenny's mother! That's impossible! But..."

Ali picked up her telephone and called Bill to tell him she would be later than she expected. Then she went to the girl and took her to the sofa. The girl allowed herself to be led — she was moving as if in a daze. Ali looked at her and said, "Connie, how did you get away with it? Jen — her name is Jennifer Clifford, by the way — was recognized by a schoolmate after less than two months. How have you maintained your secret?"

The girl was just shaking her head in utter amazement. She pulled herself together with an effort of will. Looking into Ali's eyes she saw warmth, friendship, and genuine interest. She said, "I always wear a dark wig and contacts to change my eye color." She began to relax and her lips formed a small smile. "No one ever thinks of a law student as having a body. I started as a cocktail waitress when I was only seventeen. I had fake ID. Then I started working topless for more money, and finally moved up to being on stage. But Ali, you couldn't be Jenny's mother unless you gave birth at the age of five!"

Ali smiled and said, "You're right, of course. Jen's my husband's daughter. But Connie, I couldn't love her more if she were my own, and I'm convinced she loves me, too." She smiled warmly at the girl and said, "Another question: Why?"

Again the girl's head came up straight and she said, "Because I'm an orphan. My parents left me a little money, but that was all gone by my second year in college. Stripping pays well."

"One more question, Connie," Ali said, "And then I'll quit. Do you like men?"

"I beg your pardon!" the girl responded, obviously startled.

"I asked if you like men. Let me explain: I've heard some strippers are lesbians. They don't like men. The girls here all do, as you'll find out if you haven't already. Do you?"

The girl smiled warmly this time and said, "Hell, yes! And Ali, I say that in full realization of the fact that I've been as chaste as a nun for at least four years now — purely by necessity, not by choice. Between trying to study and working almost every night, if a guy got me into bed I would be asleep before I could even spread my legs! But it's been awful! There are times I want a man so badly I hurt. And being a stripper sure doesn't help!"

Ali smiled at the girl and on impulse leaned over, gathered her into her arms and hugged her. She said softly, "Connie, welcome to Clifford & Jamison!" She moved away and checked her watch. It was just four o'clock.

Then she picked up her phone and buzzed Kathy. "Get the troops into the conference room, order hors d'oeuvres, and tell Joan she has to keep her clothes on; we have company." She went back to where the girl was seated, winked, and said, "This is going to be educational, Connie. By the way, I'm having dinner with Jen tonight. May I tell her you'll be joining us?"

The girl smiled and said, "Please do. Tell her Cara sends her love. That is ... was ... my stage name." Suddenly, her face fell. "Oh, my God! I can't quit. At least, not now. Mrs. Clifford, I got carried away. If you've heard of a hand-to-mouth existence, I'm it. I can't quit until I start work, and I'm not sure I can even then."

The girl was sitting on the sofa. Ali pulled up a chair and said, "Why not tell me about it. First, how much are we going to be paying you?"

Connie reddened. "I don't know, Mrs. Clifford. You and I were supposed to talk about that."

It was Ali's turn to look embarrassed. "Wait until I get my hands on Sandy! She never mentioned a word of it to me." She smiled at the girl and asked, "Connie, what do you think would be fair?"

"Could ... Could you pay me $40,000? Or at least $35,000? Mrs. Clifford, I'll be honest. I intend to work here. What we're talking about is when — and whether — I can afford to quit my job. Could you make it $30,000, anyway?"

Ali got up and went behind her desk. She put on her fake reading glasses, got out the Firm checkbook — even though almost all of the company checks were computer produced — and made a big production of going over the books. She looked up at Connie who was watching her anxiously. "How much do you owe on your education loans?" Ali asked. Her tone of voice was flat, displaying no interest in the answer.

"Mrs. Clifford, that's the problem. When I graduate, I have to start paying them off. Right now I pay a little, but mostly they even capitalize the interest. I owe nearly $150,000 with the interest that's been capitalized."

Ali scribbled a check and tore it out of the book. She went back to where Connie was sitting and stood looking at her. "Connie, we can't afford to pay you more than $75,000 to start. I think that's roughly competitive with the other firms who are competing for the very top graduates."

The girl's jaw dropped as if she had been hit in the back of the head.

"And Connie, would you please take care of this for me? When I paid off Joan's loans, I was chasing all over the whole damned city trying to find some of those dumb banks. Here. You'll have to pay off your own silly loans!" She gave the girl a check for $150,000.

The girl looked at it, gasped, and suddenly started to cry. Ali sat down next to her and held her. The girl put her arms around Ali and hugged her, while the tears flowed down her cheeks. Finally, she pushed away. Ali saw that the girl was genuinely beautiful. In spite of the tears, there was a smile that lit up her face. Another sunshine smile,  Ali thought.

Connie said, "Mrs. Clifford, thank you! From the bottom of my heart, thank you! You can't know..."

Ali smiled her sunshine smile. She said, "Connie, I can. The day I married Bill Clifford less than a year ago I was literally starving. I had less than ten bucks in the bank and owed about $50,000. But I didn't have a job and hadn't been able to get one. My parents are dead, too. Connie, that day, after my debts were paid I broke down and cried. Bill held me and comforted me. Believe me, I do know." She smiled warmly and said, "Connie, I hope you'll feel at home here."

Her smile turned into a grin as she added, "Welcome to the three-ring circus! Now come on! Let's join the others."

She took the girl to the conference room where the other girls were sitting around the table. The hors d'oeuvres were sitting in the middle of the table. As Ali entered, Joan turned to her and pouted. "Ali, you're no fair! Kathy said I couldn't wear my waitress uniform."

Ali turned to Connie and asked, "What will you have to drink? Incidentally, Joan's waitress uniform is a tiny white apron about the size of a postage stamp, net stockings, and spike heels — that's all. She's even shaved her pubic hair." Ali said, "Joan, I'll have a martini. Kathy, call Fred and have him pick me up at six, would you? Connie, what about it?"

The girl was just shaking her head in bewilderment, but said finally, "I like scotch."

Joan brightened and said, "At last! A class drinker in this sea of plebeians! Do you like single malts, Miss Foster?"

"I love them, Joan. But please call me Connie. Do you have any?"

Joan stiffened and pretended to be affronted. "I beg your pardon? Is the Pope Catholic? Do we, indeed! When I counted last, there were over twenty different brands. May I get you my favorite?"

The girl just shook her head in amazement and agreed. Joan poured her a Cardhu on the rocks. Connie tried a sip and said, "Joan, this is nectar! What is it?" Joan smiled and told her.

Ali stood up at the end of the table and said, "I want you all to welcome Connie Foster who will be joining us as an associate as soon as she graduates from University of Southern California Law School this spring. Connie has been supporting herself through school working as a stripper. In fact, she's working at the same club as Jen. She was concerned that we wouldn't hire her if we knew how she has been supporting herself. She doesn't know us very well, does she? Connie, you've been talking with my partners and associates. It's time you got to know them. It's still not too late to stay clear of this funny farm.

"First, there's my fellow name partner, Virginia Jamison Conrad. Ginger took the position that men only want women as depositories for their sexual fluids. They don't respect women for their brains. Connie, Ginger wore grungy brown contacts to hide her eyes — not just for dancing, the way you do. She dyed her hair a horrible mouse-brown, and even wore padding around her body to hide her figure. She came out of it and is now married to Charley Conrad, as you know. Poor Charley's perpetually exhausted these days. He claims he was trapped into marrying a nymphomaniac. I don't know if it's true, but it could be. Ginger?"

Ginger grinned, got out of her chair and did a deep curtsy — so deep she was almost sitting on her back foot. She had pulled her skirt up to her hips revealing her perfect tanned legs. She then bent her body forward so that her forehead touched her out thrust leg. "Welcome, mademoiselle!"

"Mrs. Conrad, I can't comment on what Mrs. Clifford said about you, but I do know I have never seen such muscle control or conditioning in my life! Your physical condition is marvelous!"

"Miss Foster, you haven't started here yet. There is one rule here that's ironclad. Kathy, would you bring in the training aid Ali told you to buy?" Kathy scampered out and came back with a coiled bull whip. She passed it to Ginger who said, "Miss Foster, this is a bull whip. It is to be used on slow learners. It's a compromise. Ali was going to replay The Texas Chain-Saw Massacre. It's to be used on anyone who calls her Mrs. Clifford, or me, Mrs. Conrad!" Ginger pretended to glare at the girl who started to giggle.

Ali turned to Sandy. "Connie, this is Sandy — formerly Sandra — Harris, soon to be Sandy Benson. Sandy worked downstairs in litigation. However, she was as prickly as a cactus about women's rights. After a weekend with Jack Benson, she's never been the same. Sandy?"

"Connie," Sandy said, "there's one minor thing Ali overlooked. It's how Ginger came out of her shell and how I joined the human race. I'll give you a hint: Her initials are Allison McGrath Clifford. The short answer is, we adore her."

Ali said, "These other turkeys are Kathy Carlson, Judy Jeffries, and Joan Fredrick. They provide what we laughingly refer to as support. Mostly, they sit around, drink coffee, and try to recover from the previous night's lovemaking. All except Joan ... until last night. Now she's gone, too. Previously, you could have gotten into a pool she runs. It's just as well, I guess. I found out awhile ago she uses her computer to cheat ... somehow. Anyway, girls, what do you say?"

Joan looked at Ali with a twinkle in her eye. "Can we audition her for partner now before she joins? We wouldn't want to have to blackball her later." The girl looked puzzled. Sandy got up, went over to the girl and whispered into her ear. Connie reddened slightly but then grinned. She looked at Ali who grinned back and gave her a thumbs-up sign.

Connie got out of her chair and walked to the front of the room. She turned up the volume on the PA-system speaker so the music filled the room, then took some papers out of her briefcase to use as a prop. She ignored the girls but moved in time to the music, appearing to be alone in the room. Idly, she took off her watch — the only piece of jewelry she was wearing. She stepped out of her shoes, then undid the buttons of her blouse. The strip show continued until she was completely nude. Meanwhile she continued to move gracefully in time to the music.

Connie's body was magnificent with slim hips, beautiful legs, and full firm breasts. Finally, she leaned back and with her hands together reached down in front of her. She drew her slender fingers up over her slit and then flowed them gracefully up the full length of her slim body. She leaned over backward with her back arched, as she sensuously ran her long fingers up over her breasts. Then she raised her leg quickly; it appeared to make a vertical circle and the girl ended by going over in a slow-motion somersault. Completely nude, she bowed the way Ginger had, ending with her forehead touching her thigh.

The girls exploded into applause and Connie jumped to her feet. She stood in front of them without embarrassment. "Do I pass?" She looked down at her groin and then at Ali. "Ali ... I guess it has to be Ali — I don't like the looks of that whip — should I shave my pubic hair?" The girl's pubic patch was dark.

Ali realized that she had dyed it to match the wig she wore on stage. She said, "Now I see how you did it, Connie. The natural color of your pubic hair is just a little darker than the hair on your head. I'll bet it's beautiful." Ali grinned and said, "I've never heard of a girl worrying about her pubic hair growing back in a different color." She looked around the room and said, "Girls, what's the verdict?"

All the girls were crowded around Connie giving her kisses of welcome. They did not even give her a chance to put her clothes back on. Finally, she emerged from the crowd and came over to Ali carrying them with her face glowing with happiness. "Ali, I guess the answer is that I passed the admissions test."

"Get another drink and bring it with you back to my office. I'll gather a plate of munchies," Ali said.

They left the girls and went back to Ali's office with the girl carrying a drink in one hand and her clothes in the other. Ali grinned and got a coaster for her glass. Connie quickly slipped back into her clothes and then sat down. She looked vibrantly happy as she said, "I guess I've just been through my initiation into this sorority."

Ali laughed and sat down near the girl. She placed the appetizers on the coffee table and Ali just looked at the younger girl. Finally, she said, "You feel better now, don't you, Connie?"

"Do I ever! One question, though, Ali. What's the repayment schedule on the loan? I never bothered to ask. You know what I make, so I just assume you handle it as a payroll deduction. Is that correct?"

"No, it's not correct," Ali said with her face impassive. "It's a signing bonus. Connie, we like our people to be relaxed, and you can't relax if you're sweating every penny with creditors calling all the time. As I said earlier, I know. Besides," Ali said with a grin, "Joan gives me hell if I ask her to set up a payroll deduction. She hates them. And good computer people are very hard to find. You have to humor them."

Connie sat looking flabbergasted. "Ali Clifford, do you know what you've just done? You've given me two years pay in a single check! And I don't even start work until June. This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"

Ali jumped up with a start and muttered, "Damn!" She went to her desk, pulled out her checkbook, scribbled a check and brought it back. She didn't even bother with the window dressing of her reading glasses this time. She gave the check to Connie and said, "I almost forgot. My partners would shoot me if I did."

Connie looked at the check and found it was made out to her for $20,000. She glared at Ali and said, "Allison McGrath Clifford, what in hell is this?"

"Oh," Ali replied brightly, "that's your initial clothing allowance. Connie, you wouldn't believe what it costs to dress like a bright young lawyer today. Ginger and I were shocked when we did it last year. Of course, there's been some inflation. Isn't it enough?" As Ali looked at her, she saw the girl's face crumple and tears start to flow down her cheeks. Ali noticed the girl was beautiful in spite of the tears. She'll do! Ali thought.

Connie looked at Ali and tried to focus her eyes through her tears. She said in a low voice, husky with tears, "Ali, why are you doing this to me? I can't take it any more! Really, I can't."

Ali went to the girl and sat beside her on the leather sofa. She took her in her arms and listened to her cry. She could feel the girl hugging her tightly.

As she felt the girl calm down, Ali whispered, "I'm sorry, Connie. Really I am. I didn't mean to upset you. I guess I have been with Bill for nearly a year now. I had almost forgotten how lonely I was after my parents died, just struggling to survive. It's a bad habit we have, I'm afraid. All of us are hopeless where it comes to teasing. We can't seem to resist. And subtle? As a group we're about as subtle as a Mack truck! I am sorry. And I do apologize. Will you forgive me?" she asked softly.

"Could you kiss me, please?" Connie replied, so softly Ali wasn't sure she had actually said the words. Ali kissed the girl's soft cheek and stroked her hair gently. Connie pulled back slowly and Ali could see that the girl was beaming. "Thank you so much, Ali! It was exactly like what my mother used to do when I was a little girl and needed comforting — just as I needed it now. But why did you give me that second check, Ali? Seriously, why? No one does that."

"As I said, we're as subtle as trucks. We also have the sensitivity of clams." Ali smiled softly and added, "But we really do mean well. The fact is that under that nonsense, there is a reality. Face it: A business wardrobe is expensive. We're well known on the Pacific Coast as a firm, thanks primarily to Ginger and Sandy. We do have an image to maintain. I think a major reason for our success is many client people see us and want to emulate us. My partners do have it all. You said so yourself. I think you'll agree they're both beautiful girls, and you are certainly in their class. You are easily as beautiful and, I gather, as smart. Connie, I do strange things sometimes. You should know, I don't need money from the Firm to live on..."

Ali stopped as the girl's eyes became as big as saucers. She said softly, "Ali, is your husband William H. Clifford? The William Clifford?"

Ali grinned and said, "I'm happy to say, yes. Connie, I love Bill Clifford desperately, and he loves me. In addition to being his wife, and being a sometime lawyer, I have another part-time job: I manage money. Ours. Bill says I'm pretty good. The fact is, we really can't spend it fast enough. It just grows. So when I meet someone like you — a girl who has had to work hard for everything she has, who struggles to get ahead — I try to help." Ali smiled softly and held out her arms, "Please, say you'll accept it? I want you to understand the spirit in which this is offered. Will you?"

Connie started to brighten and finally was beaming. She went to Ali's arms and embraced her. "Ali, thank you. That's all I can say. I came in today hoping against hope I might get a job offer. I had talked with Sandy and Ginger and loved them. And they're so much like you. They're so relaxed and friendly and ... Ali, they're confident in themselves. And they both have men they adore and who adore them, don't they?"

Ali smiled broadly, "You're absolutely right. In both cases, they would do anything to make their men happy. And I mean absolutely anything. They have fun here. We all do. Incidentally, I should warn you about something. Maybe you might want to keep your job. It will give you something to do in the evening. This place closes tight as a drum every night at five except sometimes like tonight when we have a little party. I know the normal practice for young lawyers is to come early and stay late. We sort of come late and leave early."

Ali shook her head. "I'm getting carried away. We receive information from the bar association regularly about the business side of the practice of law. We are probably the most profitable law firm in Southern California. Not the biggest, but the most profitable. Sandy and Ginger carry triple the case load of the average partner. We have big clients who recommend us to other big clients. Boeing rates us the best firm they use. We deliver superior results, and they pay for results. When we started our talk, you mentioned and we talked about our support staff..."

Just then Kathy stuck her head in the door. "Ali, I'm headed home." She grinned and said, "I may peel another carrot tonight. Do you need anything before I go?"

"Kathy, just one thing: Do you know any good legal secretaries who might like to work here?" Ali asked.

Kathy beamed. "Do I? Ali, I could make a fortune! If I even hinted that we have an opening, there would be a line stretching from here to San Diego. Do you mean to say we're going to get ... help?"

Ali grinned back. "I guess so. Of course, the pay will come out of yours mostly, but with some from Judy's. Now get your overworked ass the hell out of here. And leave the Dom Pérignon alone!"

Kathy stuck out her tongue and quickly closed the door. Connie had just looked at them with a bewildered expression on her face. When Kathy left, she looked at Ali with a question in her eyes. Ali grinned and told her the meaning of the reference to a peeling a carrot, and the girl started to laugh. Ali liked the musical sound of her laughter. Then she explained about Dom Pérignon. Connie reddened and then laughed again.

Ali was now very relaxed. She liked this girl very much. She said, "There are two more things. First, you've probably noticed that none of the girls wear bras. Speaking for myself, when I first met Bill my ... severe diet ... had left me as flat as a board. He loves to caress my breasts and I love to have him do it. I never wear a bra so he has easier access to my tits. It's obvious you don't need one for support, but it's strictly up to you. I only mention it so you'll know none of us care.

"The second point is your pubic hair. You mentioned shaving it off. I can see how it would avoid the coloring problem, but I understand it's absolutely awful when it starts to grow in again. It itches like hell! Anyway, I have an idea." She smiled warmly at the girl and said, "Have you ever heard of a hair stylist named Henry Hall?"

The girl's face looked blank for a moment, but then there was a flash of recognition. "Do you mean the guy who's won a bunch of Oscars?"

Ali smiled and nodded. She told Connie about Ginger's dye job and how Henry had dyed her hair back to its original color. "Let me ask you: You're a performer. What do you think of Ginger's hair color now?"

"It's absolutely gorgeous! It's like fire! But why do you ask?"

"Because only between half and two-thirds is her natural color, I guess. The outer one-third or so is Henry's dye job. Can you tell the difference?"

The girl's jaw dropped. "Do you mean to say that her hair is partially dyed? I would never have believed it!"

"He is good, isn't he? Anyway, Henry loves to do strange things. He's a good friend. Would you like me to ask him about dying your pubic hair back to its natural color?" Connie looked startled but then grinned. "I'm sorry, Connie. I got ahead of my story. Henry confines his services to film work ... and our firm. Every girl here has been over there for hair styling. It's a fringe benefit I forgot to mention. What do you think of his work?"

The girl's mouth formed an 'O'. "Of course! I never noticed. But that's the hallmark of truly outstanding hair styling, isn't it? You're completely unaware of the fact that it has been styled. The girls all just look beautiful!" The girl then looked sharply at Ali and added, "All the styles are designed for bed, aren't they?"

Ali blushed but nodded. "That's Henry and me, I'm afraid. I've always been amazed watching a woman spend tons of money with a beautician to have her hair arranged in a style that requires her to have it up in rollers or something stupid when she goes to bed. She has her hair set to attract a man, but then looks like the Wrath of God when she gets into bed with him. Does our girls' styling bother you?"

"Of course not! My God, no wonder the girls all look so lovely! I'll bet they get all kinds of bedroom exercise every night!"

Ali laughed and told her about the pool Joan used to run. Then she said, "I forgot something else: our health club membership. It's another Firm benefit." Ali glanced at her watch and said, "Oops, I've got to run!" She stood up and held out her hand.

The girl stood but instead of taking her hand, she stepped close and took Ali in her arms and hugged her tight. Ali felt a soft kiss on her cheek as she held the girl. Then she heard the faintest whisper in her ear, "Thank you, Mom! It's been so long since you've held me."

The girl stepped away and Ali could see her eyes were glistening with tears. She realized her own eyes weren't dry either, as she said softly, "Thank you Connie, and welcome! I think I love you already."

Connie said, "Ali, I'll do my very best. I feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world starting work for the finest law firm in the world." Her voice dropped again to an almost inaudible whisper, "I won't disappoint you, Mom!"

Ali winked and left the office.



-------

Chapter 18



When Ali returned to the suite, Bill came over to greet her. He took her in his arms to give her a welcome-home kiss that, as usual, ended up loaded with their mutual love and passion. Ali just held him tightly around his neck. He looked at her with a question in his eyes and she smiled softly. She whispered, "I need to wait for my knee joints to re-form. Whenever you do that, Bill Clifford, you know damned well my knees turn to water!" He smiled softly and kissed her again.

Bill turned, still keeping his arm around Ali's waist. Then she saw a young man standing watching them. He was about five feet eleven and very slim. His build reminded Ali of Brian's as she went over to him with her hand outstretched. The young man took it, looked at her and murmured, "They're right." Then aloud he said, "Mom, I'm your son, Bill." He reached out to her and she went into his arms and kissed him. She could feel tears flowing down her cheeks.

She stepped away and said, "Bill, thank you so much. But I heard you say something just before you introduced yourself. What was it you said?"

The young man looked sheepish and said, "I guess I said, 'they're right', or something like that. I was referring to Jennifer and Brian. Mom, they claim you're the most beautiful woman in the world. Brian is convinced you are the incarnation of an angel, making Karen Gaudli the most beautiful woman on earth. Jennifer ... Well, she just worships you, Mom. She really does. Every time she mentions you, she starts to cry. There's an endless supply of stories of what you've done for her lately." He smiled and said, "I guess I'm the only Clifford you haven't fixed up with a spouse."

Bill made drinks and the three chatted. Moments later Jennifer and Steve arrived. The brother and sister hugged and kissed and then Bill shook hands with Steve. Young Bill stepped back, still holding his sister's hands. "Jen, I've never seen you look better! You are exquisite. He turned to Steve and said, "I think you're a pretty lucky guy. She's one in a million!"

Steve grinned at Bill and replied, "I doubt it. One in a million would mean there are about 100 or so of her in the country. I don't think there are. In fact, I'm sure there aren't nearly that many."

Ali then took Jennifer aside and told her about meeting and hiring Cara: Connie Foster. Jen was thrilled. Finally, she grinned and said, "Mom, I guess you just can't get away from strippers!"

Hors d'oeuvres appeared and it was shaping up to be a fine dinner party. They had reserved a private dining room downstairs. After having drinks, they went down to dinner and young Bill was sitting beside Ali. He said, "Mom, I have a favor to ask. I was teasing you about fixing up Brian and Jen. All I can say is they're both so happy their feet don't even touch the ground. But all by myself I met a girl who's from a very fine family. I'm going to meet them on Thursday. Could you be my real mother that night?"

Ali's face fell. She had just met Bill for the first time and he had made what would normally be a very simple request. Then she thought of her new daughter, Joan. She put out her hand and took the boy's. "Bill, any other time. Something has come up I just can't control. Could you change the date?" When he sadly shook hid head she asked sadly, "Could your father go with you alone?"

Bill could see her eyes fill as she spoke and could feel her hand gripping his. He smiled and said softly, "I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to hurt you. I did, didn't I? It really hurt you deeply to say no, didn't it?"

She smiled at him warmly and said, "You're going to be one hell of a doctor! You're very perceptive.

Ali looked across the table at Jennifer and felt so proud. The girl looked utterly exquisite. She had her hand in Steve's and she was lost in his eyes. Ali rejoiced in her daughter's happiness. Looking over at Bill, she found his eyes had a faraway gaze. "A penny for your thoughts, Bill?" she asked.

Bill gave a little start and looked at her with a smile. "I'm sorry, Mom. I was thinking of my girl. At least, I hope she's my girl. I can't wait for you to meet her. You know, in a strange way she reminds me of Jennifer. She's sweet and loving and smart ... and absolutely gorgeous." He looked at her and said, "Mom, you and Dad reminded me of us tonight."

Ali looked puzzled. "Your father and I? What did we do?"

"When you came home and he kissed you. I know it was supposed to be perfunctory, but it sure wasn't. I don't think you and Dad are capable of perfunctory kisses, are you? Neither are we. God, I love that woman!"

Later that night Bill and Ali were resting in bed after their lovemaking. Bill had stroked her body and was still playing with her breasts. Ali had her eyes closed and was making happy noises deep in her throat. She said softly, "Bill Clifford, if you don't stop that, I'm going to want more. And I'm not sure that you're not over the hill. I don't want you to strain yourself, darling."

Bill rolled over and placed one of his hands on her crotch and began to finger her. Her legs spread wide and soon he was inside her again, moving slowly. As he moved his loins against her, his fingertips were stroking her body. He loved to feel her muscles moving under her satin skin. He could feel Ali cum repeatedly until he took her to her ultimate crest. She screamed and lost consciousness.

When she came to, she was lying beside him with her head on his shoulder. She blinked and smiled at him. "I take it all back. It's me that's getting old. Oh, Bill, that was so good!"

"And you're so beautiful, Ali. God, I love you!"

Bill turned off the light and Ali positioned his hand on her breast. She quickly told him of the events of the day with Joan and Connie. Finally, she told him of Bill's request and her response.

Bill said, "I guess I can handle it myself. But Ali, he's joined the ranks of the people who love you."

On Thursday morning, Ali brought her clothes for the evening into the office with her. Then she took Joan over to Henry's. While there, she took the opportunity to take him aside and tell him about Connie and her problem. At first he was startled, but then he grinned and agreed to try another dye job.

When they were finished, Joan went to her apartment to prepare for the evening while Ali went back to the office. She arrived at Joan's at five o'clock having learned that her boyfriend was due to arrive at seven. As she went towards the door of the first-floor garden apartment, she met Connie just leaving. She was wearing skin-tight Levi's with a chambray shirt and her hair was still tied up on her head with a red kerchief. Connie was embarrassed to see her.

"What brought you out here, Connie?" Ali asked.

Connie smiled and said, "I thought I could give Sis a hand for her big night. Good luck!" The girl ran off toward the parking lot.

Ali went into the apartment and found Joan sitting on a chair, still shaking her head. "What's the problem?" she asked.

Joan looked up and smiled warmly at Ali. "Did you see who just left?"

"Yes, Connie. Why? What was she doing?"

"Acting like a cleaning woman. Ali, you won't believe what that girl did! I found her here when I got back. She waited for me to leave this morning and then had the nerve to tell the super that she just missed me. He let her in and she's been cleaning up a storm ever since." She smiled and said, "Ali, will you come with me, please?" Ali followed the girl back to the bedroom. The room was stunningly decorated around a king-size bed. The drapes, curtains, and bedspread all matched and the bed was turned down on both sides. Then Joan led her into the bathroom which was spotless. There was even a tray similar to what is found in fine hotels with toilet articles laid out. They went back to the living room and Joan asked, "What do you think?"

"I think your bedroom looks absolutely spectacular. But what's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing!" Joan replied with a grimace. "Except none of it was here when I left for work this morning! Mom, I've spent a little money on furniture for the living room and I guess I said something to Judy about the bedroom being decorated in Early Salvation Army. I come home and find this: The bed, bureau, table, lamps, drapes, curtains, sheets, and bath linen are all brand new, delivered this morning. Connie did it all! She said I need a very firm mattress to avoid back problems from bedroom exercise! Can you believe it? And look at the rest of this place: it's utterly spotless. And I thought I was a demon housekeeper!" Joan smiled warmly and added, "Ali, I think I love that girl."

Ali had changed at the office and was wearing a beautiful dress. She realized Joan was wearing a bathrobe and asked about it. The girl smiled again and told her that Connie had insisted she take a shower so she could go over the bathroom one last time before she left. Joan just shook her head claiming the bathroom had not looked this good when the builder finished it. She was putting on her dress when the doorbell rang. Ali went to answer it and found it was Judy Jeffries and Mike Morris. Judy was wearing a very short maid's uniform that showed off her perfect legs; Mike was carrying a white jacket. Ali just looked at the two in amazement.

Judy said, "Ali, you can't properly entertain when you're bouncing up and down like a jack-in-the-box. Mike is still loafing so we thought we would come over and help out." Joan had come out of the bedroom by this time and stopped, stunned. Tears started to flow and Judy ran over to her, grabbed a tissue, and started to dry her eyes. "What are you doing? Don't you know tears make your mascara run... ? If you ever wore any. What's the trouble?"

"Judy Jeffries, you and the rest of that gang are the trouble, damn it!" Then she smiled brilliantly and said, "But thank you so much! Come on out and I'll show you what we're serving."

Ali followed them out to the small kitchen and found the food all laid out. Joan asked Judy if she could cook and the blonde stuck out her tongue and replied, "Better than you, I bet. I've been cooking for Mike longer than you've been cooking for Bill."

Mike set up the bar and Joan finished getting ready. Ali had checked her watch to try to keep the girl busy so she wouldn't be sitting and just waiting for the doorbell to ring. Just then, it rang. Joan popped up, went to the door and opened it. Ali could hear the sounds of their kissing and then heard Joan introduced to his father. Ali was on her feet as they came into the room. She saw Bill Clifford standing behind his son and winking at her over his son's head.

Joan brought Bill over and said, "Bill, I would like you to meet my mother. Mom, this is Bill ... Oh my God!" Joan's hand went to her mouth as the Clifford name registered. She glanced at Bill senior, immediately recognized him, and turned brick red. Ali had her hand out and said, "How do you do, Bill. I'm so happy to meet you. Is this your father?"

Bill, junior, recovered far faster than did Joan. He said, "Yes, he is. I would like to introduce you to my father, Bill Clifford. At home I was always called Billy to tell us apart."

Ali's eyes were sparkling as were Bill's as she extended her hand. Bill took it gravely and said, "Mrs. Fredrick, it's a great pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about your daughter from Billy. It's obvious that she gets her beauty from you."

Ali said, "It's Mrs. Clifford, now. My husband died and I've remarried." She looked at Bill with her eyes dancing and said, "I'm sorry my husband couldn't make it this evening. He's a wonderful person, and I'm sure you would like him."

Meanwhile, Joan was in Billy's arms. He was holding her tight. Ali noticed that he was caressing Joan's hair the way Bill always did with her. When they sat down, Billy just shook his head. The joke was over. He said, "Mom, you did it again. And so did I. All Joan could talk about was this wonderful person she worked for who was always doing nice things for people. I'm thick. I should have guessed that there aren't very many of you."

Mike came and took drink orders. His eyes were twinkling but he maintained a perfectly straight face, except for winking at Ali when no one could see him. He brought the drinks and Bill offered a toast to Billy and Joan. Before they drank, Billy turned to Ali and said very formally, "Mrs. Clifford, I asked Joan to meet you and I'm delighted we did. The reason I wanted to meet you was to ask permission to court your daughter. I love her desperately and want to marry her. I believe I can support her in the style to which she is accustomed. I hope you will give your permission for me to continue to call on her."

Ali looked at him gravely even though her eyes were still twinkling. "Bill, you certainly have my permission to continue to call on Joan. As for the rest, you'll have to ask her."

Bill reached into his pocket and took something out. He turned to Joan and said, "Darling, will you marry me?"

Tears of joy started to run down the girl's cheeks as she smiled at him brilliantly. Her smile lit up the room as she said, "Darling, of course I'll marry you. Anytime at all."

He took her hand and slipped a ring on the third finger of her left hand. The diamond was huge and dazzling in its brilliance. Bill said softly, "My dad helped me pick it out. I hope you like it."

Joan was speechless. She just wrapped her arms around him and hugged. Judy came out of the kitchen and when Joan came up for air, she came over to see it. "Joan, I've never seen a stone like it! It's absolutely magnificent! Oh, darling, I'm so happy for you!"

Then Ali looked at it and gave Joan a kiss. Mike came in carrying a tray with glasses of champagne. He and Judy were introduced to Bill who grinned at Judy and winked at Mike. They took glasses and Mike said, "May I offer a toast to Joan and Bill. May they always be as happy as their parents!"

The dinner went smoothly and beautifully. After cleaning up, Mike and Judy left quietly. Soon Ali and Bill got up to leave as well, but Bill couldn't help teasing his son. He said, "Bill, are you coming with us? I don't want to leave you stranded."

Bill grinned at his father and said, "Thanks, Dad, but that's okay. I'll manage. You and Mom just go on ahead."

Joan took Ali in her arms and kissed her. She said, "I can't believe it! You're really going to be my mother! Mom, I'm so happy now I can't stand it."

Later, when they were in bed Bill had his hand on Ali's breast and had pulled her close. As usual, she had molded her body to his and had her head on his shoulder. Bill asked, "What do you suppose the kids are doing now?"

Ali murmured sleepily, "The same thing we were just doing. And you know what? Before the night's out, they'll be doing exactly what we're doing now. Joan will be snuggling close to Bill and he'll have his hand cupping her tit. It's a bigger handful than mine, by the way. Her head will be on his shoulder and she'll just go to sleep that way."

The next morning all the girls were in the conference room waiting for Joan to arrive. Judy had told the others about the huge diamond Joan had received and all the girls were waiting to see it. As they were waiting, Connie Foster stuck her head around the door. "May I come in? Even though I haven't started to work, yet?"

Ali jumped up and went to her. She took the girl aside and said, "Connie, that was the nicest thing I could imagine that you did for Joan yesterday. But why did you do it?"

"Because she's the only family I have. Did it look all right? Did she like it?"

"Connie, it was the most beautiful bedroom I've ever seen! But did you have to turn down the covers? On both sides of the bed?" Ali asked with her eyes dancing.

Connie grinned and said, "Mom, it's what I've always hoped someone would do for me." Her eyes were warm with love for Joan as she continued, "That's the most scrumptious bed I've ever seen! The sheets are so crisp and fresh! Mom, I don't think I would get out of it for a month." Just then they heard the front door open and Joan came into the conference room. She appeared to be half dead. The girls crowded around to admire her ring. Joan tried to stifle a yawn. Ali took her into her office and asked Kathy to bring in some coffee.

Joan collapsed on the sofa and spread her legs wide. "My God! How do you do it? I'm utterly destroyed, Mom. But it was the most marvelous night of my life. And later, after more lovemaking than I can think about, I had my head on his shoulder and his hand cupped my tit. Then this morning, I woke up and squeezed his hand that was still over my breast. He rolled over and took me slowly and gently. It was like heaven!

"But then do you know what that jerk did? He rolled over and went back to sleep! He didn't even get up to have breakfast with me. He had the nerve to say I have the most comfortable bed he's ever slept in and he didn't want to get out of it. Wait until I get my hands on Connie Foster!" Ali just laughed in delight.

They decided that a June wedding would be nice. Ali learned that young Bill would be doing his internship and residence in Los Angeles. She and Bill were delighted.

Later, Joan asked about a pay advance for her wedding expenses. Ali merely smiled and said they were an expense of the bride's family, not the bride. Joan just looked at Ali in utter astonishment. Then she teased the girl, "Could I interest you in a double wedding with Jennifer? She'll be getting married to Steve around that time, too.



-------

Chapter 19



It was early April and Ali was wondering how to celebrate her upcoming wedding anniversary. She had come to no decision and was just sitting in her office when the phone rang. It was Jennifer. Ali brightened when she heard her voice. She had come to love Jennifer deeply and knew the feeling was reciprocated. "Hi, Mom! How is the world's most beautiful mother today?"

"Honey, I don't have the first clue. I have no idea who she is. But I'm fine. How are you?"

"I'm fine, Mom, but I have a problem. Steve's got a friend in town who needs a date. He tells me he's a really great guy. But the only unattached girl I know is Connie Foster. Do you think she might be interested? Mom, this is another funny one. The guy is thirty years old and is already burning up the track making money. I think he's struggling but just making the bottom of the Forbes list. What do you think?"

"Jen, I think it's super! Honey, it looks like I adopted another daughter. I have really come to love that girl. Did you hear what she did for Joan?" Ali proceeded to tell how Connie decorated the entire bedroom and cleaned the apartment from top to bottom. "And Jen, it was all a secret. No one knew what she was planning to do. And she has been working as a stripper to make money for school. Does that sound like anyone you know?"

Ali heard the sound of a small sob from the other end of the phone. Jen's voice was cracking as she said, "Mom, with me it was sort of a joke. Deep, deep down I knew Dad would help me if I ever got in a real jam. But Connie has no backup." Her voice strengthened and she said, "Mom, I have two questions: First, do you think this guy is good enough for her? And you know I'm serious when I ask that. Second, am I right in assuming you're going to do a Jennifer on her? I do so hope you will."

Ali could feel tears glistening in her eyes as she listened to her daughter. "Jen, it's only one date. That's the answer to your first question. The answer to the second is that I love my beautiful daughter very much! Honey, she is really a beautiful girl and I think it would be fun. When's the date?"

"How about tomorrow night? It's a Friday and who knows what might happen. Incidentally, Mom, Steve sends his love. And he means it. He has the excellent judgment to prefer you to me. But since you're taken, he's willing to settle. Mom, I can't be happier than I am now. Now would you mind calling Connie and then letting me know what she says?"

Ali asked Kathy for Connie's number and called the apartment. A sleepy voice answered the phone. "Hi, sleepy head. It's Ali Clifford and it's almost nine o'clock. Why are you still in bed?"

"Because I only finished work last night. I felt I had to give the club two weeks notice. It was over last night." Then her voice brightened. Clearly, she could wake up quickly. She said, "Hi, Mom. How are you this morning?"

"Madly in love with my silver-haired daughter. Incidentally, wait until you meet your future sister-in-law, Karen Gaudli, Brian's love. Her hair is as lovely as yours ... and that's saying something. The reason for the call, though, is to find out if you have any plans for the next two days."

Ali heard a low chuckle and Connie said, "You just ruined my only plan. I was going to sleep straight through until Monday morning. Since that's shot, what can I do for you?"

"Could you get down here in an hour or so? I want to plot and scheme." Connie said she would come right down and hung up.

Then Ali asked Kathy to get the girls together in the conference room. Walking in, all the girls looked up at her expectantly. Ali stood and looked at them and finally said, "I agree with a comment Connie Foster made: There is real love in this organization. I just wanted you to know that I love you all very much. People tease me about being a mother to a group of beautiful girls. I don't know about the mother, but they're sure right about the beautiful. I'm really very proud of you all and what you have achieved in the last few months.

"Now I have a favor to ask. You all heard what Connie did with Joan's apartment. All she said to me was that her sister needed help. Since she had never had a sister before, she felt wonderful to be able to do it. Anyway, I think we can help Connie and should. Does anyone feel like it?"

The reaction from the girls was immediate and wildly enthusiastic. It was obvious that they had quickly come to love the tall green-eyed blonde, too. Ali laid out the plan. She was having a date with the most eligible young man in the country. Ali wanted to be sure she looked the part of the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the country. While they waited for Connie, Ginger and Sandy discussed outfits and colors. Ali had complete confidence in their judgment. When they went back to their offices, Ali called Henry Hall and made an appointment for later in the day.

A few minutes later there was a knock at the door and Connie came in wearing her skin-tight Levi's and a chambray shirt. When Ali raised an eyebrow Connie said she had been told it was the Firm's official casual uniform. Ali's eyes twinkled at Connie's reply.

Kathy brought in coffee for her and winked. Connie looked her over and said, "Kathy, I don't know. You're starting to show signs of internal wear and tear. Didn't you know that men appreciate women more if the women keep their distance? I understand separate bedrooms are the way to go. Then you may invite your husband to share your bed every six months or so."

Kathy pretended to think about it. Then she said brightly, "I tried that. It wasn't worth a shit! Actually, in this office we now have one shared talent: We can all do a split on the floor and have our legs out flat. That's because the only way we're really comfortable is with our thighs spread as wide apart as they can go to welcome our men inside us." She grinned and added, "But it is an interesting thought." She closed the door behind her as she left.

Connie shook her head and said, "Ali, the funny thing is I know what she said is true. Never in my life have I seen a group of girls who look so fulfilled. They're so damned relaxed! You know, I'm scared about joining now." Her face had gotten very serious as she continued, "I've been reading files and now I can see why you're so damned effective. It's because the only thing you all need to prove is how much you love your men. I can see you and Sandy and Ginger just being totally honest with clients and as a result, totally convincing. My problem is I've been living like a nun."

Ali explained about the phone call from Jennifer without mentioning the wealth of the young man. "Anyway, do you think you could tear yourself out of bed for a couple of hours?"

She grinned and agreed immediately. Ali called Jennifer and told her, then took Connie back into the conference room. When they entered she told Connie to strip. Connie looked at her strangely, then just shrugged and removed her clothes. Although the girls had watched Connie strip before, it had really been a dance. She had an exquisite body but it was only now, as she stood like a model and they took her measurements, that they realized how exquisite she really was. When they were finished, the girls scattered and Connie put her clothes back on. She was puzzled but still didn't ask any questions.

Ali took her out to lunch and then to Henry's. Again, she was greeted warmly and Henry looked Connie over carefully and then looked at Ali. He said, "Ali, where in the name of God do you find these girls? I think you've cornered the world market on beauty and brains. What's the story this time?"

Ali told him that he had to dye Connie's pubic hair and do a full hair styling. "Henry, Connie is very rich. She's also a lawyer in the finest law firm in town. I want her to look very sexy and very classy. How's that?"

Henry took Connie into a booth and drew the curtains. He looked at her and said, "Young lady, this is a first for me. Would you please undress?"

Connie stripped off her clothes and lay down on a chair that had been extended out to permit her to recline. Henry and Ali studied the girl's hair with a magnifying glass and discussed the likely degree by which her pubic hair would be darker than the hair on her head. He whispered to Ali that Connie's body was essentially perfect. "There's not an apparent ounce of fat on her. Just beautiful skin and finely-toned muscles. This is another real pleasure." He was amused to see Connie fall immediately asleep in the chair and not move at all as he worked on her. Finally, it was finished and he touched her on the shoulder. "What do you think of it?" he asked.

Connie looked down at her loins and saw her pubic hair was now a darker shade of the white-gold of the hair on her head. She looked at Henry and beamed, "It's been a long time, Henry, but I think it's perfect! I can't thank you enough. It's a pretty tacky thing to ask you to do, though. Thank you."

She got dressed and he opened the curtains. Ali wandered around exchanging movie gossip with the other people while he worked on the hair on Connie's head. Finally, he drew back the curtains with a flourish and Ali came back in to look. He raised the back of the chair and turned it around. He had been completing the styling with the chair's back to the mirror to keep Connie from being able to see it until he was finished. Connie's jaw dropped. She was absolutely stunned. Her new hairdo was magnificent. She jumped out of the chair and kissed Henry solidly on the lips.

Henry turned scarlet, then grinned. "May I take that to mean you think the styling is okay?"

"Henry, I'm speechless. I can't possibly look like that! That girl is beautiful."

Henry shook his head and put his hand out to Ali. "I don't know how you do it, but you always bring me girls with the loveliest hair its been my good fortune to see in years. All of your girls' hair is full-bodied and naturally wavy. Incidentally, how is that little girl, Joan, doing? She is a delight."

Ali grinned and said, "She's marrying my son in June. And it's at least partially your fault. She'll be back before the wedding for sure, and undoubtedly before that. I'll tell her you asked." Ali turned to Connie and smiled warmly, "Are you all set?"

Connie just nodded her head and followed Ali back to the car. Ali was amused to see the girl recline her seat in Ali's convertible and go to sleep as she drove back to the office. She thought the girl was really one after her own heart. Ali had previously called Bill and told her what she was planning. He approved wholeheartedly and said he would meet them at the office later in the afternoon.

When they returned to the office they went to the conference room. Connie still had no idea what to expect. What she found was a collection of magnificent outfits which she tried on and modeled. Sandy and Ginger just frowned and shook their heads. Finally Ginger said, "Sandy, it's no use. We'll just have to keep them all."

Sandy looked sad — or tried to. Her eyes were flashing with glee. "I'm afraid you're right, Ginger. One looks about as bad as the next. We'll keep them."

Connie's face fell. "I think they look lovely. Who are all the clothes for, anyway?"

Ali said, "It's part of your wardrobe, silly. You have a date tomorrow and your family wants to be sure you look presentable."

Connie's jaw dropped. "These are for me? But that's insane! I couldn't buy one of those outfits with a year's pay. I thought you were just using me for a model."

"We were," Ali replied. "I think it's only appropriate, after all, that you try on your own clothes. Actually, we did try to hire a model. It turned out there is not a model agency in town with a girl with your measurements. When I gave them yours, they just laughed. They said I didn't want a model, I wanted a slim young Venus. As far as the cost is concerned, you don't have to pay for them. They're paid for."

Ali dropped her joking tone of voice and looked at the girl with her love showing in her eyes. "And Connie, they are yours. They're from people who love you. Please accept them."

Connie's eyes filled. "I don't know what to say. Thank you all. They are the most beautiful things I've ever seen ... anywhere! I've never drooled over anything this nice in the finest fashion magazines." She turned to Ali and held out her arms. Ali embraced the girl and held her tight. She could hear the girl whisper, "Mom, I love you!"

Ali took her arm and led her to her office where Bill Clifford was sitting in a chair waiting for them. He rose as they entered and Ali said, "Connie, I want you to meet your new father, Bill Clifford. He loves you deeply, too, and it's only fair to give him a chance to meet you."

Bill smiled at the girl warmly and extended his hand. Connie ignored the hand and went into his arms. She hugged him tightly and Bill put his arms around her. Ali could hear the sound of crying as the girl just burrowed her face into Bill's shoulder. She could see the girl's shoulders shaking from her weeping. At that instant her love for Bill Clifford increased again. She could see him whispering endearments into the lonely girl's ear, as he gently stroked her hair. It was exactly what he did with her and Jennifer. Ali knew how much she loved it. Connie was reacting the same way.

Finally, she pushed away looking upset. She reached into a pocket and pulled out a handkerchief that she used to try to dry the tears from Bill's jacket. He stopped her and kissed her lightly on the lips. He said, "You don't know men very well, young lady. Nothing makes a man feel better than to have a beautiful young woman cry on his shoulder. It gives us a chance to get our arms around her and hold her tight. Connie, welcome to the Clifford family. I know your mother has given you some things. Well, I wanted to give you a welcome present, too." With that he reached behind a chair and picked up a large box which he presented to her.

Connie set it on Ali's desk and opened it. She removed the cover and set it aside. Then she folded back some tissue paper revealing the contents. She gasped. Her hands came up to cover her face. "This can't be for me!?"

Bill reached in, took out the mink coat, casually shook it out and then held it for Connie to try on. The girl slipped her arms into the sleeves and Bill pulled it up on her shoulders. He went around in front of her, took the lapels and pulled them together. Then he lifted the collar to frame her face.

Ali gasped, "Bill, it's perfect. Would you look at the way that dark fur sets off her glorious silver-gold hair? Honey, if we took a photograph and let the furrier run it as an ad, we could have the coat for nothing. Connie, you look gorgeous! Take a look."

There was a mirror behind the closet door in Ali's office. She positioned it so the girl could see herself. Connie looked in the mirror and they could see tears start to roll down her cheeks again. Bill took her back into his arms. He whispered, "Connie, it's beautiful. It was made for you. Please accept it as a small token of the love your mother and dad have for you?"

Connie wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, kissed him, and said, "Thank you so much, Dad! It's utterly exquisite."

-------

They agreed that Jen and Steve would bring the young man to Bill and Ali's suite, so Connie dressed in the spare bedroom. A few minutes before the others were due to arrive, she came out to the sitting room. Bill jumped to his feet while Ali just sat in her chair. Connie looked stunning and Bill was quick to say so. She looked at them and said, "Mom and Dad, I don't know what to say. I don't recognize the girl I saw in the mirror just now. She is sophisticated ... even beautiful. Thank you so much."

Ali winked at Bill and said to Connie, "Aren't you forgetting something? Where is your jewelry?" She turned to Bill and said, "Bill, would you please speak firmly to your daughter? She just leaves it lying around and it is expensive. It's right there on the sideboard. Why don't you help her put it on?"

Bill winked at Ali and opened a box. He placed a magnificent diamond necklace around the girl's neck and gave her two diamond ear studs. She put them on and turned to face them. Tears were flowing down her cheeks. "Mom, you gave me money to pay off my student loans. But in the last day you and Dad have spent far more than the entire cost of my education on things I can wear! This necklace is priceless! What if something happens to it?"

Ali said, "That's very simple, dear. Your father will probably speak to you very sternly about the need to take better care of your things. He probably won't even replace it for you until Christmas, either." Ali looked at the girl thoughtfully and added, "Maybe that is rather too harsh, though, as I think about it."

Suddenly the tears passed and Connie started to smile her own sunshine smile. Bill just glowed and Ali realized why it was Bill loved to see hers. She lighted up the room. Then she said, "Mom and Dad, I give up. I'll knock him dead!"

Just then the doorbell rang. Bill went to open it and was immediately greeted with a warm kiss from Jennifer. She said, "Hi, Dad."

Bill shook hands warmly with Steve who entered followed by another tall young man. He had the same build as Steve and was also six feet three. Steve said, "Dad — Mr. Clifford — I would like you to meet a good friend of mine, Chip Cartwright. Chip, this is Bill Clifford, my future father-in-law."

Chip was introduced to Ali who rose and said, "Chip, it's my pleasure to introduce you to another daughter, Connie Foster." Connie had been hidden behind Jennifer and now came around with her hand outstretched. Ali's eyes twinkled and she winked at Bill as she saw Chip's jaw drop. He put out his hand and Connie gripped it firmly. She stood and looked at him with her eyes dancing.

She said, "How do you do, Chip." Then she looked down at herself and then at Ali. "Mom, I am dressed aren't I? I didn't forget anything important, did I?"

Ali played along and replied, "You look very nice, dear. I'm sure you're fully clothed."

Connie turned back to the young man and said, "Wouldn't you feel better with your mouth closed, Chip?"

The young man required a visible effort of will to regain control. His jaw closed with an almost audible snap. Finally, he said, "Connie, you are the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my life. Are you sure there hasn't been a mistake? Are you going out with me? Tonight!?"

"I thought I was. That's what I got dressed up for when my sister asked me to be your date for the evening. But thank you for the compliment. By the way, where are we going?"

The young people had one drink at the suite and then prepared to leave. Chip was fascinated by Connie. He rushed to hold her new coat for her. When she turned to face him his eyes widened. Then, moving almost as if he were in a trance, he took her in his arms and kissed her. Her hands went around his neck and she kissed him back. He thought that her fingers felt like feathers touching his neck. When they parted her eyes were bright and he looked like he had been hit by a truck. They left the suite and headed for the restaurant.

-------

On Saturday Ali received an excited call from Jennifer. She reported that the previous evening had been a spectacular success. She said that she thought she had been good when she visited Chicago, but she wasn't in the same league with Connie. "Mom, you remember last night when Chip kissed her and then looked like he had been hit by a truck? Well, it just got worse! I'm not sure that poor guy made it through the night alive!"

On Monday morning Ali arrived at the office early, expecting that Connie would appear. The girls all sat around waiting, but when she didn't appear they went to work. At eleven o'clock, Connie walked in. She came into Ali's office, apparently angry. "Where are they? I'll kill 'em!" she said.

Ali looked up and said, "Who are you going to kill and why?"

The two women went in to the conference room where the others had quickly gathered. Ali saw smiles on the faces of all the girls, but particularly on Joan's. Connie glared at them. "I hope you're satisfied! You had to get even, Joan Fredrick. Just because I cleaned up your apartment a little, you had to get even!

"Mom, do you know what they did? They redid my entire apartment on Friday. I went in with Chip and I thought I had gone into the wrong unit! The whole apartment looked like it came out of the pages of House Beautiful. It is utterly exquisite." She dropped the pose, and tears started to flow down her cheeks. "What am I going to do with you all? I really can't take much more of this. You make me feel like a modern-day Cinderella. I really don't know what to say except thank you and I love you all very much — far more than I can possibly say."

"How was the weekend?" Joan asked. "Did Chip get to see our decorating?"

Connie smiled through her tears, "He sure did. Particularly the bedroom. May I join you girls in wondering how my new mother does it? I thought I was in good condition but now I just ache. Mom, could we go to your office and sit down?"

They went into Ali's office. Connie had a cup and Ali had her own as well as the coffee pot. "Tell me about it, honey. How was it?"

"Mom, first, let me tell you what the girls did. I told you they redecorated. But that's not all. They completely stocked the place. Kathy even had a series of menus laid out with everything needed in place. Would you believe she even had a bottle of Dom Pérignon in the back of the refrigerator ... with instructions? She did. Each of the girls assembled their very best recipes. There was a note from Ginger saying that the exercise I was getting burned off far more calories than most people thought. Mom, it was absolutely unbelievable!"

"What did Chip think? How do you like him? What does he think of you?"

The girl smiled warmly and said, "Mom, I have to level with you: Do you remember me telling you I've been living like a nun for over four years? I intentionally misled you. The fact is, Mom, I had almost no experience with men at all. Correction. I had no experience with men. My one prior experience was almost ten years ago and he was a boy." She smiled ruefully and added, "I'm sorry for lying to you. It was inexcusable."

Again Ali went to the girl and sat beside her on the sofa. She reached out and took the girl in her arms and just held her. She noticed that she smelled so fresh and clean. She whispered, "Connie, you have nothing to apologize for. In the first place, it was none of my business. In the second place, you said, 'I've been as chaste as a nun for over four years.' Connie, darling, ten years is 'over four years.' What's the problem?"

Connie sat back and just looked at Ali. She said, "Mom, I can't tell you how much I love you and Dad. I hope it shows. Chip says it does. He was so funny. Guess what? It turns out he's as inexperienced as I am! And he's nearly thirty years old.

"When we were finally alone back at my apartment he looked at me kind of strangely and asked if Dad was the William Clifford. I was my usual haughty self and said, 'I don't know about the, but he is a William Clifford.' He pursued it and I allowed as how Dad was somewhere in the top five on the Forbes list. He just shook his head in amazement. He went on to say that every girl he ever met with any money at all was a haughty bitch. He said I'm different. That's when I kissed him. It's also when I decided to do something about our inexperience. I just unzipped my dress and let it drop to the floor. I was wearing my pumps, stockings, bikini and diamonds! Then I slid off the bikini.

"Mom, he was absolutely wonderful. He pulled me down across his body and just caressed me. While he did, I started to undress him. Mom, he has the most wonderful hairy chest that feels so great when I rub my tits against it. Anyway, then he carried me into the bedroom and took me. He was so gentle and tender ... I was nearly screaming. You've heard about the 'slam, bam, thank-you, ma'am, ' approach? Chip is the total opposite. Foreplay? My God, I couldn't take it any longer — and girls are supposed to be slower to warm up. Mom, when he finally entered me, I think my cunt could have ignited asbestos! Anyway, that's the way it went all night long." The girl looked at Ali with her eyes sparkling. "Mom, over the two days he took me all ways. Was that awful?"

Ali smiled softly and replied, "Darling, your father has taken me every possible way. Some day all of us are going to have a conference to see if anyone has discovered something the rest of us haven't. As far as I know, no one has. Welcome to the club. Awful? As far as your father and I are concerned if it feels good — or if we think it might — we try it. Some things I'm not terribly fond of but they were all interesting. How do you feel now? And how does Chip feel?"

"Mom, I jokingly complained about what the girls had done. What they really did was save our lives. The apartment is absolutely cleaned out now. I followed the instructions and everything was magnificent. I even opened the Dom Pérignon late Saturday night. You know, Kathy's right. It does wash a man's cum down beautifully. And Chip says it's great after doing a girl, too."

"What did Chip say about your recent occupation?"

Connie smiled warmly and replied, "He didn't believe it. So I did my act for him — I have the music tape at home — and then took him on the living room floor. Now I guess he believes me."

"What now?" Ali asked.

Connie's face instantly turned serious. "Mom, I don't know. I dropped him off at his hotel on the way over here this morning. He said he wants to have dinner with you and Dad as soon as possible. He looked grim!" Then she looked worried and said, "Do you suppose I screwed it up royally? Mom, could you have dinner with us? Would you?"

"Honey, could we do it this evening? Cocktails at the suite at six?"

Connie instantly brightened and called Chip. She made arrangements for him to pick her up and confirmed the time. When she hung up she looked at Ali, smiled ruefully, and said, "At least it will be over in a hurry. I think I'll wear another of my new outfits. I have a sinking feeling that a number of them will be going back to the stores, unworn." Connie left the office and Ali went back to her work.

-------

That evening almost at the stroke of six the doorbell rang. Bill opened it, shook hands with Chip and hugged Connie. While he was holding the girl in his arms, Chip went in to the sitting room to greet Ali. Connie whispered in Bill's ear, "Please hold me, Dad! I'm so scared. Chip looks like the wrath of God! I don't know what's wrong."

Bill gave the girl a fond squeeze and said, "Connie, you are exquisite! You are a man's dream come true. Please don't worry about it." Then he moved back so he could look at her face. He said softly, "I'll make you a bet. Ten dollars says you will be howling with laughter when you finally find out why Chip is so serious. Do you want to lose ten dollars?"

She grinned at him and replied, "Dad, I desperately want to lose this ten dollars! It's a bet." She put out her hand and gripped his firmly. They went in and joined the others. Bill took drink orders and mixed the drinks at the bar. There was a platter of hors d'oeuvres on the coffee table.

As he passed out the drinks, Bill noticed that Connie was right. Chip looked like the proverbial cat on a hot tin roof. He was sitting up straight on the edge of the sofa and was obviously nervous in spite of Ali's best efforts to make him feel at home. Connie was looking beautiful in a dress that matched her green eyes. She reached out her hand, took Chip's, and held it in hers. He looked at her and smiled faintly.

The four exchanged pleasantries and then the conversation slowed to a halt. Chip looked from Bill to Ali and back again. As he did there was fear in his eyes and he was holding Connie's hand tightly. He said, "Mr. and Mrs. Clifford, I have something to ask you both." He sounded like he was reciting memorized lines. He continued, "I would like your permission to see your daughter, Constance. I love her desperately and hope that some day she may come to love me a little. Ultimately, she might even consent to marry me. I know I can't give her the things you can. She is a girl who has been raised with all the advantages money can buy. I'm not rich, but I hope to do better. I hope to be able to support her in her accustomed style.

"Thank you for raising such a magnificent girl. I don't understand how you did what you did. Constance is ... is ... is just perfect. If it were a hundred years ago, she would be a queen, or at least a princess. At the same time she is so warm and loving. She's even a magnificent cook! There's only one thing I've wondered about: Why did you let her work as a stripper? Although I ... I guess these days there's nothing much parents can do about it, is there?"

Now that the worst of his speech was over, the young man started to relax a little. He smiled and said, "You know, maybe that's why she's so nice. She's associated with all types of people and learned to get along with them. Anyway, I love her more than life itself and hope you will allow me to continue to see her." As he finished his speech, he just looked down at the floor.

Ali looked at Bill and winked the eye away from Chip's sight line. Bill returned the wink and looked at Chip. He said, "Chip, would you tell us a little about yourself. Are you sure you can support our daughter?"

Bill kept a straight face in spite of looking at Connie and seeing her comically rolling her eyes toward the ceiling. He saw her lips form the words, "He has ten cents, doesn't he? I'll give him the change!"

Chip relaxed a little more and moved back from the edge of the sofa. He said, "Mr. Clifford, I have a personal net worth of a little better than $250 million. I know that's not much to you, but I have been doing well with my investments. I have been operating out of a suitcase for years now, and that counts against me, I know.

"I also know that Constance is very serious about her legal career. She is starting with the finest law firm in the West when she graduates in June. I understand that they are paying her very well to start. I ... I ... I hope she'll give thought to possibly being a mother someday. Of course, I wouldn't want it to affect her career. I know the requirements of big-time law firms: they want their associates to come early and stay late. I can accommodate that, too." He looked up and Ali almost cried as she saw the pain in the young man's eyes. "I will do whatever she wants, whenever she wants. Is that fair?"

"No, it's not fair!" Connie asserted emphatically. "Dad, what do you think?"

"I think that Chip has been thinking a great deal about things, darling. Chip, speaking for myself you have my permission to continue to call on my daughter. Ali, what do you think?"

"Chip, I didn't think they were making men like you any more. I thought my husband, Bill, was the last production unit. You have my permission, as well. Constance, what do you think?"

"I think I would like a kiss. Chip, would you kiss me? Please?"

Chip's face was a kaleidoscope of emotions. He visibly relaxed. It was as if he had started to breathe again. He gently took Connie in his arms and kissed her lightly. She broke away and glared at him. "Charles Cartwright, I am not breakable! I thought you knew that already!" She went back into his arms and they could hear happy sounds coming from deep in her throat as Chip held her tightly. When they parted, Connie's breathing was ragged and her eyes were glazed. She finally recovered enough to speak and said, "Chip, you've done a lot of talking to my parents. Aren't you going to say anything to me?"

"Constance, will you go out with me again? I'm available whenever you can make it."

Her eyes were swimming as she said softly, "Chip, how about forever?"

Suddenly, her words sank in. Chip brightened and then beamed. Ali thought he would just rise right into the air, he looked so elated. "Does that mean ... you care for me? A little?"

"No, it doesn't," she replied softly. "It means I worship the ground you walk on. It means I would happily be your mistress, your concubine, your whore ... your anything. It means I adore you, Chip Cartwright. It means I can't live without you. It means that being the mother of your children would make me the proudest and happiest woman on the face of the earth. It means I love you very much, Chip."

He took her back into his arms and they just held each other. Ali got out of her chair and went over to where Bill was sitting and sat across his lap. He kissed her and they just sat necking. When they heard sounds from the young people, they both looked up. Chip had reached into his pocket and then looked into Connie's eyes. He said, "Connie, if you're really serious, will you marry me?"

Her smile was so joyful and beaming, it lighted up the room. She said, "Of course, Chip. Any time you wish."

He took her left hand and slipped a ring on her third finger. It was absolutely beautiful. After she leaned back in his arms he said, "Thank you, darling. I bought this for you today in a fit of optimism, hoping against hope!" The change in the atmosphere was palpable. Chip was now relaxing, if not yet completely relaxed.

They had another drink and they were taken by Fred to Maxim's where they had a reservation. As they went out to the car, Connie slipped Bill a ten-dollar bill, winked and whispered, "Thanks, Dad."

During dinner Connie took the opportunity to straighten out some of Chip's ideas about her career. "Chip, I do have a career. It is with the finest law firm in the West. Of course, you may not know that my mother is the Firm's senior partner." She looked across at Ali and said, "Mom, am I going to have to work as hard as the other girls?"

Ali picked up with a smile and said, "You mean in no later than ten-thirty and out no later than five? I guess so. And of course you'll have a sister-in-law to keep track of you. Chip, we have a rather odd law firm. Connie will attest that the Firm's top priority is our husbands." She turned to Bill and asked, "Honey, do you feel ignored?"

Bill grinned at her and then looked at Chip. He said, "Chip, there is talk of organizing a Clifford &Jamison Husbands' Protective Association. I know Charley Conrad is trying to interest his wife, Ginger, in going into stripping, particularly now there are some openings we know about because Jennifer and Connie quit. He figures that will allow him to get some sleep at least until she gets home about three o'clock in the morning. Ken Carlson, Kathy's husband, is afraid he won't be able to stay awake during his law-school finals. Incidentally, there's a hallmark of all Clifford & Jamison girls: they can all do a full side split — they claim they're used to having their thighs spread wide to welcome their men. And I believe it! Now, are there any other questions?"

Chip smiled happily, leaned over and kissed Connie warmly. "Honey," he said, "It sounds like you're going to have to get in shape. Now I understand why you've been working as a stripper. You had to get yourself into the proper physical condition for your new job."

Ali smiled at Connie with her love filling her eyes. "Darling, could I interest you in a June wedding? Jennifer and Joan are getting married then and maybe your Dad and I can get a quantity price." She looked at Chip and grinned. "For that matter, maybe you guys can negotiate a group rate on honeymoon accommodations."



-------

Chapter 20



It was the following Friday and Ali was working on her investment portfolio in her office when her phone buzzed. Kathy said, "Ali, I need to see you. May I come in?" Ali agreed instantly and Kathy came in and sat down. She said, "There's a girl outside I think you will be interested in. Her name is Dolores Martinez. She goes by Debbie. She just walked in off the street looking for a job. I tested her and her secretarial and computer skills are outstanding. I think you'll like her. Will you see her?"

Ali hadn't planned on seeing anyone and was wearing her skin-tight Levi's and her chambray shirt. She started to say, of course, when she thought better of it. Instead she asked, "Kathy, where is she now and what have you told her?"

"I said the partners were all out of the office. I talked to her, and Judy did as well. She's waiting in the reception area. Joan hasn't come back from lunch yet. She's eating with Bill," she said with a knowing wink. "He has to go back to Boston soon." The young woman smiled warmly at Ali and said, "I can tell you have an idea, Boss. What is it?"

"Are the new desks in? The new computer hookups?" Kathy said they were. "What I would like to do is use her as a helper. We really have to get this place organized now that the workmen have left. There's plaster dust all over everything. I'll be standing by one of the new desks. Would you bring her back, please?"

Kathy grinned and left the office. As she left, Ali reflected on how beautiful Kathy now looked with her beautiful slim figure and her golden Hawaiian tan. Even her brown hair now had blonde sun streaks that looked lovely. Ali went back to the new section of offices and tied up her hair in a red bandanna. Her secretary returned with a young woman trailing behind.

Ali wiped her hand on her jeans and held it out to the girl. She said, "Hi! I'm Ali. I understand you're looking for a job?"

The girl shyly nodded her head. She was wearing an inexpensive but well-styled business suit that Ali could see was worn but very well cared-for. The girl was small: only about five feet three. She had a slim figure but full breasts. Her hair was dark and she had soft brown eyes. Her face was beautiful. The girl took Ali's hand in a firm grip and said hello. "I am looking for a job here. Do you need help?"

"I sure do!" Ali replied. "We just got rid of the workmen and there's plaster dust all over everything. There are people who come in to clean the office but they don't do this sort of work. Would you like to help out? We'll pay you by the hour, starting now, if you're interested."

The girl smiled very warmly and said she was very interested but she didn't want to ruin her good clothes. Ali checked her watch and saw it was already three o'clock. After telling the girl to wait, she went out to the reception room. When she told Judy what she was doing, the girl locked the door early. Returning to Debbie, she said, "I don't know what you think about it, but you probably noticed this is an all-girl office. You could take off your suit if you want to. It's up to you."

The girl's face reddened, but then she smiled wanly. "I'm sorry, Ali. But since I don't wear a bra and I don't want to embarrass you, I think I should just leave."

Ali grinned and said, "I'll make a deal with you. I'll take off my shirt, too. Then we're even. I don't wear a bra, either." She slipped off her shirt and lay it over a desk.

Debbie's eyes widened as she saw Ali's body bared. She was magnificent with her deep all-over tan and high firm breasts. She removed her jacket and then took off her skirt. She looked around and Ali took them to a closet and hung them up. The girl's figure was exquisite. Her breasts were full with tiny pink nipples thrusting upward.

Ali had gathered up cleaning materials and explained that the job was really messy. They had to take down all the law books, carefully brush off the plaster dust and check the bindings. Since many were leather-bound, the leather needed to be oiled, too. They began to work companionably.

After a while, Ali went off and called Bill to tell him what was going on. After telling him what she wanted to try, he immediately agreed.

As the women worked they chatted. Ali found the girl was intelligent, very well-read and well-informed. However, Debbie hadn't asked what the pay was and Ali hadn't mentioned it. Shortly after five, Judy, Kathy, and Joan all said good night leaving the two alone. None of them appeared to notice that Ali was stripped to the waist and Debbie was only wearing her bikini.

They kept at it until nearly seven o'clock, time for Ali to try her experiment. She had already told the girl she would be back in the office at seven the following morning because the work had to be finished before Monday. Debbie said she could come in on Saturday to help.

Finally, they finished for the day and Ali went into her office with Debbie following. The girl looked around in awe. She said, "This is the most magnificent office I've ever seen! Whose is it?"

"It's Mrs. Clifford's, the senior partner," Ali replied. "She's getting along in years, though, so she's not in here very much. We can use her shower. She'll never know the difference and we're both covered with dust." She grinned at Debbie and said, "It's worse with you because your hair is dark. The dust really shows. Bring your clothes and let's do it."

The girl was obviously embarrassed. She said, "Are you sure it's all right, Ali?"

Ali shrugged and said, "I'm sure. Besides, you can always say I told you it was all right."

She opened the door to the new bathroom that had just been built off her office. She chuckled to herself thinking about the consternation she caused the building people when she said she wanted four bathrooms built, one for each of the partners and another for the staff. She hadn't told Debbie of the existence of the staff shower and it was obvious no one else had either. Ali's new bathroom was magnificent: It was fully equipped and included a full array of her soaps and shampoos. Debbie's eyes opened wide as she looked around. When Ali slipped off her jeans and bikini and turned on the shower, the girl's eyes widened at the fully-revealed beauty of Ali's body. She was astonished to see there were no bathing-suit marks at all. Ali went into the shower and luxuriated in it. She shampooed her hair, conditioned it and stepped out of the shower leaving the water still running.

She smiled at the girl and said, "It's all yours. Go to it." Ali picked up one of the giant fluffy bath towels stacked on the counter and started rubbing her body with it. She thought it felt heavenly. Meanwhile, Debbie had slipped off all of her clothes and went into the shower. Another perfect figure in the Firm,  Ali thought. She had slim hips and beautifully shaped legs. Her buns were small and tight.

"Are you sure it's all right to use the shampoo?" Debbie asked skeptically.

"I'm sure," Ali replied.

The girl started to lather her hair and followed Ali's routine. Her hair was dark and long. As soon as it became damp, its natural curl became apparent. Another candidate for Henry,  Ali thought with a small smile. The girl emerged from the shower and Ali gave her a towel. It was obvious that the girl was not used to anything close to this level of luxury and enjoyed it.

Ali had used the hair dryer to dry her hair and then passed it to the girl. She left the room with the towel wrapped around her and got dressed in her office. Now we'll see if I can still act,  she thought.

Debbie came out of the bathroom looking fresh and beautiful. Shyly, she began to get dressed. When she was finished she picked up her towel and looked at Ali. "May I bring the towel home and wash it?"

Ali's heart lurched as she watched this lovely girl who was obviously trying so hard. Ali took the towel with a smile and showed Debbie a laundry chute in the bathroom. As they headed for the door, Ali was going through her purse. Suddenly she screamed, "Oh, my God! I don't have any money." Then she started to cry.

Dolores stopped quickly and looked at Ali as the tears started to flow down her beautiful face. She took the taller woman in her arms to try to comfort her. Ali was saying she had to have money or she would be stuck completely. The girl got her calmed down and went into her purse. She emptied her wallet and gave her all of her money: eighteen dollars.

Ali stopped crying and looked at the girl with her eyes wide. "But how will you get home? I don't even know where you live, but it can't be close. No one lives close to here." The girl just smiled at Ali warmly and said she would be all right. They went down in the elevator together and then parted. Debbie said she would see Ali the next morning at seven. After they separated Ali slipped outside by the back way so she could surreptitiously keep an eye on the girl.

As she expected, Debbie walked to the next block and then put her thumb out to hitchhike. Ali grinned to herself as the car she was watching for pulled up and stopped. Debbie talked to the driver for a moment, then got in and the car drove off.

That evening Ali called Ginger, Sandy and Connie and explained what was going on. All the girls agreed they would drag their abused asses out of bed in time to meet Ali at the office in the morning.

The next morning Debbie was sitting on the floor in the outer hallway with her back to the door when Ali appeared at five minutes to seven. She grinned, unlocked the door, and turned on the lights. The girls went into the conference room and Ali started the coffee. Debbie's eyes widened as she saw all the food stocked in the cabinets. They went back to where they had been working and Ali slipped off her jeans, shirt, and shoes. She was only wearing her bikini. She said, "Debbie, there are two reasons: First, the air conditioning doesn't work on Saturday. Second, my body washes easier than my clothes." Debbie grinned and did the same thing. They went back to the cleaning. After thirty minutes they took a break and went to the conference room for coffee.

Sandy arrived and Ali introduced Debbie to her. Sandy, too, shed her clothes, and they sat around the table drinking coffee. Soon Ginger and Connie arrived together and shed their clothes as well. Debbie noticed that nothing was said about the lack of clothing. After their breakfast, they all went to work. At noontime Ginger got dressed and went out for food. She came back with bags of hamburgers from a nearby fast-food establishment. Debbie had been astonished at both the beauty of the other girls and how naturally they moved. They all seemed completely unaware of their near-nudity.

By six o'clock, they were finished — and exhausted. The girls took turns using Ali's bathroom. When they were all finished and dressed again, they went back to the conference room and Ali brought out Cokes for everyone. She went to her purse and took out twenty dollars which she gave to Debbie. The girl gave Ali two dollars change. She wouldn't hear of taking the twenty in spite of the fact that Ali had taken every dollar she had had the previous night.

Ali said she would see the girl at nine o'clock Monday morning and would then pay her for the weekend's work. She asked Debbie how she got home the previous evening and the girl said she got a ride right to her front door. Then she said goodnight, leaving the other girls alone in the conference room.

When she was gone Ali asked, "What do the rest of you think?"

Ginger said, "Ali, she's a girl we have to have! I have never met such a selfless person in my life. I was working hard ... Hell, we all were. But I'll bet she did as much work as the four of us combined!" Sandy and Connie agreed. They went down to the garage and went their separate ways.

On Sunday night, Ali received the call she had been expecting. It was from the private detective Bill had hired who had given Debbie the ride home. He said, "Mrs. Clifford, this is a live one. You've heard of people working two jobs? This girl, Dolores Martinez, works at least three! And that's on top of going to school. She's about to get her bachelors in computer science from UCLA. She's enrolled in law school next fall. She lives with her mother and younger twin sisters — they're twelve years old. Her mother has been widowed for years and Dolores is virtually the family's only support. I've been doing this work for a long time but never in my life have I found a person as clean and hardworking as this one. To know her is to love her. Mrs. Clifford, this girl is the real thing. Do you need any more?"

"No, Jack. I don't. I didn't need much convincing, either. You know, on Friday night she gave me virtually every cent she had so I could get home. She hitchhiked. What more can you say? Thanks, Jack. There will be a bonus for you in your check. I appreciate the fast work and the thoroughness of your investigation."

She told Bill what Jack had told her and what she planned to do.

Bill pulled her closer to him in the bed and kissed her lovingly. "Darling, not only do I love you, not only do I worship the ground you walk on, but I love the way your mind works, particularly when you're doing something nice for other people. It's really fun, isn't it?"

She kissed him with increasing passion until he took her again. As usual, she fell asleep feeling his hand gently cupping her breast.

On Monday morning, Ali took particular care with her appearance. When she was driven downtown in the limousine, she looked exactly like what she was: one of the richest women in the world. She arrived at the office at eight. Over coffee with the girls she told them of her plan and they all agreed delightedly. By eight forty-five everyone was in her office or at her desk. At five minutes before nine, Debbie entered the office wearing the same suit she had worn on Friday. It was apparent to Judy that she had worked on it to make it look as good as it possibly could. She guessed correctly that it was the only appropriate business attire that the girl owned.

When she entered, Judy looked at her with fear showing in her eyes. She said, "Debbie, I have bad news: Mrs. Clifford is in the office today. She knows you're expected and she wants to see you. Her words were, 'At once'. What happened on Friday? I have never seen Mrs. Clifford so upset. Usually she's half asleep and pretty easygoing on the few occasions she's here." Judy looked sad as she added, "I guess you had better go in. Oh! I almost forgot. She says you know where her office is!"

Debbie could feel her heart sink. She had thought she was going to get a job here and she already liked the Firm very much. Idly, she wondered if she would be paid for the work she had done but decided she probably wouldn't. She walked into the inner office and knocked on Ali's door. Hearing a voice say, 'Come in', she entered. A person was sitting in the big swivel chair behind the desk with her back to the door, but with her position, coupled with the sun coming in the window she was unable to see her. In spite of the office being west-facing, a trick reflection of the sun off the mirrored surface of a building nearby was reflecting the sunlight straight into the room. She was told to close the door and sit down. She did and took a seat across from the desk. Mrs. Clifford was hidden behind the high back of the chair. Debbie sat up straight in the chair with her hands folded, just waiting. There wasn't a sound in the room other than the sound of the air flow from the air conditioning system and to Debbie, the sound of her throbbing heart. It seemed like minutes had passed when the woman finally rose from her chair and reset the window blinds to cut the glare in the room.

Debbie was looking down at her hands as the woman took her seat and turned it around to face her.

Debbie looked up and was shocked. It's Ali! She looked at her and started to cry. Ali quickly went around the desk to the young girl, helped her to her feet and guided her to the sofa where they both sat down. Ali took the girl's hands in hers and smiled. Debbie looked at Ali and her jaw dropped. The woman facing her was dressed in an impeccable silk suit that was obviously custom-tailored for her and wearing a double strand of glistening pearls around her neck. Debbie just shook her head in disbelief and said softly, "You're Ali!"

Ali smiled warmly while she continued to hold the girl's hands. "That's right. I'm Allison McGrath Clifford, but everyone here calls me Ali. It's really the only name I answer to. Debbie, I want to apologize for deceiving you. And I particularly want to apologize for tormenting you this morning. It was a very cruel thing to do to a wonderful person. By the way, do you have that money I gave you on Saturday?"

Debbie looked bewildered but opened her purse, took out eighteen dollars, and gave it to Ali. She reached into her purse, took out some bills, and gave them to Debbie along with her original eighteen dollars. The stack seemed thick and Debbie glanced down at them. Then she did a double-take. The first bill she saw was one thousand dollars.[Author's note: The largest unit of U.S. currency in circulation is a $100 bill. But this is fiction.] She flipped the pile and found they all were. Debbie's eyes were now as big as saucers. "I can't accept this, Mrs. Clifford. I really can't."

"Yes, you can, Debbie. Don't you remember the Biblical lesson, 'bread cast upon the waters shall be returned a thousandfold'? Well, it just was."

Ali saw the faintest smile appear on Debbie's face. The girl said, "I also seem to recall hearing something from a dusty urchin about the 'senior partner getting along in years ... we don't see her very much'. Ali, I only hope I get along in years the way you do."

Ali reddened and then smiled her sunshine smile. She said, "Debbie, it's true. I am the senior partner. I am also the oldest person in the firm by a good bit. And I am getting along in years. Although, to be honest, the only way you don't get along in years is to die."

Debbie started to loosen up. Now she smiled a real smile and said, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Your body is magnificent. It is absolutely breathtaking! Ali, you really work at it, don't you? Why?"

"I feel I have to, Debbie. I owe it to my husband to be as perfect in his eyes as I possibly can be. You see, he saved my life. My body is my wedding present to him. I guess it's like polishing the silver. I'm just trying to take care of the wedding present," she said with a grin. "Now, young lady, let's talk about you. In spite of the dirty trick I pulled on you, do you still want to work here?"

"Oh yes, Mrs. Clifford. I certainly do!"

Ali went to her desk and buzzed for Kathy. She asked her to bring the Firm training aid into the office. A few moments later Kathy handed her the bull whip and withdrew again. Ali glared at Debbie and said, "Debbie, this is the Firm's training aid. It is used on employees who are slow learners. A slow learner is one who calls me Mrs. Clifford, or Ginger, Mrs. Conrad."

Ali grinned and said, "Incidentally, I was really nasty on Saturday. The girls you met are the Firm professionals. Ginger is Virginia Jamison Conrad, my partner. Sandy is Sandra Harris, soon to be Sandra Harris Benson, the firm's litigation partner. Connie is Constance Foster who is graduating from USC law school this June and joining us as an associate. It looks like she'll be Constance Foster Cartwright by the time she joins us, though. Then there's Judy Jeffries whom you met. She's about to become Judy Jeffries Morris. I don't think you met Joan Fredrick. She's marrying my son this June so she'll be Joan Fredrick Clifford. Poor Kathy, of course, doesn't count. She was married when she joined us. Anyway, are you sure you want to join us?" The girl nodded her head eagerly. "Dolores Martinez, you're in for it. Let's go. We have things to do."

The girl looked puzzled but followed Ali as she left the office and went down to her car. The girl luxuriated in the leather seats and seemed to enjoy the wind blowing her hair as they drove to the studio and Henry Hall's salon. Henry greeted her and looked at Debbie after Ali introduced them. "At last!" he exclaimed, "A girl who is a magnificent brunette!" He gathered a hank in his fingers and manipulated it. Then he looked at Debbie carefully and said, "Debbie, Ali and the other girls are big on short hair. I don't think yours should be, and I'm not at all sure you would want it to be. How long would you like it?"

They agreed on a length just longer than shoulder length. He went to work. While he worked, a manicurist came in and started working on her nails. When he finished Debbie looked at herself in the mirror and covered her face with her hands. She took her hands down and said in a tone of wonderment, "Mr. Hall, what did you do? I can't look that pretty!"

"You can, you should, and you do!" he said emphatically. "I'm only using what God gave you ... and he gave you a great deal!" Debbie kissed him warmly on the cheek and Ali gave him a check and a kiss.

They spent the rest of the morning shopping and finally returned to the office at noon. Debbie was in a daze. Ali shooed her into her office to change into one of her new outfits and said she would meet her in the conference room. A few minutes later Debbie walked into the room. She stood just inside the door looking embarrassed. The other girls rose from their chairs and applauded while Debbie turned red and then smiled shyly.

Ali said, "Girls, please welcome our newest employee and one of the most unselfish people alive, Dolores Martinez. Incidentally, I think the Firm's standard of beauty is now going up a bit higher." She asked Debbie to take a seat while one after the other the girls came up to welcome her. Judy left the room and returned a few moments later. Waiters followed her and proceeded to serve a catered lunch at the conference table.

When they finished lunch, Ali asked Debbie to join her again in her office. They went in and Ali opened the window blinds. It was another gloriously clear day in Los Angeles and Debbie marveled at the view. Ali asked the girl to sit on the sofa and she joined her. She smiled warmly and said, "Debbie, you've agreed to join us but you haven't asked what you will be doing or what we're going to pay you. Aren't you even interested?"

The girl looked worried. She shook her head and said, "The answer to the first question is anything you ask of me. As for the second, you've already paid me at least a year in advance." Tears started to form in the girl's eyes. She said softly, "When I said anything, I was serious. I have done almost everything except..." Her head was up straight and she looked directly into Ali's eyes. "Mrs. Clifford ... I'm sorry — Ali — I am not a nice girl. I have worked absolutely naked ... and still do. All I wear are a pair of high heels and a velvet band around my neck. I pick up tips from the customers with my cunt. I am utterly shameless."

Ali put out her hand, took the girl's and held it. She said softly, "Shamelessly supporting a widowed mother and younger twin sisters. Shamelessly holding down three jobs while going to school and getting honors grades in computer science. Shamelessly giving a total stranger every cent you had so the stranger could ride home. The fact that you had to walk never entered your mind." Tears started to flow from Ali's eyes as she continued, "Debbie, I can't tell you how ashamed I am. I tricked you, abused you, and mentally tortured you. Can you ever forgive me?"

The girl looked genuinely surprised. The tears had disappeared and she looked puzzled. "I don't understand. You've been so nice to me! I feel like you really want me here."

Ali just smiled warmly and shook her head slowly. "Okay, Debbie, I give up. I propose to pay you $60,000 per year. In addition, of course, the Firm will pay the cost of your education through Law School. Oh, and by the way, I haven't paid you for the weekend."

She gave the girl a check and her eyes widened again. "What is this!? It says $7,500!"

"Debbie, I thought I told you everyone in working on Saturday was a Firm professional. You don't think we would pick up a pencil — let alone get our hands dirty — for less than five-hundred dollars an hour, do you? I mean ... we do have certain standards to maintain," Ali replied with a big grin. "There's one more thing: you'll know it sooner or later and I guess it ought to be sooner. I'm one of the richest women in the world. I'm not terribly proud of it, but it's a fact. One year ago I was starving to death. I respect someone who has to struggle to succeed. Debbie, Joan's an orphan and so is Connie. I am, too. We all had to struggle. But what we did pales into insignificance compared to you. You did it all and supported your mother and sisters besides. Oh, I nearly forgot: You'll find all of your loans have been paid off. I hope you don't mind?"

Debbie sat slowly shaking her head while tears poured from her eyes. "Ali, you can't be doing this! No one does things like this. Particularly not for a Chicana!"

"Debbie, let me tell you what I see. I see a lovely girl who has had troubles all her life. A girl whose father died when she was very young. That's enough trouble. My parents died a few years ago, leaving me alone. I had enough troubles and was terribly lonely. You aren't lonely, dear, but you undertook to support, not only yourself, but your mother and younger twin sisters as well. And you've done it! Debbie, are you still a virgin?"

The girl's head jerked up at the totally unexpected question. She replied softly, "Yes, I am."

"I thought so," Ali said softly. "You may work stark naked but you never sold your body. You had a lot of offers, didn't you? And probably for a lot of money."

Debbie started to cry and Ali took her in her arms. She listened to the girl cry like her heart would break while she could feel her body shaking. She looked up finally and said, "Ali, you can't know what it's like! I was offered a lot of money to live with a man. It was enough to take care of my mother and sisters and pay for their education. I never told them. I just said no. I couldn't bring myself to do that. Was I being selfish? Was I just thinking of myself?"

Ali smiled at the girl warmly, shook her head slowly, and said, "I thought I had it bad. Debbie, I almost starved to death because I wouldn't sell my body, either. But I never tortured myself thinking that I should take the money to support others. I want to tell you what one of my partners said on Saturday night: She said that in spite of the fact that all four of us were working pretty hard, you were doing more than the four of us combined. She was serious and I think she was right. She said we have to get you in the Firm. Debbie, those are my instructions from my partners. We must have you working here ... at any cost. Perhaps $60,000 isn't enough. Is that the problem?"

Debbie had been watching Ali's face closely as she spoke. When she finished the girl beamed. Again,  Ali thought, it's like the sun coming out. Her smile is dazzling.

"Ali, it's at least double what I'm worth." She reached into her purse and pulled out the $18,000 and tried to give it back to Ali. "This joke has gone far enough. I'll accept your job offer with the greatest thanks, but that's enough ... Actually, it's much too much. Please?"

Ali just shook her head firmly. "If you give it back, Debbie, all I'm going to do is give it to your younger sisters. At twelve years of age, they could get awfully sick. It will buy an awful lot of candy..."

"Ali Clifford, you wouldn't dare!" Debbie said, genuinely shocked.

There was a wry grin on Ali's face as she said, "Are you sure? If you give the money back, you'll see if I dare! Remember me? The girl who cleans shelves while she's naked to the waist? The girl who would strip and spread her legs on the conference room table to welcome her husband if she thought he wanted her, right in front of the whole staff? Are you sure I wouldn't dare?"

The girl looked into Ali's eyes and finally put the check back in her purse. She shook her head and said with a warm smile, "You are really nasty, Ali Clifford. You would abuse little children and let them make themselves sick just to make a point!" She put her arms out and wrapped them around Ali. She whispered, "Thank you so much, Ali." Then she looked up, still with a little smile on her face. "But what about the clothes you bought? What about the hairdresser? Do you deduct payments from my paycheck?"

Ali shook her head and replied, "I'll tell you the same thing I told Connie Foster: Joan Fredrick is the outstanding computer systems person in the legal profession. But she hates payroll deductions with a passion." Ali looked sad as she continued, "Debbie, I would love to help you out, but we need Joan too much. Besides, she's about to become my daughter-in-law and I would hate to antagonize her. I'm afraid it's a write-off.

"A write-off?"

"Sure. They're paid for. I hope you like them and will wear them. And I apologize for doing it so fast. I hope you do like them and will wear them."

Debbie shook her head resignedly just as Ali's phone buzzed. It was Judy announcing that Ali's guests had arrived. Ali asked her to escort them back as Debbie got up to leave. Ali motioned the girl back to the sofa as there was a knock on the door. Judy ushered in three people, Debbie's mother, Juanita, and her two sisters, Carmelita and Consuela. Debbie's jaw dropped as her two younger sisters came over to kiss her. They were beautiful young girls just verging on puberty. Juanita Martinez was a very pretty woman who looked like she had recently been ill. Ali recalled some mention in the detective's report about an illness or operation.

Ali rose from her chair and went around the desk to greet her. "Mrs. Martinez, I'm Ali Clifford. Welcome to Clifford & Jamison! I was delighted to learn that your daughter, Debbie, will be coming to work here very soon. I can't tell you how happy we are to have her."

Debbie had quickly kissed her sisters and jumped to her feet. She started speaking to her mother in rapid-fire Spanish. Ali's Spanish was good, but she couldn't keep up with Debbie's speed. It was obvious that she was telling her mother what Ali had done and was doing for her and trying to enlist her aid in speaking to Ali. Ali interrupted and offered Juanita the most comfortable chair in the office. The woman sat down gratefully. She continued to converse with her daughter. Ali was amused when Debbie's jaw dropped upon learning that Fred had picked up the family in the limousine to bring them downtown. The twin's eyes were still as big as saucers as they tried to interject to tell their sister about their wonderful trip. Meanwhile Ali had buzzed Joan who came in to take the two girls outside to show them some computer games they could play.

When the girls had left, Ali, Debbie and her mother continued the conversation. In spite of Debbie's pleading, her mother just listened impassively. Finally, with all of her arguments used up, Mrs. Martinez turned to Ali and said, "Dolores tells me that you are hiring her for your office and have already paid her a great deal of money. Is this true, Mrs. Clifford?"

Ali replied, "I suppose it is. On the other hand in the last few days I have learned a great deal about your daughter. Frankly, I am astounded at what she has done and continues to do. I have a good deal of money, Mrs. Martinez, and nothing gives my husband or me greater pleasure than to be able to help someone like your daughter who is overcoming overwhelming odds to make a life for herself and for her family. Please, Mrs. Martinez, I'm begging you! Ask Debbie to accept our offer and keep the money."

The older woman merely smiled but then came over to where Ali was sitting and kissed her softly. Then Ali heard the woman speak softly in Spanish, make the sign of the cross, and kiss her again. Ali was taken aback but returned the kiss and then looked at Debbie.

The girl said softly, "My mother has given you the family blessing. She believes you are a saint." With tears beginning to roll down her cheeks Debbie added, "And Ali, she's right. You are."

The day ended with a celebration at a Mexican restaurant where Debbie worked. While there, Ali and Bill were introduced to a very handsome young man, Pedro Garçia, who Debbie said was completing law school at UCLA. Bill agreed that they were a very handsome couple.

As they completed a magnificent Mexican banquet, the leader of the small band came up to Dolores and spoke to her softly. While Debbie was shaking her head in negation, Ali had overheard the man asking Debbie please to dance. With a warm smile Ali said, "Debbie, please? Bill and I would love to see you dance. Please?"

With a look of resignation Debbie rose from her chair and motioned Pedro to join her. They nodded to the band leader and stood facing each other as the band began to play a flamenco. The couple listened for a few moments and then their feet began to move. Ali's eyes widened in amazement. Not only was the music far better than she ever expected, but the flamenco was one that would have done the very best proud. Ali and Bill watched as the couple moved around in the classic motions. Finally, it ended. As the music stopped the young couple, standing motionless, moved their heads slightly so that their lips met in a tender kiss. Ali and Bill applauded wildly.



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Chapter 21



When Ali awakened on the morning of her wedding anniversary, she did so with a start. She realized why an instant later: Bill was not beside her in the bed. Since she always knew when he was taking a trip, she was worried because he hadn't said anything to her. Jumping out of bed, she called the front desk and was told that Mr. Clifford had left the hotel early that morning and seemed to be in fine spirits. Whatever it is,  she thought, I guess he's all right. Still bemused by this strange turn of events she called room service, ordered breakfast, and then took a shower.

As she was finishing her breakfast, the doorbell rang. When she opened the door she found Henry Hall, accompanied by a manicurist, waiting patiently with his hairdressing kit. Things are really strange today,  she thought. In spite of her questioning, Henry was very vague when she asked him why he had come. He just looked at her and commented, "It's about time. With all the time you spend in the sun, Ali, we have to stay on top of your hair to keep it from drying out, and you haven't had a manicure in months."

There were more surprises. After washing her hair and conditioning it, Henry insisted that she sit with her back to the mirror while he worked on its styling while the girl worked on her nails. In spite of all of her experience with him, it seemed that Henry was taking far more than the usual care with the job. When he finally finished, he waved off any payment and just let himself out. Only then did Ali get the chance to see herself in the mirror. The hairdo was the most spectacular one she had ever had. She couldn't understand what Hall could have been thinking of because it certainly wasn't one that the senior partner of a law firm would ever choose. Similarly, her nails were much brighter than they usually were. Another oddity was that she was not even asked about the color — the girl seemed to know exactly what to use without even asking.

While still puzzling over the beauty treatment, the doorbell rang again. This time it was Barbara Jamison. Barbara kissed her quickly, then hung a long garment bag in the closet. Turning to Ali she held her by the arms, then just shook her head and asked, "Ali, how do you do it? Every time I see you, you appear to be a couple of years younger than you were the time before. Do they serve you drinks these days without asking for ID?" Then she became very businesslike and said, "Now get moving! We don't have all day. At this rate, you're going to be late."

"Late for what?" Ali asked, now completely baffled.

"For your wedding, silly," Barbara replied matter-of-factly. "Now move your tight little ass."

"My what?" she exclaimed.

"Your tight little ass," Barbara repeated.

Now Ali was feeling frustrated. She exclaimed, "Barbara, what is going on? Did you say something about a wedding?"

"Of course, dear. Yours. Now let's go."

Ali was dumbstruck. "Mine! But I'm already married," she wailed, absolutely baffled by the turn of events.

Barbara looked at her as if she were a mother trying to explain a simple concept to a kindergarten child. "Darling, today is your anniversary. Bill thought this would be a nice way to celebrate the occasion. When he raised the subject, we all agreed so that's what we're going to do. Besides, the girls are getting married in just a few weeks so we thought we might have a dress rehearsal." Glaring at Ali, she exclaimed, "Now get dressed!"

"But what about me?" Ali protested. "No one asked me about a wedding."

"You don't count, dear. After all, Bill was correct when he pointed out that you are his employee ... at least for one more day. Now move it!" As she finished, she was taking the garment bag out of the closet.

Unzipping it, Ali saw the most magnificent wedding gown she had ever seen. Now moving almost in a daze, Barbara slipped it over her head and zipped it up. Since it had been made by one of the finest costume designers in Hollywood who knew Ali very well, it fit perfectly. It was only then that Ali realized that Barbara was also dressed beautifully, as well. When she asked, Barbara replied that, after all, she should be dressed since she was the mother of the bride. "Darling, remember: I'm already rehearsed in the part." After touching up Ali's hairdo with a comb, Barbara reached into a small bag she was carrying and took out the pearls that Bill had given Ali on their wedding day a year earlier and fastened them around her neck. Then she asked Ali to remove her gold wedding band. When she did, Barbara slid a massive diamond solitaire engagement ring on her third finger and grinned. "It would look a little tacky for you to already be wearing a wedding band to your wedding."

Then she looked into Ali's eyes and Ali could see enormous warmth as she added, "Darling, would you do Bill a great favor? Could you have your wedding band enlarged so that he could wear it? He really wants to." Ali just shook her head in bewilderment and gave the ring to her friend.

Now fully dressed, Barbara stood back and softly whistled. "Ali, last year I thought Ginger was the most beautiful bride the good Lord had ever created. Maybe she was. But now ... Ali, you are utterly exquisite. Please look at yourself."

When Ali looked in the mirror she was reminded of Bill's favorite description of her: a vision in shades of gold. She was gold and white with the only color being the brilliant blue of her eyes and the red of her lips. Barbara helped her with the train of her gown and led the way to the elevator. Fred Clark was standing proudly holding the limousine door open waiting for them.

Seeing him, Ali stopped and tears came to her eyes. "Fred, thank you so much. We met for the first time a year ago when you drove Bill and me to City Hall to be married. I am so pleased that you're going to be driving again! You were certainly good luck the last time." With that she kissed him softly full on the lips.

The man turned a bright red and said softly, "Mrs. Clifford — Ali — no woman has ever looked so beautiful." He had recovered from the kiss and added, "But it's not what's on the outside, although God knows, that's exquisite. Ali, you are really so beautiful because of what's on the inside. Your goodness just shines through. Ma'am, please believe me when I say nothing could possibly give me greater pleasure." With that he kissed her on the cheek, closed the door and ran around to the driver's door.

When they pulled up at the door of the church, Bob Jamison was waiting for them, dressed in a morning suit. Barbara grinned at Ali and said, "This is Bob's big day. You know that he is a hero at Boeing because he's a friend of Ali McGrath's? Wait till you see the reaction when he shows them pictures of him escorting you down the aisle as the father of the bride. Just look at him!" It was obvious that it was one of Bob's proudest moments.

In the vestibule of the church, Ali received another shock. The entire wedding party was there waiting for her. She was utterly stunned. Barbara quickly filled her in on the wedding participants. "Honey, Ginger is your matron of honor. The bridesmaids are your daughters, Jennifer, Joan and Connie, along with Sandy and Karen Gaudli. Karen insists that she's your younger sister in spite of the fact that she will be your daughter-in-law. The ushers are Charley, Brian, Chip and Jack. Of course Billy is his father's best man. Oh, yes. We even have a surprise.

The wedding was in a small chapel that was covered with flowers. Peeking around the corner, Ali thought she had never seen a church look more beautiful. She jumped back from the archway with a start as the organ began to play the Wedding March. It's so trite,  she thought, but, oh God, I love it so!

Charley and Brian carefully laid a white runner down the aisle and then the ushers walked slowly down the aisle. They were followed by Karen, then Connie, Joan, and Jennifer. Before Ginger moved, Debbie's twin sisters, Carmelita and Consuela, appeared carrying beautiful bouquets of flowers. They rushed up to Ali, gave her warm kisses and then proudly walked slowly down the aisle together. Ginger gave Ali a quick wink and then followed.

When Bob touched her elbow she was startled. Suddenly it registered. This was her wedding! She was the bride. Looking at Bob she saw the look of intense pride and joy in his eyes as he extended his arm, then slowly walked beside her down the aisle. It vaguely registered that all of her friends were present and on their feet as they moved.

Finally they reached the altar and she found Bill waiting for her. Looking at him she realized that he really did look much younger than he had one year earlier on the day they first met. He extended his hand and she took it in her own, seeing the intense love for her in his eyes. Hand in hand they approached the priest who was waiting for them.

The wedding was a full nuptial mass. Finally, the priest said, "Do you, Allison, take this man, William, as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold; to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"

"I do!" she exclaimed, startled by the power of her voice. "Oh, God! I do!"

The priest repeated the words for Bill and then asked for the rings. Bill produced a platinum and diamond wedding band and Barbara produced a gold band for Ali to give to him. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she heard Bill say, "Ali, with this ring I thee wed."

Finally it was over. The priest said to Bill, "You may kiss your bride."

Bill took her in his arms and kissed her. Again, there was the wonderful electricity flowing between them. In spite of all the guests watching, she put her arms around his neck to hold him and to keep from falling as her knees turned to water. Then the strains of Mendelssohn's Wedding March rang out and Bill joyfully led her down the aisle with the guests whispering their good wishes as they rushed by. They ran down the steps to the car where Fred was waiting, holding the door.

When the car pulled away from the curb, Bill took Ali in his arms and kissed her. As he pulled her close he heard the wonderful happy sounds from deep in her body. Finally, she pulled away and looked at him with love in her eyes. "Bill, why? Why did you do this? We are already married." Then she smiled warmly and added, "Of course, I absolutely adore it, but still, why?"

"Because of something you said a year ago, my darling," he replied. "It was one year ago today that you said, 'I'm actually your wife — in the eyes of the State of California, if not necessarily in the eyes of God.' Darling, I wanted you to be my wife in everyone's eyes ... most particularly in the eyes of God. Do you mind? Then there are some other reasons which I'll tell you about at the reception."

It came as no surprise to Ali when Fred pulled up at the side entrance to their hotel. She was surprised to see two detail police officers keeping the crowd of curious onlookers at bay. Bill ushered her up to their floor where suites had been connected to form a large area in the same fashion that had been done at the graduation celebration a year earlier. During the wedding Ali had been dimly aware of a photographer in the background. Now it registered that it was the hallmark of a top photographer: he got the pictures without his subjects being aware of his presence. When the wedding party was all present he quickly took them aside and shot a series of the wedding party. To her relief, the entire process took only a few minutes.

When the group broke up, Bill took two champagne glasses from a waiter's tray and gave one to Ali. Raising his glass he said, "To Allison McGrath Clifford: The most beautiful bride and the most perfect wife the good Lord ever created. Ali, this toast is offered with all the love I possess. It's all for you, my darling."

He sipped his champagne and then leaned towards her. She raised her head and her lips touched his in the most tender yet electrifying kiss she had ever had, and this in spite of the fact that only their lips were touching. When she reluctantly moved away from him, Bill was shocked to see tears at the corners of her eyes. "What's wrong, honey? What did I do."

With her gorgeous blue eyes as wide as saucers, she looked at him and there was even a hitch in her voice as she whispered, "Darling, tonight ... Will you try to be gentle? I ... I'm so scared!"

Initially, Bill recoiled in shock and then realized her eyes were now dancing with glee and she was sticking the tip of her pink tongue out at him.

She went into his arms, hugged him tight, and whispered, "But, darling, I'm just practicing. I am an actress, after all. As a matter of fact, I just paid my dues again to Screen Actors Guild." Bill just hugged her tightly. Gently pulling away, with the playacting over, she murmured, "My darling and my love! No one can love a person more than I love you, Bill Clifford. Is there anything I can do to be better for you, my darling?"

"You can't improve on perfection, Ali," he whispered. "And that's what you are." He seated her at the head of the table and food immediately appeared. Suddenly, Ali realized that she was starving.

As they started to eat, she looked at Bill and said, "Darling, this has been a wonderful surprise, but why did you do it?"

"You'll learn soon enough. I'll answer the question after lunch but before we cut the cake." Taking advantage of the time, Ali looked around the room, realizing as she did that all of her closest friends were present. She took Bill's hand and squeezed it, then went back to her food.

When the dishes were cleared, Bill rose, went to the waiting microphone, and tapped on his glass for attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! I know that normally at weddings the best man toasts the bridal couple and the maître d'hôtel sort of runs things. Because this is not your ordinary wedding, we're not going to observe the usual protocol, either."

Turning to Ali he continued, "Darling, when I first had this idea and mentioned it to your friends they thought it was terrific. But a strange thing happened: It turns out that there are some things people want to tell you. However, they'll have to wait their turn.

"First, Darling, you asked why the ceremony. The fact is, I tricked you. You see, today is the end of your initial one-year contract with me. The thought of you walking out was too frightening even to think about. The reason is, of course, that I can't live without you, Ali. I really can't. Darling, if anything should ever happen to you I will die. That is a statement of fact as true as the fact that the sun rises in the east each day. Of course, I think you care for me as well. So anyway, today I signed you to a lifetime contract. Darling, thank you for marrying me. Last year in a courtroom I learned how much you care for me when you testified that you loved me more than life itself.

"That reminds me ... You see, I'm taking my text today from the words Jennifer said the first day she saw you. She said that you were a dumb, cheap, gold-digging whore. Now let's look at those words one at a time.

"First, dumb: Well, in recognition of degrees from Kansas and UCLA, coupled with a Phi Beta Kappa key and a couple of number-one class rankings, the Superior Court of the State of California has taken judicial notice of the fact that you ain't dumb. I guess that takes care of that.

"Next, cheap: In context, it was intended to mean gaudy, garish, obvious. Since you only wear Levi's and chambray shirts, they aren't gaudy or garish. On the other hand, they are inexpensive. Maybe that's what she meant." Bill looked for Jennifer, found her, and asked, "Jen, is that what you meant? Inexpensive?" Jennifer vigorously nodded her golden head. "Well," he continued, "That's that. But it takes me to the next point: gold-digging.

"Ali, you are now managing all of the family's money. Of course, on average you've only been managing about half of it for a year, so I guess that explains your mediocre performance."

Looking around the room, Bill grinned and continued, "Mediocre? If Ali were a reporting institutional money manager she would be at the top of the performance list in a class by herself. You see she increased the principal by 50 percent — over one billion dollars. How inexpensive can one woman be? I ask you?

"But let's think a little more about the word, 'gold-digging.' Good grief! Of course! Ali does dig gold ... or money, anyway, which is almost as good. Then she piles it up in large neat stacks in our bank." Bill looked at Jennifer and said, "Jen, you're absolutely right. Ali is a gold-digger, and a damn good one, too!" The guests exploded with laughter while Ali was rapidly nodding her head with a big grin on her face.

"But this brings us to the last point: whore. I was going to dismiss it out of hand, but then I thought more about it." Turning to his bride he asked with enormous love in his voice, "Ali, are you my whore?"

Ali looked up at him with her incredible love shining in her eyes as she said, "Bill, I am your whore, your mistress, your slave, your concubine ... Darling, I am anything I think you might like me to be. But yes, darling, I am your whore ... And very proud of it, too."

Bill just shook his head and said, "Well, Jen, I guess three out of four isn't so bad, so I guess I should apologize for some of the things I said to you last year. Now that I think about it, it's obvious that it was all a semantic misunderstanding."

Then he looked around the room and said quietly, "I used to say that what I love so much about Ali is her smile. She has a smile that is so brilliant it can light up the entire Los Angeles Basin ... and that's on a smoggy day. I wondered about it but never came up with a plausible explanation for its brilliance until Barbara Jamison told me earlier what our chauffeur, Fred Clark, said to Ali this morning. He said, 'Mrs. Clifford, it's not what's on the outside, although God knows, that's exquisite. But Ali, you are really so beautiful because of what's on the inside: your goodness just shines through.' You know, he has that exactly right. Now I understand the brilliance of her smile. It's like opening the door of a blast furnace and seeing the fire inside. When Ali smiles, it's opening the door to what's inside and letting her goodness shine out.

"Ladies and gentlemen, before some of you start to get even, I would like to offer a toast. To Allison McGrath Clifford: the finest person God ever created; the person who has honored me above all others by allowing me to be her husband. Darling, I love you with my whole heart and soul." With that he raised his glass along with the guests who were all on their feet with their glasses raised.

When the toast was completed and the guests were again seated, Bill said, "Well, so much for the good part. Now we get to the rest. Your law partner, Virginia Jamison Conrad, has a few words to say. Ginger?"

Ginger Conrad smoothly rose to her feet from her seat next to Bill's. As she did, Ali noticed how beautiful her partner looked. Apparently Henry Hall had worked with all of the girls in the wedding party and had outdone himself. Ginger's hair was shorter than usual but now showed an incredible variation in its basic auburn coloring ranging from red to brown to blonde. Ali was almost certain that Henry had trimmed the last of Ginger's dyed hair; now the color was almost certainly all her own.

Standing behind the microphone, Ginger just looked around at the seated guests. Then she said, "This is actually a rather different wedding reception. The plan initially called for the usual, with the customary tributes to the bride and groom. As we made plans, though, more and more gripes surfaced so we kind of converted it into a roast."

Turning to her closest friend she said, "Ali, would you please stand, put your foot up on the chair and pull up your skirt?" Ali didn't know what Ginger was thinking about but she did as she was asked. As she pulled the white skirt up it exposed her leg encased in a white stocking and finally revealed the blue garter high on her thigh. At the sight of her beautiful leg they heard soft wolf whistles from some of the guests. Ali just looked at Ginger quizzically as the girl ran her finger up the inside of Ali's thigh. Then Ginger said, "Thanks, Ali. You see, we're serving roast leg of Ali as the main course today. And it's a hell of a leg, isn't it?" This time the guests cheered their agreement.

"Before I get to my complaints I suppose it's only fair to give credit where it's due, even if there isn't a hell of lot of credit to give. First, Ali, let's go back about a year to the day we first met. I was warm and happy then, living in my little brown shell. We talked and then you ruined my life. I recall telling you that I loved Charley Conrad. What did you do? Did you ask me why? Did you ask me how I could possibly be so certain of my love for him? Did you point out how warm and comfy my life was with no outside distractions? Did you? Hell, no!

"Did you point out that if I just let things ride, by now I would be a second-year associate at the second-best law firm in the city? I would be getting a big raise ... possibly as much as $5,000. Of course not! Ali, you were mean! That's the only word for it: mean.

"Look at me today. My grungy brown dyed hair would be 'in' today. What do I have to live with? This!" she exclaimed as she ran her hand over her head with its autumn fire coloring. "Then there are my eyes. Ali, you never asked, but you caused me to throw away literally weeks of work when you made me get rid of those colored contacts. You can't believe how hard it was to find that particularly hideous shade of brown. Now what am I stuck with? These!" she said, pointing to her brilliant emerald green eyes. "I mean, really! How common! How ordinary! And besides, green is never the 'in' color for eyes." She pretended to glare at Ali who was grinning up at her, and continued, "Look at yourself, Allison Clifford! You have the nerve to grin at me. Clearly, you're not taking this thing seriously. But there's so much more!

"I vividly remember telling you that the problem with men was that they only wanted to use us as receptacles for their sexual fluids. Well, damn it, Ali, you never told me that sometimes they run out! And conditioning: Last year I was in great shape. I would work out regularly and I really felt great. Then I meet Charley." Looking down at Ali and pretending to glare at her she said, "Do you realize it's only been in the last six weeks that I have been able to get my thighs back together again? It's true. But did you care? Hell, no! You just laughed at me.

"There's more. My honeymoon, for example. I thought Charley and I had a marvelous time. I really did. Then I saw you and Bill returning from your honeymoon and I realized the truth: I had been miserable. I must have been. Looking at you and then looking again at the pictures from my honeymoon, I realized that I must have been miserable. And that's your fault, too. This brings me to the present. What do I have compared to what I would have had if you had left me alone? The comparison is awful. Instead of being a struggling second-year associate at one of the best law firms in California, I'm a name partner in the best law firm in the state.

"Instead of sleeping comfortably in my own nice bed, I have to mold my body to Charley's and use his shoulder as a pillow while he cups my tit with his large hand. I use the words, 'have to, ' advisedly. Now I can't sleep any other way. Can I wake up and just take a quick shower? Hell, no! I can't even get out of bed until Charley has taken me to heaven.

"Do I enjoy our life together? Aside from being unable to live without him, I'm not sure. How can I be sure when I end up unconscious after he makes love to me ... and it's every time, now. Do you want more? You don't take my problems seriously. Have you done anything to help me get a job as a stripper? Charley really does need to get more sleep. How about working as a call girl? He needs some help, claiming he was trapped by a nympho. All you ever do is laugh." Ginger paused and looked around the room.

"I ask you folks, what do you all think? All I got out of meeting Ali Clifford is a husband who loves me and whom I adore, a partnership, association with the nicest, funniest, most beautiful group of women in the world, and the friendship of the most perfect woman God ever created, Allison McGrath Clifford! That's all."

With that she turned to Ali who had risen to her feet and took her into her arms. She kissed Ali full on the lips and then held her tightly whispering, "Ali, I love you. You have made me, made my life, and given me more happiness than I thought even existed in this world. Ali, you're just plain great!" There were tears streaming from Ginger's eyes as she went back to her seat while Bill replaced her at the microphone.

"Thank you, Ginger," he said. "Although she's my wife and I love her dearly, those points needed to be made. I certainly agree that Ali turned your life upside down. I know how much happier you would be if you were still in your little brown shell. Now we'll hear from Ali's other partner, Sandra Harris."

Sandy got up from the table where she was sitting with Jack Benson, Judy Jeffries, Mike Morris, and Kathy and Ken Carlson, and came up to the microphone. Like Ginger, she began by pretending to glare down at Ali who just grinned up at her and winked. "That does it, Allison Clifford. I just get no respect. I'm trying to be serious — this is for your own good, you know — but what do you do? You just grin.

"Now let's take it from the top. First of all, thank you, Bill, for using my correct name, Sandra. Ali won't even allow me to use it in the office. There, I'm Sandy and that's all there is to it." Looking around at the guests she continued, "You heard from Virginia Conrad how Ali pulled her out of her shell. Well, I wasn't in a shell. I was on the street having been fired from another firm. But there's so much more.

"Ali may have repaired Ginger, but she created me. You see, I really should have been destroyed at birth as one of God's occasional mistakes. By the time I was grown I was abrasive, cruel, ugly, hypocritical ... But you get the idea. Ginger hired me while Ali was on her honeymoon and was prepared to fire me. Would Ali go along? Don't be silly! Of course not. She made me see that I was human ... at least slightly.

"You see, I had had one human experience in my life to that point. It happened when Jack Benson made love to me when I was in law school. Thinking about it now, I can't figure out why he ever asked me out." She stopped and looked around the room, pretending to be pondering the question. Suddenly, she brightened and continued, "He's blind! That's it! That explains everything. Well, anyway ... You see, after that one human experience I did what any dues-paying member of NOW would do: I refused ever to speak to him again.

"So when I learn from Ali that my reaction to Jack was normal, I was utterly destroyed. You see, I had already booted away any chance I would ever have for happiness. Does this discourage Ali? I should be so lucky. Oh, no! She and her henchwoman, Ginger, go to work. Believe it or not they find Jack Benson. How, I have no idea. I've always been afraid to ask. In finding Jack, of course, they utterly destroyed the real me.

"What do I have to show for the last year? Nothing to speak of: I have Jack Benson, of course. At least, I hope I have him. I won't rest easy until I have him hogtied at the altar. But you see, I was a bitch. However, at least I could put my thighs together. Ginger said she was only able to get hers together within the last few weeks. I still can't.

"My life? Last year I ate out or ate gourmet chili fresh from the can while I read law books. Now? I dash home to clean — last year I didn't know what the word meant — and prepare dinner. With a lot of coaching from Kathy Carlson, I'm now a decent cook. Women are supposed to eat like birds, right? I eat like a horse. When I complain, all Ali does is laugh. I used to curl up at night with an exciting law book. Now? Now I can only sit on Jack's lap with his hand on my tit. I don't even care what's on television because I just sleep until he's ready to take me to bed. And take me, and take me, and take me ... But you get the idea.

"Happy? How can I be? I cry almost every day now. Why? Because, although Jack says I'm beautiful, I spend every day with Ali and Ginger. But then we already agreed that Jack was blind, didn't we? Do you want to know how to really feel ugly? Spend your time side-by-side with the gold and auburn twins. And Ali doesn't even care! She laughs at me. I try, God knows. My hips are slim, my waist is slender, and my tits are full and firm. But my color? Sort of brown. Yuck! Jack likes me but he's only a man. What does he know?

"The worst? What's really new since last year? It's the misery I endure when Jack has to go out of town. I know some women toss and turn in bed. Me? Don't be silly! I'm above all that. I just watch the movies on cable that run all night, while mostly I whimper and cry. Sometimes I even fall asleep in the chair around three or four. The problem? When Jack comes home I'm so tired I can hardly stay awake when he's taking me for the fourth or fifth time. Once, he was pretty tired, too, so we fell asleep with him inside me." She smiled warmly as she thought about the incident. "I remember it so well. Even though I was nearly asleep, I could feel him inside. I would squeeze him with my muscles and he would get larger as we both went back to sleep. It didn't end until we were both awake at about eight the next morning when he put me out of my misery by causing me to pass out.

"Professionally? From being on the street, I'm now the litigation partner of the finest law firm in the West. But that doesn't make up for what's happened to me." Turning to Ali, she said, "And it's all your fault. Everything I have or ever hope to have, you gave me — most particularly including perhaps the only man alive who's blind enough to think I'm beautiful. Ali, you can have anything I have, any time you want it, including my life. Darling, I love you." With that Ali rose from her chair and Sandy held her tight whispering, "Oh, God, Ali! I do love you so."

"Sandra Harris — see, I can, too, say it — you are a wonderful person and my life saver," Ali whispered. "Darling, you know you saved my life — literally — in my stupid divorce action. I will never forget how you were sacrificing your life to try to save me from myself, so I will never believe that bullshit you've been trying to sell! Sandy, I love you!" With that she hugged the tall brunette who then backed away and gave her the warmest kiss possible, then hugged her tightly again with tears streaming down her cheeks.

Finally, Sandy wiped her eyes, winked at Bill and returned to her table where Jack took her in his arms and whispered, "Blind? Lady, you are really full of shit! Wait till I get you home tonight!"

Sandy licked her lips lasciviously, kissed him softly and whispered, "Promises, promises!"

Meanwhile, Bill was again behind the microphone and said, "The next speaker is my daughter, Jennifer. Of course, after my discovery of a few minutes ago, I can't for the life of me think of what she could want to say. But anyway ... Jen?"

Jennifer Clifford rose from her place further down the head table and came to the microphone. Like Ali, Jen was a vision in shades of gold, although her hair color was slightly darker. Her dress was light blue complementing her brilliant blue eyes. After looking around the room with a small smile, she said, "First, before I get to my problems with Ali, I must correct the record." She looked at her father and said, "Dad, with respect to that ... that exercise in exoneration a few minutes ago, it was complete bullshit! I was maligning Mom, and we all know it. What I was really trying to do was to commit a double murder: you and Mom, although I didn't realize it at the time.

"Next, a comment on that blather you just heard from Sandy Harris. If I remember correctly, she said something to the effect that she was a bitch and should have been destroyed at birth. Well, if it had happened I'm sure my parents would both now be dead, Sandy, because you were the one who saved them."

Looking out at the crowd, tears were flowing down her cheeks as she continued, "John said it best in the New Testament: 'Greater love hath no man than he who lays down his life for his friend.' That day in court last fall, Sandy laid down her professional life to save my parents. The next day, when Ali came into the office, Sandy gave her a letter of resignation from the Firm. In addition, she was resigning from the California Bar and was turning herself in to the District Attorney for criminal prosecution."

Jen again looked around the room and the guests could see tears streaming down the girl's beautiful face, yet she had made no move to wipe them away. Then she continued, "Did you hear that garbage Sandy was trying to sell us? How she was utterly worthless and the only thing that saved her was Jack Benson's blindness?" Now looking directly at Sandy with her eyes sparking with blue fire she said, "Lady, you're so full of shit, it's ridiculous! You have the same kind of beauty as Ali, coming from the same source: the incredible goodness inside you. All I can say, lady, is you sure did a hell of a good job of keeping it a secret, particularly from yourself."

Then her voice dropped and she lifted her glass saying, "I hope you all will join me in a toast to Sandra Harris. Had it not been for what she did last year, there could have been no wedding today. The principals would both be dead and buried. Sandy, I want to thank you with my whole heart and soul. You are one of the finest women alive!"

Sandy was blushing beet red and trying to hide in Jack Benson's shoulder. He would have none of it, though, as he gently moved her back into her own chair so he could stand and raise his glass with the rest of the guests.

As they drank the toast Ali rose to her feet along with Bill and went to the microphone. When the room became quiet again, Ali said, "Jen, I don't know what else you have to say, but with respect to what you said about Sandy, all Bill and I can say is: Amen. Sandy, she is absolutely right. You did save our lives, and damn it, girl, you know it!" As she sat down again, there was tremendous applause for Sandy. Then Jennifer returned to the microphone.

"So much for that," she said. "Now we get to my problems. You see, it really started with Sandy. After the divorce action was thrown out of court, I spent time at USC and UCLA asking people about Ali McGrath. I soon learned how wrong I had been and also how close I had come to destroying my parents. For that I needed to be punished, but I knew Dad would never do it. All he did was cut me off financially, but that was a benefit.

"The first step in my punishment was to humiliate myself in front of Ali. I was going to grovel and she was going to clobber me, throw me out, or with any luck, do something much worse. So I lurked in the lobby here at the hotel and finally saw my chance. Dad was leaving the hotel by himself so I snuck up to their floor — this floor, as a matter of fact — and rang the doorbell of their suite. Ali opened it. After telling her what I had been doing and what I had learned, I fell to my knees in front of her. I wanted her to slap me across the face, beat me ... do something to punish me for what I had done. Of course, I was crying like my heart would break and couldn't see a thing. At the same time, I doubt if I would have even felt it if she had slapped me silly.

"Did she?" Jen asked rhetorically, looking around the room. "Ali? Of course not. She takes me under the arms, lifts me up and cradles me in her arms. Then she helps me to the sofa and caresses my hair while I cry my eyes out, whispering things like 'Don't cry, darling, ' 'It will be all right, ' and finally, she even says she loves me." Jen glared around the room. "Can you believe it? I try to kill her and she loves me? I desperately wanted to be punished but all she can do is hug me and caress me? That's Ali. She really knows how to hurt a girl. Incidentally, having Ali Clifford hold you and comfort you is in a class by itself. I can still feel her stroking my hair. My mother did it when I was about eight years old, only Ali does it so much better.

"Well, that didn't work. But I had to be made to suffer. I really did. How else could I cope with my guilt? Well, awhile later I had another idea. You see by then I was an exotic dancer. For those who aren't familiar with the vocabulary, a stripper takes off her clothes while an exotic starts off naked and stays that way. Anyway, the manager wanted me to do something I couldn't possibly do. The thought of doing it turned my stomach. Then I thought, 'Aha! I'll ask Ali and then she'll throw me out.' So I did. You see, the manager wanted my mound to be bare; I had to remove all of my pubic hair."

Looking around the room, Jen was glaring as she continued, "Can you imagine anything more disgusting than being asked to remove a girl's pubic hair? I ask you? Can you? I certainly can't and I was sure that the idea would turn Ali's stomach. So I asked her. All she did was insist that as the price for her service I had to allow Dad and her to see me perform. She comes over and does it. I won't go into details except to say it's an extremely painful process. Ali just does it, being as gentle as anyone possibly could be.

"Then when she finishes, she helps me to the bathroom — I couldn't even walk because my loins hurt so badly — bathes me, then helps me to bed where she puts a painkilling ointment all over my mound. Then she pulls the covers up and tucks me in. At that point I just collapsed. So much for my second effort.

"Then, another opportunity presented itself just a couple of days later: I had met Steve Chapman at school but never even told him my name. I guess I fell in love with the big lug the first time I saw him and, in fact, I thought of him each time I did my act on stage. However, we never even had a date. On the night my mom and dad came to see me, Steve was there, too." Jen stopped and looked around as an idea occurred to her. Continuing, "You know something? I just realized that Mom arranged my first date with Steve. She invited him to join us for supper that night.

"Since the object of this exercise was to destroy myself — to achieve the misery I so richly deserved — the evening went pretty well. You see, I figured that the way to be really hurt would be to find out how really wonderful Steve was so it would hurt even more when I lost him. He came to my apartment — Mom's apartment, actually; she even provided me with a place to live — and he made love to me. It was everything I ever thought it might be and so much more besides. My plan was working perfectly! After thirty-six hours of heaven in his arms, on Monday morning I threw him out of the apartment, screaming that I never wanted to see him again. Then, of course, I totally came apart. Having succeeded in destroying my life, I was even more miserable than I thought I ever could be. But then I screwed up, big time.

"What did I do? For some reason I felt I had to see my mother. Somehow I got to the hotel that morning, although honestly, in view of my condition I'll be damned if I could ever figure out just how I did it. At any rate, I appeared at her door. She took me into her arms and I totally disintegrated. Again she sat with me, stroked me, and somehow managed to calm me down. Then she took me into the bedroom, stripped me and put me to bed with the warmest, most loving kiss a girl ever had. I was asleep in an instant.

"Then what? Then Ali gets even ... again. When I awaken, it's late afternoon and Ali asks me if I would like something to eat. By this time I was starving to death and could have eaten a horse, hooves and all. She smiled and said there was a room-service cart ready for me, and a waiter wheeled it into my room. Except it wasn't a waiter, it was Steve. Since I had screwed up all the courage I possessed to kick him out that morning, there was nothing left. He took me on my bed. And took me, and took me ... Finally, we both collapsed.

"When I awakened, I went out to the sitting room and found Ali just sitting there. Of course, she had arranged the whole thing while I was sleeping. In this episode, my 'punishment' consisted of the most glorious lovemaking a human ever experienced. In short, another great idea shot to hell."

Jen smiled wryly and looked around the room again. "But never let it be said that Jennifer Clifford isn't creative. Another idea came to me when I learned that Steve is the son of Dave and Judy Chapman of Chicago. Judy is a society leader, and the answer was obvious.

"First, I got Steve to promise that we would not marry if his parents objected." Looking around the room again, she asked, "Can you possibly imagine, in your wildest dreams, a staid, rich, conservative Midwestern couple allowing their only child to marry a girl who degrades herself at least twice a day? A girl who, while on her knees, spreads her legs as wide as possible and bends over backwards so the customers can all get a good look at her cunt? Can you?" Jen shook her head and answered her own question: "I couldn't, either.

"However, one other thing happened the next morning which has come back to haunt me: Mom made me promise to apologize to Dad and to accept a little money from them from time to time. But back to the story. You see, I had it all set: the Chapmans would forbid Steve to marry me — as they certainly should have, I might add. Then I would remain his mistress and continue to degrade myself nightly on stage.

"Once again, though, I underrated the cunning of Ali Clifford. Working through her minions in that den of iniquity, Clifford & Jamison, she recruits her staff to put together a wardrobe for me in only one day. The result: I looked like I just stepped out of the pages of Vogue when we get off the plane in Chicago ... although its things aren't nearly as nice as mine. But there's more, you see. After producing the wardrobe, Mom then presented me with a watch like the one she wears. It is engraved, 'Jen — With all my love, Mom.' It cracked me up. I was so overwhelmed, I completely forgot my plan. The result? I'm afraid the Chapmans like me."

She looked at a table where Dave and Judy Chapman were sitting with a question in her eyes. Judy Chapman stood up and said, "No Jennifer, Dave and I do not like you." She turned to the guests and said, "As you may have guessed, I'm Judy and this is my husband, Dave Chapman." Turning back towards Jennifer, she said, "We love you, darling, as the daughter we could never have. Adore you is closer, perhaps. I'm sorry, Jen, we do not merely like you. The word, like, just isn't even close." Judy winked, blew Jen a kiss and then sat down again.

Jennifer just shook her head sadly and said, "See what I mean? That's Ali. But back to my story. It turns out, you see, that while I was trying to figure out a way of punishing myself, Ali was way ahead of me. Remember when I mentioned having to agree to take a few bucks off their hands from time to time? Well, you see I'm not an historian, but a political scientist. The reason for the focus on political science is that history has dates, and dates are numbers, and I don't know from numbers." Jen paused and looked up, then shook her head. "That's not completely true. I can handle numbers all the way up to ten, and I'm really pretty good with numbers less than five. But anyway...

"You see, about every week or so these days, I'll swing by a cash machine to get some money. What do I find? Usually I find that Mom dumped another five or ten million dollars into my account. Can you imagine the agony I go through month after month futilely trying to balance my checkbook? Can you? I doubt it. You see, she's even more devious, though. This is her way of ensuring that I marry Steve. He's a business major and he can handle big numbers. Since I'm stuck with the numbers, I guess I'll have to marry him."

Then she looked down at Ali and offered her hand with a plea in her eyes. Ali rose from her chair and stood beside her as Jen continued, "There's one more thing, and it brings me back to where this story began. You see, the reason I wanted to break up the marriage was that in some way I saw Ali as a threat to the relationship I had with my father. As a matter of fact, it really wasn't much of one, but anyway ... As usual, I could not have been more wrong. Ali, a threat to our relationship?

"Today, I am closer to my father than I have ever been in my life. That's Ali. More than that, though, is the relationship I have with my mother. You see, I adore Ali Clifford, my mother. I ask you? Everyone has heard of the birds and the bees and how to tell their children about sex? Most people just hope the kids figure it out or find out on the street the way they did. My mom? Don't be silly. She gives me illustrated lectures in how to make love to a man. No wonder she is the best-loved woman alive!

"Everything she has ever told me — and I won't shock you any more than I already have by telling you precisely what some of her tips are — she has 'field tested' with Dad. And she has only told me a small fraction of what she knows and does. She's afraid it will be a shock to my tender ears. Now you're getting a clue as to why my dad looks like he's only about thirty years old. Ali keeps him young.

"Allison Clifford is my mother, you see. If she had nurtured me in her womb and nursed me at her breast, there's no possible way Mom could love me more than she does. Fred certainly got it right: Her goodness just spills out all over the people who are close to her. My mommy really loves me!"

Turning to Ali, she took her in her arms and began to cry. It was exactly as she had described it. Ali held her tightly and gently stroked her hair. When her sobbing slowed, she could hear Ali murmuring in her ear, "My darling daughter, please don't cry. I love you so very much!"

Then Jen pulled away and in spite of the tears still flowing there was a wonderful happy smile on her face as she said, "She does love me! So I guess I'll just have to live with an unbalanced checkbook." Bill was by her side and took his daughter in his arms and gave her a warm kiss as well. Then with a wave, Jennifer went back to her seat.



-------

Chapter 22



As he stood at the microphone, Bill Clifford just slowly shook his head. "I apologize, folks, but for some reason the girls just are not following the script. However, I think you'll agree that we have heard some interesting stories from some very lovely young women. Now I would like to introduce Karen Gaudli. Karen is Swiss and is engaged to marry my son, Brian." As he was talking, Karen was making her way to the microphone. He turned it over to her, but before he could take his seat, Karen took him in her arms and gave him a wonderfully loving kiss full on the lips. Bill just grinned at her, winked at Ali and then sat down.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," Karen began. "Please bear with me because this is the first time I have ever had to give a speech in English. Please try to forgive the language gaffes I'm sure to make." She smiled warmly at the crowd which responded by giving her a welcoming round of applause. The girl continued, "I first met Ali Clifford at Christmastime in my home country, Switzerland. It seems that Ali is a friend of my father's from way back. When she invited me to join the Cliffords skiing in Zermatt, he gave his permission. The last thing he told me before he left me at the airport was to be nice to the Clifford's son, Brian.

"The Swiss raise dutiful daughters, after all, so about ten days or so later I welcomed Brian between my thighs. Some time later I found out from my father — in no uncertain terms — that he never expected me to be that nice. It seems that, even for the Swiss, hospitality does have limits. That was a digression, however. The next day Brian talks to his parents and tells them we had slept together. Ali's first question was to ask if I had enjoyed it. Since Brian had no idea, she asked me."

The beautiful silver-blonde girl looked around the room and then continued. "Can you imagine being interviewed about your lovemaking by your boyfriend's mother? I was. It should have been embarrassing, I suppose, but it wasn't. Thinking about it often, I finally came up with what may be the answer. First, there was Ali's own behavior. The first thing she did when we went up to her suite was to strip off her clothes so I could see her nude body. It was utterly overwhelming, but more than that, she could not possibly be Brian's mother with a body like that, so I concluded that she was my older sister ... very slightly older, at that.

"I confessed that my first experience with Brian was — to put it mildly — unsatisfying. What was Ali's reaction? She blew her stack, claiming that, from any son of Bill Clifford's, such behavior was utterly inexcusable. Then she starts to instruct me on how to behave with men. I forgot exactly what she told me that day, but I do remember one thing vividly: I must have been blushing a bright red for two solid hours, anyway. No one could possibly tell me the things Ali did. Not only did Ali tell me, though, she gave me the most detailed instructions on how to carry them out. Frankly, I blush just thinking about it again." Karen was right. She was blushing beet red, just remembering, and this was in spite of a golden tan she had picked up on Maui just a week earlier.

"It seems that Ali later spoke to Bill, who, in turn, spoke to Brian. The result? It was the difference between heaven and hell. In fact, Brian and I agreed that the first experience was useful to us both as a baseline from which to measure. From incompetent he became expert." Karen grinned and said, "There's one tip Ali gave me that I'll pass on to you. A man's cum washes down beautifully with Dom Pérignon. My sister not only told me how, she even supplied the champagne.

"At any rate, the weeks that followed were joyous. My big thrill was edging Ali in a slalom race." Then the girl's face fell as she continued, "When I told my father I had beaten her, he said it was only because she had let me. I was crushed. Then I asked how he could possibly know. His reply? Before I give it, though, I should give you some background on my father. Although now a senior executive of Swiss Bank Corporation, earlier in his life he was one of my country's finest skiers. After all, the popular ski events such as the slalom, the giant slalom and the downhill are collectively called Alpine events. Since most of the Alps are in Switzerland, it is only fair that the Swiss produce fine skiers ... and we do. At any rate, my father medaled in the Olympic Giant Slalom and later was signed to appear in a motion picture with ... Ali McGrath!

But back to my story. I asked how he knew she allowed me to win. He replied that he could still beat me, in spite of my being on the Junior National Team, but Ali regularly beat him. He admitted that he could occasionally beat her in his event, the GS, but never in the slalom. He said she was just too good and too quick." Looking at Bill, Karen said, "Dad, I learned that on that day one year ago when you and my sister first met, you asked her if she could ski. The answer, dear father, is hell, yes!

"But what am I doing up here? What is the problem? Well, the problem emerged when I came to the States with Brian and enrolled in college with him. Being foreign and trying to fit in, I joined a lot of organizations, including — to my subsequent dismay — some feminist ones. At any rate, I learned that Brian and I were doing things all wrong. The correct way is for the woman to spread her legs and let the man play. If the girl really likes the guy, she is supposed to make a sincere effort to stay awake while he's in her. Brian and I talked about it, but we couldn't make it happen. You see, when he's in me, I'm like a repeating cannon. Then I usually pass out when he cums from a sensory overload."

Turning to Ali, Karen asked sweetly, "Sister, why can't I just be a depository for a man's sexual fluids like all the other girls? Why did you ruin my life this way?"

Ali vainly tried to bury her grin in a sad expression, but was successful in only sadly shaking her head.

Then Karen turned back, looking puzzled. "Ali, there's one more thing, though. I told the women at the NOW meeting that I am kept in orgasm for more than five minutes at a time. Fortunately, I never mentioned Brian's name. I guess my comprehension of English is still weak, though, because when they finally believed me, the meeting suddenly broke up." The girl pretended to look bewildered as she said, "Why do you suppose that happened? Why were they all yelling, 'Where is he?' Does anyone have an idea what they meant?" Then she grinned and turned on Ali.

"These are my problems, and they are all your fault. First, based on what they tell me, I must be doing many things wrong. Since you taught me, the problem must be in your instruction. The second problem is more serious, though. You see, I did it again. Ali, I'm grinning more and more these days, and you know that a grin is very un-Swiss. We are known around the world as a serious and sober people. Ali, how can I stop grinning?"

The girl's beautiful face turned serious as she said, "Now, though, I get to the real problem I have with you, Allison Clifford. First, as I'm sure you and your guests know, most of the favorite fairy tales are European in origin. Now I ask you, who is the most common villain in fairy tales? The wicked stepmother. Here in the United States, who is the most common villain? The mother-in-law." Karen's face fell as she asked, "What are we to do? You are Brian's stepmother and will soon be my mother-in-law."

Then she smiled and said, "However, we have a plan ... or more accurately, Brian has a plan which I endorse. It came into existence as a result of something he said to his father. He said that you troubled him for a while because he knew I was the most beautiful girl in the world, but that being so, what about you, Ali? The answer was quick in coming and Brian is very happy with it.

"You see, Ali, he considers me to be the most beautiful woman in the world, while you, being an angel, are not in the competition. In support of his concept of your ethereal nature, he offers as proof the fact that you appear today to be at least ten years younger than in the motion pictures you made over ten years ago. What other possible explanation could there be but the supernatural one?

"As further proof — he points out that the camera can lie and you could have been made up to look older in your movies — he cites his father. While he has known you for only a short time, he certainly knows his father. The proof is the fact that his father has lost at least ten years in age within the last year, and, Ali, at least five years in just the six months since I first met him. The explanation? You are using your supernatural powers on your mate and consort. What fun would it be to remain everlastingly young while your lover ages? Ali, you did that too, didn't you?

"But back to the basic problem: stepmother and mother-in-law. The solution is simple: Brian refuses to accept you as his stepmother. You are his mother ... period! Pointing out that no woman could be as kind and loving as you, he cites it as evidence that you are, in fact, his mother. This leaves me. This, too, has a simple answer: one that has been staring me in the face from almost the first day we met. Ali, you are my sister, not my mother-in-law. After all, no girl ever confides in her mother the way I do in you. No mother ever gives her daughter detailed instructions in how to be good to a man in bed. You do." While she was finishing her speech, Brian had quietly come over to join her at the microphone.

Turning to her fiancé, she said, "Darling, should we ask her?" He nodded with a smile and asked, "Allison McGrath Clifford, will you be my mother? Please?"

Ali jumped from her chair into Brian's waiting arms with tears in her eyes, "Oh, my darling son, yes! Oh God, yes! Brian, nothing could make me happier or more proud than to have you think of me as your mother! Nothing!"

Brian then stepped back and gripped his father's hand. Bill Clifford then wrapped his son in his arms and whispered, "Brian, you have given us the perfect wedding gift. I can't thank you enough. I love you, son."

Meanwhile, Karen was continuing. "Allison McGrath Clifford, will you be my sister? The sister I never had? The sister in whom I can confide all my hopes and dreams? Ali, there's one more thing. We know you have given us the basic course in adult lovemaking. Please, after we're married and you're satisfied that we're okay on the basics, will you give us the advanced course? Please? Ali, will you be my sister?" Karen repeated.

Ali took the girl in her arms and each could feel the other's tears on her cheek. "Oh God, Karen, of course. Nothing would thrill me more!" Then she stepped back and looked at the younger girl with a gleam in her eye and asked, "Does this give me the right to harass my little sister?"

"Of course it does, sister," Karen replied. "But remember, nearly as famous as nasty mothers-in-law here in the States are brat younger sisters." With a big grin she added, "Sister Ali, I can hardly wait!" With that she took Ali back into her arms and just hugged her. While this was going on the guests had come to their feet and were cheering wildly.

When the two young people were on their way back to their seats, Bill went back to the microphone. "You know," he said thoughtfully, "that girl is showing real promise in learning English. I want to thank you all for not laughing at her. She is really trying." With that he rolled his eyes while the guests laughed.

Then he said, "The next introduction creates a little problem. You see, the speaker is Joan Frederick." Looking at Ali he asked, "Honey, is Joan our daughter or our daughter-in-law-to-be?"

Ali looked up and grinned, "The answer is both, darling. I guess right now she is Joan Frederick Clifford. When she marries Billy she will be Joan Frederick Clifford Clifford. Isn't that deliciously incestuous?"

Bill turned back to the mike and said, "I guess it's my pleasure to introduce my daughter, Joan Frederick Clifford. Joan?"

Joan gave Bill, Jr., a quick kiss and came over to the mike, then lowered it to suit her. Looking pensive she said, almost to herself, "Gee! I've always wanted a hyphenated name. I wonder how Joan Frederick-Clifford-Clifford would go over?" Then she just shook her head in dismay, looked around at the guests and said, "Good afternoon. I'm not going to bore you with my life story like a sister I could name. With luck, I'm not going to flood out the joint with tears, either. You see, I'm not sad. I'm mad!

"I want to tell you how Ali Clifford screwed up my life. It's a short story, really. You see, I only graduated from Cal Tech in January. While at Tech, my life was organized and ordered. I worked, slept a little and ate even less. Spend time worrying how to spend a weekend? No way! I worked. Worry about what to eat? No way! I went with whatever filled me the fastest for the least money. You have all heard of misers sitting and counting their money? That was never one of my problems. I sat and counted payment coupons. You see, the total of my student loans rivaled the National Debt. As a matter of fact, because many were government-guaranteed, I was probably a major part of the National Debt.

"The first sign of trouble came last Christmas. Mom had just passed out Christmas bonuses and mine was equal to a year's gross pay. This, in spite of the fact that the company had only been in business for six months. In other words, my bonus was 200 percent of my base pay. I went in to see her because I hadn't gotten a pay raise. Mom thought I was coming in to resign. She couldn't understand how a computer scientist could possibly stay in a little law firm. I told her that I had the best and most intellectually challenging job in computers: trying to make the machines serve people who weren't computer techies. She apologized and doubled my pay on the spot. Clearly, there was trouble already. I think I even bought a six-pack of beer on my way home that night ... and it was a good brand, too. A Fredrick first!

"The real trouble, though, came in the early spring. You see, my only entertainment was going around to financial institutions to make payments on my student loans. Then one day disaster struck! I went in to make my regular payment and the teller just looked at me. 'Do you want to open a savings account, or something?' she asked. 'Don't be ridiculous! Save what? I'm making my regular payment as I'm sure you know. You have only seen me every month for years now ... and you'll probably be retired before I make the last one.' Then it happened," Joan said in an ominous tone of voice. "She said, 'Your young friend came in the other day and paid it off. Don't you remember?'

"'Young friend? What young friend?' I asked. Now she positively glowed as she replied, 'You know! The golden blonde with the blue eyes and knockout figure? She seems to be almost as old as you... ' 'She was wearing Levi's and a work shirt, wasn't she?' I asked. 'Of course, ' the teller replied. Ali strikes again! In a near-panic I raced from bank to bank, hoping to minimize the damage." Joan shook her head sadly and said, "It was too late. I knew it would be, but I was just hoping against hope. I found my way home in a daze. Going to my desk, I took out piles of now-useless payment books — now worth their weight as scrap paper. What was I going to do?"

Tears were beginning to roll down her cheeks as she continued her sad tale. "Somehow, after tossing and turning for hours, I managed to fall asleep. I survived the next day, and the next, but finally the day I dreaded arrived: payday! I got my check, put it in the bank, and froze. What could I do? What would I do with the money? Then the troubles really began. First of all, I had time on my hands — going from bank to bank making payments had occupied all my free time. What was I to do? I looked in the Yellow Pages for Debtors Anonymous and called them. When I explained my problem, do you know what they did?" she demanded. "They laughed! In fact, they howled with laughter. Then they told me in no uncertain terms that they worked with problems arising from owing money, not from problems of having too much.

"Was it over? Far from it! Mom took me to Boston ... after the Firm paid for a totally new wardrobe. Even our sourpuss partners, Ginger and Sandy, astounded me by presenting me with a brand-new fur coat. Needless to say it was the first fur coat of any kind I had ever owned in my life, let alone a new one."

Joan looked around the ceiling as if gathering her thoughts. Then she blurted, "That's it! I got it! No wonder I fell head over heels in love with Bill! He caught me at my weakest possible moment: For the first time in my life I had money in the bank, no bills to pay, and faced with a choice of beers. And I didn't even have to buy the cheapest. Is it over? Not hardly. Back here in LA I learn that Bill is coming out to see me and to meet my parents! But I don't have any. I've been an orphan living alone for years and years. We are all sitting in the conference room and I tell the girls my problem: I need someone to play the rôle of my mother. I am stunned when Ali volunteers. I'll never forget what happened next. I said, 'But Ali, you can't possibly want to play the part of my mother!' Her reply? 'Joan, I don't want to play your mother, I want to be your mother!' And now she is!

Now tears were flowing from the lovely girl's eyes as she remembered, "She took me in her arms and hugged me. God! It had been so long! She hugged me tight, kissed my cheeks, my ears, and just gently stroked my hair, all the while murmuring endearments. I cried! Oh, God, did I cry! It was a wonderful sensation that I had thought I had lost forever many years ago. But with Ali, it was back, better than it had ever been." Looking up at the guests she said, "You realize, I'm sure, that none of this ever would have happened if Ali had minded her own business."

She looked down at Ali who was avoiding her eyes. "Mom, look at me, please?" Ali looked up and Joan said to her, "Mom, all I have and all I will ever have I owe to you. There are no words to express my love for you. Mom? Will you give me a kiss, even if it is your wedding day?"

Ali leaped to her feet and folded the girl into her arms. As she did, she could feel Joan's tears on her cheek, rapidly mixing with her own. "My darling daughter, I love you so much! And soon you will be marrying my son who I also love. I can't tell you how happy you have made your father and me. Will you give me a kiss?"

Joan's beautiful lips mashed against Ali's as she hugged her new mother tightly. When they finally separated, Bill said softly, "Daughter, what about me? Do you have a kiss to spare for your dad?"

With a squeal, Joan dove into his arms and buried her face in his chest. Muffled by the material of his suit, he could hear her say, "Oh, Daddy, I love you so much!"

Bill watched the girl fondly as she moved back to her place beside his son and felt a wonderful warm sensation as he saw her give Billy the most tender kiss.

Turning back to the guests he said, "My little list says that the next speaker is Constance Foster Clifford." He looked up from the rostrum, pretending to be puzzled. "I can't imagine what she has to gripe about. She hasn't even started work yet. But what the hell: Here's Connie. We'll hear what she has to say."

Connie meant to give Bill a quick kiss before she began her speech, but it didn't work out that way. When she kissed him, she could feel his arms go around her and hug her tightly, then feel his hand gently caressing her hair. "Oh, Daddy," she exclaimed in a whisper, "that feels so wonderful and I love you so much! In your arms I feel so warm and safe and ... and loved." Easing out of his arms, she stood before the microphone and took a deep breath, then took a napkin to wipe the tears from her eyes.

After looking around the room she said, "That was simple. You see, my dad just demonstrated what the trouble is. I was going to give him a nice affectionate daughterly kiss. Is that what happened? With Cliffords? You've got to be nuts! He holds me tight, kisses me softly, caresses my hair, whispers how much he loves me ... In short, he turned me from a career woman into a glob of warm mush. I begin to cry as I feel so wonderfully warm and snug and safe. My daddy will protect me." Tears started to flow again as she said in a husky whisper, "God! It's been so long..."

With an effort of will she regained her composure and began again. "I had no direct contact with Clifford & Jamison until about two months ago. Of course, as a law student I had heard a great deal about them. This fact alone is highly significant when you remember that the firm is not even one year old yet. Moreover, you have heard the line, 'Known by the friends you keep?' I think you can also add the reciprocal, 'Known by the enemies you make.'

"Well, I first learned about the firm by hearing it bad-mouthed by all the radical feminists on campus. This struck me as odd because I did know it was an all-women firm — possibly the only one of its kind in the state. Why, I wondered, would feminists be giving them such a hard time?

"Well, I started to do some research. What I found out was quite interesting. It seems that over and over again the same thing happened. The radicals would go after a large corporation for sex discrimination. The first thing they would do would be to locate some disaffected women — usually professionals — to front for them. I guess it really got kind of funny, because time after time, the same thing would happen: First, if the company had an ounce of corporate brains they retained Clifford & Jamison — and if they didn't, they were beyond help, anyway. Ginger, Sandy, or Ali would meet with the plaintiffs and just listen to them. After making sympathetic noises for a while, the plaintiffs would sort of stop and ask how Ginger, for example, could possibly look so beautiful and ... and self-assured.

"Poor Ginger would apologize for allowing her attention to drift and mention that she was thinking about what to serve Charley for dinner, or what to be wearing when he got home. Once, I heard, Sandy told the girl that she was taking physical inventory. The girl asked what that meant and Sandy replied that her cunt was so sore she couldn't touch it, her asshole was stretched to about three times its normal size, and she could still feel Jack's magnificent sex at the bottom of her throat but it left her throat so sore she couldn't even eat. That being the case, she was trying to figure out which of her bodily openings was — comparatively speaking — in the best shape to take him that night. The girl was stunned. Then Sandy explained that before the night was over she would probably take him everywhere, anyway. She explained that once they began to make love, her passion would overwhelm her pain and it wouldn't matter. It was only a question of where to start.

"The poor girl would then ask more questions which our girls just answered as honestly as they possibly could from their own experience. A short time later the complaint would be withdrawn."

She looked around the room with a warm grin and continued, "You know what one of the funniest things in the Firm is? It's a file — actually, it's almost a whole filing cabinet now — of communications from former plaintiffs. Most particularly, it includes at least a dozen wedding invitations, and letters asking for personal advice ranging from sex to menu planning. All the letters are carefully answered, by the way.

"Anyway, I decided I had to talk to Clifford & Jamison, in spite of who I was. You see, I was supporting myself as a stripper while I was going to school. In fact, I only quit a couple of weeks ago. However, I had been able to maintain my secret through my senior year in college and three years of law school, so I thought there was a good chance that I could keep it up for a couple more weeks.

"Then I met Sandy and then Ginger. They lived up to their advance billing in spades. But there was so much more. I have never in my life encountered the atmosphere that exists in the Firm. I have been inside a number of them, and the dominant sensation is one of fear. In Ali's firm, I came to realize, it's love.

"The interviews went well, and I was scheduled to meet the senior partner, Ali Clifford. I was scared and then I really blew it. You see, I forgot that she was an actress. The first thing she asked me was why I was scared. At that point I lost it completely and stumbled toward the door with tears blinding my eyes. Did I make it to the door? Of course not. I found myself in Ali's arms.

"You've all heard about Ali's ability to give comfort, so I won't bore you with it again. When I blurted out that I was a stripper, Ali's reaction was comparable to me having said that blue is my favorite color. She just asked where I worked, then said it was where her daughter, Jen, had been working.

"Well, one thing led to another and I was offered a job. But I don't want you to think it was all roses. For example, did she pay off my student loans the way she did Joan's? Hell, no! She just gives me a check, the size of which would have put a dent in the National Debt, and tells me to pay off my own damned loans. Later, I learned that what Joan said earlier was accurate. She had borrowed from so many banks, including some of the most obscure ones, that it had taken days for Ali to find them all. Moreover, I believe Joan when she told us that going around to the banks took up all of her free time each month. But back to my job offer. Was that the end? Of course not. I'm also given a gigantic check to buy a wardrobe to use for work.

"Then the trouble really began! Just because I got a couple of small things for Joan's apartment..."

Sitting farther down the table, Joan interjected in a voice load enough to be heard around the room, "A whole brand new bedroom, furniture and all! Foster, can you honestly call that 'a couple of small things' with a straight face?"

Connie just grinned and repeated, " ... A couple of small things. Why? Because it was a big night for Joan. Her boyfriend was bringing his father over for dinner to meet her mother. I just helped a little. Could she let it go at that? Not Joan Clifford!

"A short time later Jennifer fixed me up with a blind date. By this time I had been adopted by Bill and Ali Clifford as their daughter. What do they do? They buy me a wardrobe that probably cost more than my entire higher education, and do it — like they did for Jennifer and Joan earlier — in only one day. I can remember my dad wrapping me in a gorgeous mink coat and just hugging me tightly." She looked around the room and the people could see the tears in her eyes. "As much as I love the coat, it is nothing compared to being in Daddy's arms. It just feels so wonderful.

"Anyway, that night I met Chip Cartwright. When we got back to my apartment, what do I find? Well, first of all, I was certain I had entered the wrong unit ... it looked like a photo set for House Beautiful. What happened? Joan Clifford just had to get even! She and the rest of the gang redecorated the entire apartment ... totally! They even completely stocked the kitchen and provided recipes. And coaching!

"Well, you wonder, what is this girl bitching about? I'll tell you. What am I going to do now?" she wailed. "I thought about my career to this point and wonder what to do. I think I may have an answer, but I want your opinion before I move ahead. First, why did I go to law school, I wondered. The answer is simple: to get a good job. What for? To make a lot of money. Again, what for? To live comfortably...

"What's 'a lot of money?' Six figures is very comfortable, and seven figures is wealthy. But what do I do? You see, Chip's net worth is in nine digits! I won't talk about my parents, though. There's no description for a net worth in ten digits, rapidly approaching eleven. Well, back to my problem. I concluded there is no way I could possibly make as much money as Chip Cartwright. Furthermore, what could we possibly do with it if I could? If you have an answer to that one, I certainly don't. If I can't make money, what can I do?"

With a brilliant smile now lighting her face, she said, "I'll make babies! That's something I can do, and it's something that Chip can't possibly even compete in. I checked with my gynecologist and she says I was made to carry children." Tears were in her eyes as she continued, "That's really what it's all about, isn't it? Chip puts his magnificent sex into my body and floods me with his fluids. Nine months later a baby appears.

"I'm proud of my breasts — they are high and firm with neat little nipples. Now I think of the feeling of an infant suckling at that breast, enlarged with warm, wonderful milk to nourish it." Tears were flowing in a stream now. "When I think about it, I feel wonderful inside. Just think! A piece of my love, Chip, and our love for each other just begins to grow inside me."

Turning to Chip she said, "There's one problem, darling. I am going to give you back the gorgeous engagement ring you gave me. You see, I trapped you in the most unfair manner possible. I just explained how the whole damned firm ganged up on you. Besides, if I don't, I'll have my hunting license revoked. You see, what I did meets any reasonable test of outrageously unsportsmanlike conduct." With that she slipped the ring off her finger and went towards him.

Before she had taken two steps, Chip was on his feet and holding her in his arms. He hugged her tightly and felt her tears on his cheek. After kissing her with all the passion he could muster and feeling the wonderful electricity flow between them, he said, loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, "Who the hell cares? Look, lady, you will have no use for that hunting license, ever again. You have me, and you're stuck with me!"

"Looking out at the guests with his arm around her waist, Chip said, "I have never been so thrilled in my life! Connie says she wants to carry my children. And you know what? I believe her." Turning back to her he said, "My darling, thank you for giving me the best reason possible for marrying you. I adore you!" The two merged into a passionate embrace.

When they separated, Chip still had his arm around her waist as Connie said to Ali, "Mom, just think! I haven't even started work yet!"

Ali and Bill took the young couple in their arms and congratulated them again. Then Ali looked out over the room and said, "Connie, thank you. I have never been more moved by a statement in my life. Darling daughter, you and Chip certainly do have your priorities straight.



-------

Chapter 23



Bill returned to the microphone and was about to call on his son, Bill, for a final toast when Ken Carlson rose from his seat. He said, "Mr. Clifford, we've heard a number of stories this afternoon that were pretty good. However, this was billed earlier as a gripe session. Sir, you haven't heard yet from the people who really have something to gripe about: the men. With your permission, sir, I would like to say a few words."

Bill grinned, thinking about all the jokes regarding the Clifford & Jamison's Husbands Protective Association, many of which he had originated himself. "Come ahead, Ken. I think you may really be on to something." Ken came up to the podium carrying a chair with Kathy following behind him.

When Bill asked about Kathy's presence, Ken replied with a grin, "Sir, this afternoon my wife is going to serve as a sort of teaching aid ... although she doesn't yet know how." He placed the chair for Kathy and gave her a warm kiss. Then he went to the microphone and waited for the conversational buzz to die down. The women were particularly interested because while they each knew pretty well what the other women were going to say, Ken's presence was a complete mystery.

Ken Carlson, Kathy's husband was a very good-looking young man standing six feet three with a very powerful build. All Bill knew was that he was finishing that spring at UCLA Law School and they were now working out together. Ken began, "Good afternoon. I would like to tell you folks a short story about a family: the Carlson family.

"You see, Kathy and I are different. I realized today that a year ago, none of the couples here were together. Everything you heard so far today has happened since Bill and Ali Clifford were married one year ago. Or almost everything. You see, Kathy and I were already married when the events you have already heard about began to unfold.

"I served as an infantry officer in the Army. When I completed my service, I was engaged to marry Kathy Hughes. We were engaged through my first awful year of law school and married the following summer. We are both from small towns in northern California and were new to Los Angeles. Our honeymoon was very nice and we came here to our little apartment to live. Our life together was idyllic ... or at least it was American standard.

"After the first rush of passion on our honeymoon, we settled into the standard fare. Every Saturday night after putting her hair up in rollers and putting on her face cream, Kathy would climb into bed, pull the hem of her nightgown up towards her waist and spread her legs. Of course, we had the TV next to the bed so Kathy could watch it while I entertained myself between her thighs." As he said it, he could hear Kathy, sitting behind him, trying to muffle her giggles. Without even looking, he knew that her head was nodding up and down in agreement.

"Kathy was really great, though. When I finished, she tried not to make a face but would wait for the next commercial break to go into the bathroom and douche herself. She was really passionate, though. We heard of some wives who could read a book while their husbands were playing, but with Kathy's passion running so high, it was all she could do to follow the jokes on Saturday Night Live." Ken stopped as the audience cracked up with laughter.

"What's so funny?" he inquired, appearing to be puzzled. "Isn't that the way all American married couples behave? Anyway, our sex life was pretty good. For example, if I squeezed one of her buns, she didn't even slap my face very hard. If I tried to feel her tit, she was relatively gentle when she poked her elbow in my stomach. Of course, it was a little hard to reach her tit, protected as it was by the armor of the serviceable bra she always wore." Kathy's giggles had now turned into full-bore laughter. Turning to her he asked, "What's so funny? It's true, isn't it?"

Tears of laughter were running down her face but she was able to say, "Absolutely, darling. Everything you have said has been the God's honest truth." Rising to her feet so the people could see her, she said, "Except for one thing. I was slapping you and poking you as hard as I could. It was just that I wasn't very strong in those days." Kathy looked gorgeous in a green strapless cocktail dress held up only by her proud young breasts. She had a golden tan and there were beautiful blonde sun streaks through her lovely brown hair. Her figure was slender and perfect. She sat down again but continued to giggle, remembering.

"Oh," Ken exclaimed, "I nearly forgot. In those days Kath had a classic female figure. You know, with lots of nice padding on her hips and upper thighs, and a nice soft ass that provided lots of cushioning. And tits? Hers were like warm white marshmallows, but not quite that firm. In those days she had a lovely milky complexion ... You know, sort of like nice white library paste?" This time Kathy's burst of laughter stopped him. Turning, he saw his wife doubled up in the chair with laughter while still trying to nod her head in agreement.

Ken shook his head, feigning puzzlement, and continued, "Our life together? Wonderful. Keep in mind I was in school. When I came home there were no distractions. I was served a gourmet meal from some can or other — on weekends we sometimes went hog wild with TV dinners — and then I got to my studying. Nothing interfered. Sometimes I would start to feel sort of amorous, but that feeling was easily handled. Unless it was Saturday, Kathy inevitably had a headache. But as I said, there was a lot of romance in our life together: Kathy kissed me goodnight almost every day.

"This continued until about this time last year. We were starting to have money problems. Since we were operating on my savings, student loans and military educational benefits, money was pretty tight. Unfortunately, a gap was starting to open up between income and outgo, and it looked like it would only get worse. You see, Kathy wasn't working then. She had a full day keeping up with the soap operas..." After looking around the room, Ken demanded, "Why do you look so skeptical? Do you realize how complex some of those plots are? Do you honestly believe that you can follow their ins and outs without careful attention to the stories each day?"

With a quick grin he continued, "But I digress. At any rate, Kathy had worked as a legal secretary back home, and learned of a new law firm here in LA that was hiring. She went downtown and when she got home, she was pretty excited. It looked like she was going to get the job, but that wasn't what she wanted to talk about. All she could talk about was the most beautiful green-eyed, auburn-haired girl who was one of the name partners.

"Life continued along at the Carlson manse without many changes. Now, of course, meals were more abbreviated because Kathy had to work. What it came down to was I had a choice of cans: pick one. But that was fine because I had a lot of time to get my work done. A few weeks later, though, things started to change, although I didn't notice it right away. First, she came home bubbling one night. It turned out that the senior partner, Mrs. Clifford, had appeared that day. All Kathy could talk about was the golden vision with eyes as blue as the Pacific.

"I didn't know what to make of it," Ken said looking around the room puzzled. "My wife almost sounded like she was becoming a lesbian or something. That night I noticed the first change. Kathy pulled the shoulder strap of her nightgown down at least two inches and looked at herself in the mirror. I was almost certain she was admiring her pale complexion, but there seemed to be more to it. Hell," he said abruptly, "I couldn't figure it out."

Ken paused and looked around the room and there was a look of foreboding on his features as he continued, "Then things started to change. The most remarkable thing I noticed was coming home one night and finding Kathy at the sink — peeling a carrot! All by herself, too. I didn't think she knew what a carrot looked like, except for a picture on the can." Again, there was an explosion of laughter from Kathy sitting behind him.

"Awhile later, things really began to get out of hand. One night I came up behind her, again at the sink, and tried to grab a feel of her tit. The first shock came when I reached into her blouse and touched — a bare tit! There was no bra!" Ken looked around the room conveying his sense of surprise. "But that wasn't the end. I guess I was so stunned at feeling her warm tit, I was almost completely unaware of what happened next. Do you know what she did? Did she clobber me like any good girl would? Hell, no! She just turned her head and raised her lips for a kiss, while she just leaned back against me. I didn't know what to do, so I kissed her. Then she just murmured, 'Thank you, darling. Did you like it? Is it firm enough for you?' Can you believe it?

"The next time, I was behind her and was going to squeeze her bun. I reached under her skirt and was shocked. She wasn't wearing her girdle! There was no armor left. But it immediately got much worse. She put her hands on the edge of the sink for support, then pulled up her skirt in the back and whispered, 'Darling, why don't you just pull down my bikini and take me like this?' I was so stunned, I did. I lifted her spread legs and entered her from the rear while she kept peeling the carrot. When I came in her she dropped the carrot and the peeler and screamed with the ecstasy of her own cuming.

"Now things started going down hill at a hell of a rate. For some reason, her headaches went away. She would even allow me to make love to her during the week!" Looking around the room, Ken now had a sorrowful look on his face. He said, "I don't want to bore you with the details. Let me just fill you in on a couple of events and then come forward to the present. First, in late fall last year, Kathy came home in a state of shock. You see, she was earning $25,000 a year, and we were both delighted. First, she came home with a check for $5,000 — it was some type of bonus. That came after I told Kathy how much I loved her and how much our life together had changed." Ken grimaced and added, "I should have kept my big mouth shut!

"There were other changes. I was reminded by Karen Gaudli earlier." Turning to Bill, Ken said, "Just a comment on Karen's competence in English. Mostly, she gets it right, but I miss the 'like ... you know' that American kids use to salt their speech. Bill, you'll have to tell her that one cannot have real American speech without dropping the word 'like' at random at least three times in each sentence." There was a pause as the guests again broke up with laughter.

Then he continued, "As I was saying, she reminded me. It came shortly after the bonus. When I came home and looked in the refrigerator, I see a bottle of Dom Pérignon. I ask Kathy, but she was uncharacteristically vague. Later, I found out." Ken rolled his eyes and repeated, "Did I ever find out!

"We were in bed, and Kathy was nude — the nightgowns had disappeared. I was reading when suddenly I feel this wonderful sensation in my groin. I look down and Kathy is just kneeling beside me, fondling my sex. The next thing I know she is between my legs, working on me with her mouth. When I cum, she's swallowing as fast as she can. I was utterly stunned. The first time I mentioned that possibility to her, she slapped me so hard it loosened two teeth, so — being a fast learner — I gave up on the idea.

"But she had done it on her own! It wasn't over, though. She hops out of bed and goes out to the kitchen, without even a bathrobe, by the way — another first. She comes padding back with the champagne, pops the cork, and pours two glasses. She sips hers, smiles and licks her lips. You know what she says?" he asked, looking around the room. "She said, 'Darling, Ali is right. You are delicious washed down with Dom Pérignon!'"

At this point Ken blushed and added, "She got back into bed, looked at me, and spread her legs. One of her fingers was playing with her slit. There was a visible wanting in her eyes, so I went between her legs and went down on her." Looking around the room again he grinned and added, "For those of you who may not know it, a woman's love juices are marvelous washed down with champagne, too.

"Then in December, Kathy came home so excited, she couldn't even speak. All she could do was show me a check, payable to her, for $35,000. She could only mumble something about a bonus. The next thing was the Christmas party. It was my first opportunity to meet these paragons up close. I was introduced to Ali Clifford and my jaw dropped. If I remember correctly, I was utterly incoherent. All I could do was to ask her who she wanted us to kill." Ken stopped speaking and again looked around. "Want to know something? If Ali had given me a name, I probably would have.

"Let me jump ahead to the present so you can see the problem in perspective. First, Kathy's appearance. Now she is slim and golden with wonderful firm tits. The funny thing is, I don't think she actually lost any weight. She just ... rearranged ... the pounds a bit. Our sex life? The woman is utterly insatiable! But it is so much worse. She is diabolical! Honest, she is.

"Remember me talking about our gourmet cuisine from a can? I haven't seen a can in months. Kathy is a gourmet chef, and that's part of the diabolical plot. Now, if you'll excuse the bluntness, my balls are drained absolutely dry. I hide out at the law library to keep away from her constant physical attacks on my body. The devilishness? I get hungry. Then I'm starving. Now we even have the money to afford to eat out, so I could pick up a wonderful Big Mac at McDonald's." Ken looked crushed as he wailed, "But I can't! I really can't. I think of Kathy's food, my mouth begins to water, and I go home to the torture that I know will come. When I reach the apartment door, my knees weaken. I know the tortures in store for me, but I go in anyway! She is that diabolical — she makes me assist in my own physical destruction.

"When I unlock the door, the worst is over, you see, because now things are out of my hands. It starts the same way every night: Kathy is at the door and melts me with a kiss." Looking sad, he said, "Let me digress for a moment. As some of you may know, the Eskimos have over thirty different words for snow. The words describe in some detail exactly what the snow is like. With Kathy, a full dictionary could be written with names assigned to her kisses. Each is different, but all melt me — I inevitably end up as a glob of warm mush.

"So the suspense begins at the door: What is tonight's kiss going to be like? Related to that is a broader question: What's in store for me tonight?

"What do I mean by that? Well, for example, one night Kathy was wearing a fitted top that accented her gorgeous chest, along with her gold necklace, gold earrings, and full makeup. (That was a change, too, because now she never wears any makeup.) The only thing was, she was wearing nothing below the waist except for black heels."

Ken appeared to remember something and snapped his fingers, "Oh! I almost forgot! She had carefully rouged her nether lips to highlight her cunt. Another night she was wearing a floor-length black skirt — and nothing else. Later in the evening, I found out that what had appeared to be a normal skirt, wasn't. It turned out that it was fabricated with four panels, each only attached to the waist band, but not attached to each other. The panels were attached to overlap one another. It appeared to be an intact skirt until Kathy moved her leg. She took my hand and showed me where the openings were. But most often, she's nude"

Looking around the room he asked, "Why are you all laughing? Have you ever tried to eat a gourmet meal while staring at the most beautiful pair of tits with the cutest little nipples God ever created?

"Food? My God, the food! The finest foods, wines, cheeses, desserts ... night after night after night. When we finish, she raises her arms and I'm expected to carry her to bed. Needless to say, Kathy no longer has a nightgown ... Or a bra ... Or a slip ... About all she has are a few fine clothes and a collection of Levi's which fit her like a second skin along with a bunch of washed-out chambray shirts. These she wears almost every day." He just shook his head, remembering, then continued. "Now the moment of truth arrives: we're in bed, and my agony begins in earnest. She does the same thing every night: after undressing me, she kneels between my legs and worships my sex. She focuses on my balls, weighing them and gently kneading them between her fingers as she tries to figure how many episodes I will be able to make that night before I'm drained dry again.

"I want to mention something else about the food: if it's thought to be an aphrodisiac, Kathy serves it. More to the point, my balls are larger than they've ever been. I guess when they're being used to the limit of capacity day after day after day, it will happen. Anyway, then Kathy figures out how she is going to empty me. Creative? Oh, God! Again, she uses her body to make me want to destroy myself. She's insidious!

"Oh, I nearly forgot! I said that each night begins with a kiss? Well, every night ends the same way: My balls are drained completely dry and they ache! Kathy knows it, too, so she will tenderly kiss my prick and lick my balls in appreciation. Of course, this follows my eating out her glorious cunt." He looked around at the guests and said, "She insists. First, I need the good protein and second, look at the money she's saving by not having to buy douche products." Anyway, then she'll kiss my lips, put her head on my right shoulder, place my right hand on her tit, mold her body to mine and go to sleep. As I'm collapsing in exhaustion, I feel this magnificent body molding itself to mine.

"The mornings are the same, as well. If I awaken first, I lightly squeeze her tit. If she does, she squeezes my hand." Ken grinned and shook his head, adding, "Now we're playing a little game: To see how little pressure awakens the other. You would be amazed at how little it is now. Anyway, I roll between her widespread thighs and enter her. How I'm able to get up, I don't know, but I immediately drain any semen I may have accumulated overnight into her loins. Then, while I'm showering and shaving, Kathy is preparing an incredible breakfast which is on the table waiting for me when I come out. Of course, if it's a working day, she's impatient to get to work herself to see her buddies."

Ken looked around at the crowd and shook his head in dismay. "You hear me but you don't really understand, do you? Earlier, I described Kathy's appearance at the time of our marriage. I won't attempt to describe her appearance now." Turning to Kathy he said, "Darling, please take off all of your clothes."

Kathy merely winked, then stepped out of her shoes, and unzipped her dress in the back, allowing it to fall to the floor. She slid her stockings down her legs and then slipped off her bikini. Coming around from behind the rostrum she stood with her head up straight and one leg slightly in front of the other. Turning to Ken with her eyes shining as brilliantly as diamonds she asked softly, "Darling, do you approve?" He put his arms around her, pulled her close, and softly kissed her. As he did, he could feel her chafing her nipples on the material of his jacket.

Meanwhile, the guests had gasped and were gaping in amazement. This beautiful young woman's body was now revealed to be feminine perfection. Her breasts were thrusting upward proudly with no need for any support. Her stomach was flat, and there were a series of magnificent curves flowing from her slim waist to her slender hips, and down her gorgeous legs. Her buns were small and very firm. Ken eased away from her, swallowed hard, and asked, "Honey, will you just walk down to the end of the head table and then come back?" She did as he asked, and then looked up at him quizzically.

Ken looked around at the guests and said, "Perhaps I owe you an apology, and I guess I owe my wife one. What are we doing with a nude woman at a wedding reception — particularly when she's not even the bride?"

He grinned and answered his own question. "Well, first of all, this isn't really an ordinary wedding reception as I'm sure you've all found out already. But beyond that, I realized there was no bachelor party last night — primarily because Bill Clifford wasn't a bachelor. Nevertheless, bachelor parties are famous — in cartoons, at least — for having a nude girl appear out of a cake. We don't have the fake cake, but we do have my wife, Kathy.

"The real reason, though, is what I alluded to earlier: she's my necessary teaching aid. Remember how I described her breasts when we were first married? Like marshmallows, but not nearly that firm? Now look." Reaching out his hand towards her, he took Kathy's and drew her backward towards himself. With her standing in front of him, he put his arms around her and then cupped her breasts in his large hands. Kathy just leaned back against him, then closed her eyes to savor the feeling.

"First, the size. You may have noticed that I have large hands with long fingers. Notwithstanding, I can't get fully around her tits. Consistency? Firm yet yielding to the touch. Sensitive? You can see her nipples are turgid and, in fact, starting to throb in their erection." He lightly stroked her nipples with his finger tips and Kathy let out an involuntary scream of ecstasy. "Sensitivity? Well, you saw her reaction to a very light touch.

"Hair?" Now he lightly stroked her head, following the natural waves in her hair. "I married a brunette. Now, I'm not sure what I have." Ken looked around the room and finally picked out Henry Hall sitting at a table in the corner. "Here today, as I was almost certain he would be, is Henry Hall. For those of you — including myself, until a few months ago — who know nothing of the film business, Henry has so many Academy Awards for hair styling I think he's stopped counting. In fact, rumor has it that he uses at least one of his Oscars as a doorstop.

"All Henry does is the hair styling for the most important films — and the personal styling for Clifford & Jamison. Incidentally, I learned that the hair stylist on a film seldom actually works on hair. That's left to his minions. With the firm, though, all of Henry's work is his own." Looking at Henry, Ken asked, "Henry, how would you describe Kathy's hair?"

Hall rose from his chair, still shaking his head following Ken's description of him. He said, "Ken, her hair has wave, body, and the most fascinating natural color streaks from the sun I have ever seen. Working on Kathy is always a challenge for two reasons: First, I have to figure out how best to show off her coloring, but second, because her coloring is different every time I see her, I have to figure out a different way each time. Then, of course, there's the standard Clifford & Jamison problem..."

"Standard problem?" Ken asked. "What, exactly, is that?"

Henry was grinning broadly as he replied, "It's two problems, really, although they are closely related. First, I always have to allay their fears with respect to the primary question: 'Will my man like me that way?'" He shook his head and continued, "Ken, I could shave Kathy's head bald in two seconds flat if I could convince her that you would like it. You are absolutely the only one that counts." Henry grinned broadly and said, "And you know something else? I may try it sometime because it sure as hell would solve the second problem: The hairdo must hold together without pins or clips. It cannot possibly require anything to be done to it before she goes to bed — other than brushing it, perhaps — and it must be able to survive overnight with her head on your shoulder. This is not unique to Kathy, I hasten to add. As I said before, it's the standard Clifford & Jamison problem and applies to all of the other girls, too."

Now Henry addressed himself to all the guests rather than focusing on Ken. He said, "It was embarrassing to hear Ken's introduction this afternoon. Yet — with no modesty at all — it is accurate. Why do I do it, you might wonder. The answer is very simple. First, I love these girls. I really do. It began with Ali and just grew. I don't know how she does it, but Ali Clifford has cornered the market on beautiful brainy women. More accurately, though, they are women who are comfortable with themselves and madly in love with their men. Moreover, without a single exception, they have magnificent hair that is a joy to work with.

"The highest praise I can receive is to hear Kathy, for example, squeal with delight and exclaim, 'Oh, Henry, Ken will adore it!' Finally, though, there is the technical challenge. It's really quite easy to get a film star ready to go in front of a camera. If necessary, I can almost glue every damned hair in place. With these girls, there is no compromise with their most important requirement: to be beautiful for their men when they're together in bed. Now that's a tough assignment! But I love it and love them." With a smile, he concluded, "Does that answer your question, Ken?"

Ken lightly stroked his wife's beautiful hair as she leaned back against him making warm noises deep in her body.

Henry had sat down, but then stood up again. "Ken," he asked, "could you do me a favor?"

Ken was puzzled but instantly agreed.

"A few minutes ago I said Kathy would want me to shave her head if she was persuaded you would like her that way. Well, it started me thinking. Would you please pull Kathy's hair back around her ears and close against her skull?"

Again, Ken did it, relishing the feeling of her lustrous hair in his hands. As he did it, he realized that Kathy was totally unaware of her nudity. Meanwhile, Henry looked closely at the effect and then exclaimed, "That's it! That's what we're going to have to do." Ken released her hair and Kathy turned her head to look up at him. Both were baffled at whatever it was Henry was talking about.

"Kathy," Henry explained, "you have the daintiest, most beautiful ears I have ever seen on a human head. I'll let you in on a secret: Why do you think most hairdos cover the ears? The answer is obvious, really. For the large majority of people, it is the single least-attractive feature of the human head. Yours, Kathy, are exquisite. Moreover, you are intensely feminine in appearance. What I asked Ken to do was let me see what you would look like with your hair cut short on the sides, coming together in a duck-tail at the back. It's basically a man's hair style, but no one would ever mistake you for a man! Kathy," he said with a grin, "that's the perfect easy-care hairdo for you."

Kathy promised to think about it, but she was not convinced. Then she turned to Ken, kissed him softly, and asked, "Is show-and-tell over for today, darling?"

"Not yet ... but almost. Golly, Kathy, I had to bring you all the way to school and everything ... You ought to be good for a little more," he replied with a grin and a wink. He turned her so she was still facing the people and said, "One more thing: her complexion. Kathy, simply stated, is one of Ali's golden girls. I guess you noticed — they're all here today, so it's easy enough to check — all of Ali's girls come in one color: gold. There are shades, of course, and some variation in hair color, but the bodies are a single color: gold."

He ran his fingers lightly over her loins, up her belly, and lightly caressed her breasts as he continued, "The skin is like satin — smooth, luscious and utterly flawless. Running my fingers over her body as I just did produces a glorious sensation. To the touch, it feels like a satin surface. But there's so much more. You see, the skin is a smooth surface covering finely toned muscles that respond to the touch. Kathy is as lithe, flexible, and limber as a cat. In fact, that's what the group reminds me of: a group of golden panthers — and I don't even know if there is such an animal. They move with the same smoothness and muscular grace — and they're at least as deadly!

"Two final points: First, you could see her dancer's grace as she walked across the room earlier. But second, did you see her blush? If you thought it might have been hidden by her golden tan, it wasn't. There are two reasons for this, in turn. First, it was I who asked her to take off her clothes and I was right here. Another hallmark of Ali's girls: if they are physically capable of doing what a loved one asks, they will — immediately, no questions asked. The second reason?" Ken grinned broadly and answered his own question, "Modesty is not this group's strongest suit. In fact, and in spite of the massive collective brains and education they have, I'm really not sure they even know what the word means."

Turning Kathy to face him, he gently lifted her chin and kissed her softly. Instantly he felt the jolt of electricity as their lips touched. Realizing how attuned Kathy was to his wants, her hands were at her sides and the only points of contact were his finger under her chin and their lips. Nonetheless, Kathy's tongue darted into his mouth to meet his. The kiss was broken as he gently released her chin. "Darling, thank you. You can get dressed now."

"Ken," she said, "there's something I want to do first. It's for my own protection as you will see. Darling, I need to work on you a bit." Turning to the guests Kathy said, "You've been listening to my husband bleeding all over the floor for hours. I think I deserve some reply time." As she was talking, she helped Ken off with his suit jacket, carefully untied his tie, and was unbuttoning his shirt. "You see," she continued, "I have been accused of brutality: torturing this poor unfortunate for months. For my own protection I think it's important that you see some things for yourself."

As she finished speaking, she had unbuttoned his shirt cuffs and removed his shirt, leaving him bare to the waist. Ken was deeply tanned with a broad heavily-muscled upper body and powerful arms and shoulders. Stepping aside and using her finger as a pointer, she continued her lecture. "Standing here is this poor brutalized man. Look at all this yummy muscle mass!"

Turning to the guests she exclaimed, "Girls, you can't believe what it feels like to lie on his body and feel those beautiful muscles tighten around you, crushing your tits on his chest. It's heavenly!" Then she ran her fingers lightly over his chest and upper arms, chafed her nipples against his chest while making happy sounds deep in her body. Then she seemed to remember where she was. She just shrugged and then stood with her arm next to his. "I think he implied I beat him up. How could I possibly? His arm would make at least four of mine. Look!" Then she licked her lips and added, "Isn't he luscious? And he's all mine!"

Moving over to his left side, she pointed to a dimpled mark in his left shoulder. "Ken tried to sound like he was hiding in the closet during his Army service. Well, he should have hidden a little deeper in his foxhole. As an Army Ranger, Ken was leading his men on patrol when they were jumped from ambush. Rallying his troops, he drove off the enemy, killing a dozen or so by himself when he came to the relief of his trapped point element." Looking into Ken's eyes she asked, "Darling, do a small knee bend, please. You know what I want to do."

Ken did, lowering his torso to the level of her breasts. Her nipple was still erect as she fitted it into the depression in his shoulder. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and melted him with a kiss. Turning back to the guests she said, "Ken has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Valor), the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart for his service to our country that he had defended so well. I happen to adore my certified hero, but so much for the weak little man being abused by the domineering female!"

Still talking, she held Ken's shirt for him, and then proceeded to dress him again. The guests howled with laughter when, in the process of tucking in his shirt tails, she reached down inside his trousers and managed to squeeze his balls. Then there were more chuckles as she stuck out her tongue appearing to concentrate on retying his tie. Finally she helped him on with his coat and ostentatiously smoothed it out. Finally, standing on tiptoe, she kissed him softly and said with a wink at the guests, "There! Isn't he cute?"

Turning back to Ken, she asked, "Darling, can I get dressed now? Is show-and-tell finally over?" He grinned and nodded. The guests were amazed at what happened next. Kathy quickly rolled her stockings up on her legs, slipped into her bikini and then her dress, zipped it up and stepped back into her shoes, all in less than ten seconds.

"That's another trademark of Ali's girls, by the way," Ken commented. "They can be in or out of their clothes completely in less than fifteen seconds. Where in hell is all the body armor women used to wear?" He grinned at the guests, but then his expression changed. "I asked Kathy to undress, not to embarrass her, but to save a lot of words. How do you describe physical perfection in words? I don't know, but they say one picture is worth a thousand words. If that is so, what is one live woman worth, do you suppose?

"But back to my problems." Turning to Ali he demanded, "Allison Clifford, when is my wife going to be able to take some vacation? She told me — as usual, in a state of shock — that she now gets four weeks vacation. But we can't take any." Ali was looking baffled as Ken turned back to the guests.

"This brings me to one of the other insidious features of Clifford & Jamison." He shook his head and looked sorrowful as he said, "You have all heard of the Soviet's Gulag where they send political prisoners? Well, Ali doesn't have a Gulag so she uses Kapalua on Maui. You all heard me ask when Kathy could take some vacation? Please don't get the wrong idea — she does have a little time off. You see, Clifford and Jamison believes in long weekends rather than vacations. A long weekend? Would you believe from Wednesday night to the following Thursday morning? Honest, it's true.

"I've heard of major defense contractors based in, say, Boston, who do a lot of business in Washington booking a block of seats down on Monday and back on Friday. The company pays for them whether they are used or not. Ali? I swear she block-books on the Wednesday night flight to Maui. How does it work? Well, I'm really not sure. I'm pretty sure, though, that if the Army had the intelligence network in place that Ali does, my troops would have never been jumped by surprise the way we sometimes were."

He shook his head in feigned disbelief and said, "I'll give you an illustration: A couple of weeks ago, a Friday class was canceled, there was just a paper due the following Tuesday that was already done — in short, a light week. About two o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Sandy appears at Kathy's desk and announces that she looks tired and needs a little time off. As she says it she drops two round-trip tickets to Maui on her desk — first class, of course. It works the same way, every time. It seems whenever I have a little free time, Ali learns of it and Kathy and I are shipped out.

"That evening, Judy Jeffries and Mike Morris were on the same flight and the limo at the airport was meeting us both. Do you know how much money we spent for the entire week? I snuck into the newsstand at the airport and spent a whole quarter on a pack of gum. Ali paid for everything else. At any rate, what do we do at this sunshine torture chamber? It's terrible! It really is. After our morning lovemaking — at six o'clock, for God's sake — we're on the tennis court.

"Actually, this last trip was easy because Judy and Mike were there, so we played doubles. Normally we would be alone, playing singles, and Kathy runs me ragged all over the damned court. This is followed by breakfast and then eighteen holes of golf. We eat lunch, then go out to the nude beach. You should see Kathy and Judy together. Aside from the difference in hair color, they could be twins. Like all of Ali's girls, it's as if they were born in the water. They move with the grace and power of dolphins. Mike and I vainly try to keep up. Christ! It's like a tugboat trying to keep up with a speedboat.

"You know what's the worst, though?" Ken asked rhetorically. "It's what happens on the beach. We're all naked, of course, and here are the two girls basting us with suntan lotion and talking about us as if we're their next meal. How would you like to have your wife handling your sex organs while her girl friend manipulates her man's, while we're lying next to one another? While they're doing it, of course, they're comparing our relative merits. All they can talk about is our comparative ability to give them pleasure. They run their fingers over our bodies like we're meat." Ken appeared to sigh, remembering. Then he added, "I nearly forgot: there is, of course, lovemaking on the beach. There's no way the girls could make it to dinner any other way.

"Anyway, then there is a brief respite — just enough time to shower and change — and then drinks, dinner, and back to bed." Ken tried to look sad as he looked around the room. Then he added, "Keep in mind, this goes on day after day after day. There's no letup!"

"There's one thing more before I conclude this story. I realized something about the men of Clifford & Jamison recently. Mostly, they're pilots. Mike, of course, is a Marine. The common denominator? A combat life expectancy measured in seconds. I guess we're basically self-destructive — and in these women we have the instruments of our own destruction!" Ken looked around plaintively and asked, "But what about me? I'm not a hero type. I'm just a poor grunt."

Before he could continue, Kathy, again sitting behind him said loudly, "Army Ranger, turkey, and don't you forget it!" Rising to her feet so she could be seen, she added, "Folks, please don't buy into the 'poor little me' bit Ken is trying to sell you. I mentioned a Silver Star he won? That was awarded as the result of another Ranger patrol for about a dozen of the enemy that Ken killed with his bare hands!" She daintily stuck out her tongue at him and added, "He can manage to take care of himself."

"Ignoring the interruption..." Ken turned and stuck out his tongue at Kathy, grinned, and turned back towards the guests, continuing, "I realized you have to be in pretty fair physical shape to keep up with these women. Anyway, the result was that I started working out. At first, I was by myself. Then Mike joined me. He was followed, in order, by Charley, Bill, Jack, Chip, and Billy. Even Brian, although he doesn't even live out here, was asking his brother about a place to work out. You heard about the Clifford & Jamison Husbands Protective Association? Well, there really is one. But honestly, it doesn't really function very well."

Ken shook his head in apparent dismay, then continued. "You see, we'll be sitting around in the men's grill after a workout. The last time, we even organized a poker game. Boy! Did we feel proud asserting our independence! Then someone wrecked it — I don't know who." He looked around, shaking his head. "Damn it! It was probably me! I might have said, 'I wonder what Kathy's cooking for dinner tonight?' Please keep in mind that we had been sharing tales of our physical abuse for hours. We worked on our muscles because there was nothing we could do for the pain in our balls — we were all drained dry.

"Anyway, what followed was reminiscent of one of those World War II RAF movies. You know the ones? The pilots are in the lounge relaxing, when the word comes down to scramble? Chairs and tables are knocked down in the rush to get through the door?" Ken now looked depressed. "That was us. Can you imagine? The pigs in a rush to get to the slaughterhouse? What's wrong with us, anyway?

"There's one thing I forgot: Saturdays. Neither Kathy nor I have to work, so that's the day we can get things done around the apartment. Or it would be, I guess, if we could ever get out of bed. What usually happens? I'll tell you. It starts off a little differently from the other mornings: Instead of me entering her, Kathy usually lies on top of me with her chin resting on her hands. I'm running my fingers lightly over her satin-smooth skin, and she's making wonderful noises deep in her body — sort of like a panther's purr.

"I remember one day when we were fairly new to all of this sex stuff. I commented on how beautifully firm her small buns were. She slid off me and just lay face-down on the bed while I stroked them. It felt wonderful." Ken looked around in apparent amazement and asked, "You know what happened then? Suddenly, with a lascivious grin on her face, Kath pulls her knees up under her body causing her lovely ass to be up in the air and says, 'If you like it so much back there, why don't you put something in the little hole?'

"I almost fell off the bed when she added, 'Darling, I know it's something you've wanted to try for ages. It's still virgin for you.' I'll never forget the look of love on her face when she said that. Anyway, I usually spend a lot of Saturday just caressing Kathy's magnificent body and listening to her purr." Looking around the room, Ken shook his head and asked, "Wasn't there a movie one time entitled Fatal Attraction?"



-------

Chapter 24



Ken glanced at his watch and realized how long he had been talking. He shook his head and said, "Now I want to end this monologue. But before I do I want to tell you how I got my brand-new position with one of the top law firms in Los Angeles." Ken smiled and shook his head, saying, "Ali does enter into this story. You see, I didn't do too well in my first year of law school, and didn't really hit my stride until the second semester of my second year. The result is that I may not make the top 10 percent which seems to be the cut with respect to the recruiting of the top firms." He grinned and added, "Of course, with Kathy's help, I'm sure to make it, but it's the firms' performance expectation that determines their hiring patterns.

"Anyway, I interviewed this one firm awhile ago. I was late. It was the second round of interviewing, although it was the first round for me. It seemed they were having a firm outing that Saturday and were inviting all of the firm candidates still in contention. Even though I certainly wasn't in, I wasn't out, either, so I was invited. It was one of those 'bring date ... or wife, if you have to' sort of things. When we arrived, Kathy stood them on their collective ears! First, there's her natural beauty and grace. I think it's even more effective, though, because she's totally unaware of her effect on other people. She just focuses on me.

"Anyway, to start, there was a mixed doubles tennis tournament — we won — followed by a mixed scrambles golf match. We won that, too. At the barbecue that followed, we were talking to some other people and a girl asked Kathy what she did. She said she worked at a law firm downtown. The girl looked at her and saw her beauty, her golden tan, and her dancer's movements. Then she asked in a hushed tone of voice, 'Clifford & Jamison?' Kathy nodded, and it was all over. The net of it was that every female in the Firm present — including at least two partners — mobbed her. They wanted to know how they could possibly join."

Ken shook his head in exasperation. "I forgot something. I forgot how I happened to be talking to the firm in the first place. Well, since Kathy is a secretary and the Firm has great computers, she's been typing my papers for me. At least I thought she was typing them. In fact, it seems she was writing them, but I didn't even know it. When I had a paper to do, I would painfully write it out in longhand. Then we would drive downtown, Kathy would open the office, sit at her computer and type. I thought she was typing my draft. It turns out that she has been totally rewriting it ... on the fly."

He looked around the room and said, "I'll bet you can all remember sweating bullets, spending weeks sweating a term paper? I sure did. Can you imagine this woman writing a law school paper in the same time it would have taken her to just type mine? Can you?" Ken shook his head sadly and continued, "I don't know how long this has been going on, but I learned about it for the first time in a class one day.

"The professor departed from his usual notes to read a student's paper. Mine! It cited a series of court cases culminating in a Supreme Court decision handed down only two months earlier. The paper showed the development of judicial thinking and indicated the probable future impact in the law and on business decision-making. It had to do with takings."

Ken stopped and looked around, shook his head and continued, "There was only one small problem. Not only did I not write it, I was totally unaware of any of the cases cited. At any rate, it seems the professor was a good friend of the managing partner of the law firm, Kevin Collins, and he raved to him about me and my paper. Well, Collins called his personnel people and they asked me to come in and talk. Personnel people don't like anything out of pattern, and I certainly was. The result was they didn't like me, but, because of the sponsorship of the managing partner, they didn't know what to do about me either."

Ken shook his head and added, "I asked Kathy about it when I got home. I accused her of changing my paper. Do you know what she said? She said, 'Of course I changed it, darling. That's what I do for a living. Surely, you don't think that Clifford & Jamison would mail out the babblings of our partners? I'm paid to put them into English. And if their citations are wrong or there are more recent ones, I change them.' She looked at me with her eyes wide and added, 'Darling, that's my job.' Then she smiled sweetly and added, 'Ginger's really great with clients; Sandy is incredibly persuasive with juries; and Ali ... is just Ali. You really don't expect them to be able to write coherently, too, do you?'

"I also found out something else: It seems that in addition to being the only secretary serving four professionals, in her spare time my wife is the Firm's research department. She makes it her business to keep up on the latest decisions at both the state and federal levels." Ken shook his head and added, "How does she do it? I don't have a clue, but somehow, apparently, she does."

When he mentioned "babblings," Ali started to laugh. Looking around the room, she saw that her partners were laughing, too. When Ken mentioned research, Ali perked up. She held up six fingers and looked meaningfully, first at Ginger, then at Sandy. Both emphatically nodded. Taking advantage of the pause in Ken's speech, Ali said, "Katherine Hughes Carlson!" Kathy heard her name called and jerked up with a start. Ken was dumbstruck by the peremptory sound in Ali's words. Ali said, "Kathy, there has been a special meeting of the Clifford & Jamison Compensation Committee. You are receiving a raise of $5,000 per month, retroactive to January 1. Since today is a Firm holiday — apparently — we won't be able to give you the check for your back pay until tomorrow." Turning to Ken, Ali gave him a sunshine smile and said, "Ken, I apologize for the interruption. This has been very interesting. Please continue."

Ken just shook his head and said, "Ali, I think I just heard you give my wife a $60,000-a-year raise. Did I?" Ali just grinned and nodded. "Why?" he asked.

"But Ken, it's so simple," Ali replied. "There's not a law firm around that can run a full-bore research operation for less than $180,000 a year. Since we're basically pretty cheap, we thought that giving Kathy about one-third of what she's worth would be about right. What's your problem?" she asked with her eyes wide.

Ken just shook his head sorrowfully and commented, "See what I mean? What chance do we have?" Again he shook his head and said, "Well, back to the story. Actually, we're now very close to the present — this only happened last week. You see, on the Monday following the picnic I got a call from the law firm's personnel office. They wanted me to come in to see Kevin Collins, the managing partner, on Thursday. So I put on my good suit and drive in, dropping Kathy off at her office on the way.

"When I'm ushered into his office, I'm amazed at the greeting — it was like I was a long-lost brother or something. It seems that all he could talk about was my paper — fortunately, Kathy had explained its content in terms that even I could understand; and what he heard about Kathy at the picnic. Well, I'm sort of basking in his compliments when he suddenly drops a bomb. I may have even jerked up straight in my chair when I heard him, I really don't remember. You see, it was one o'clock and we had just returned from a sandwich lunch when he unloads. He snaps his fingers and said, 'Damn! I almost forgot. My wife, Lillian, heard about you and Kathy and wants to meet you both. We have reservations for dinner at the club on top of this building for six. Kathy can join us, can't she?'

"I wanted to die! Here it is, one o'clock, and we have a dinner date at six. At the same time, the other thing I remembered vividly was what Kathy wore to work: her Levi's and a work shirt." Ken swallowed hard, remembering. "But then I thought of the bright side," he continued with a grin. "When I told Kathy, she would take off my head, permanently putting me out of my misery. So with that cheerful thought in mind, I call her from Collins' office. When I tell her, what do you suppose she does? Does she scream? Threaten divorce? Threaten to kill me? Not Kathy. I almost fell over when all she says is, 'Six o'clock, dear? In the lobby of their building?' I confirm it to her.

"Because of my feeling of terror, the rest of the afternoon is a complete blank. I don't have the first clue today what I did, who I saw, or what I might have said. All I could think of was Kathy arriving in her blue jeans. A little before six, Lillian Collins arrives and I am introduced. My heart drops through the floor. You see, it was even worse than I feared: Lillian is one of those women you see every day on the society pages: perfectly coifed, dressed in the latest fashion, and expensively jeweled. Poor Kathy in her Levi's was going to die of embarrassment.

"Then we go down to the lobby and walk towards the sidewalk." Ken looked around and said, "Remember all those old prison movies? The condemned man's last walk to the electric chair or gas chamber? Now I know exactly how they feel. Anyway, as we reached the door — the whole front of the building is glass — I see a very familiar-looking gray limousine pull up. Fred Clark jumps out and hurries around to the passenger side to open the door. Who steps out, looking like she is stepping from the pages of Vogue — to overuse a phrase? — Kathy.

"I see her squeeze Fred's hand, and I'll bet ten dollars he winked at her with his eye that was away from the building. Kathy walks in wearing a mink stole, a suit in brown that complemented her hair and eyes that cost more than a year's pay, worn with a white silk blouse and magnificent gold jewelry. She greets me with a melting kiss and then I introduce the Collins. Kevin's jaw had dropped; only Lillian had the aplomb to greet Kathy warmly." He interrupted his narrative to interject, "I found out later that Lil is the daughter of the founding partner of the firm; most of the money in the firm is hers and she has the last word on all key decisions.

"There's something else I should tell you all at this point. You may remember that, at the beginning of this talk, I said that Kathy and I were from small towns in northern California. Well, that is certainly true. They are very small towns. We met in college. We went to the same state university which, until just a few years ago, was a cow college. The most polite thing I could say about our social graces is that they are nonexistent — or so I thought. Suffice it to say that in terms of our social experience, the biggest event we ever attended was last year's Clifford & Jamison Christmas party. In that connection we were both scared stiff and only went because all the people were close friends and Kathy finally convinced me they would forgive any social gaffes we might have made.

"What happened that day? Well, in view of all the stories you heard today, I'm sure you know the answer. After hanging up the phone from my call Kathy tells Ali, and Ali mobilizes the troops. Comparatively speaking — compared to some of the other stories you heard today — this one was simple. It was only one outfit, after all. The fur stole — with Kathy's own monogram, of course; the jewelry? Just nick-knacks, with one exception: There was a ladies Rolex from Ali, of course, engraved 'To the most wonderful secretary in the world, with all my love, Ali.' Kathy was crying tears of joy when she showed me the engraving later that night.

"At any rate, we go up to the club, and to make a long story short, Kathy is the smash hit of the evening. She was utterly captivating, and just exuded beauty and charm. Lillian adored her, and it was all Kevin could do to keep his jaw from hanging open. What does Kathy do? All she does is create opportunities to tell them what a wonderful lawyer I am. Incidentally, I nearly forgot: her hairdo was one of Henry's classics, appropriate to the occasion of impressing a future boss.

"Things are going great and it's late in the evening when Kathy says something that causes me to almost fall off my chair. What does she say? She asks the Collins if they are free Saturday evening because she would love to have them over for dinner! Before anyone else can say a word, Lillian says they have a symphony box for Saturday night, but she would give away the tickets because they so wanted to come.

"The next day — Friday — I'm so scared, I can't see straight. Kathy? I've never seen her more relaxed. You should know that Kathy and I have never entertained anyone at our apartment, except maybe for some friends for pizza and beer. Her gourmet cooking had been for me alone. Anyway, on Saturday morning after our good-morning lovemaking, she informs me that the girls had organized a golf match with Mike, Bill, Charley and me. To make it even plainer, she told me to get the hell out of the apartment because she was going to be busy. My only instruction? To be home at five-thirty, showered. The Collins were due at six.

"When I get home and open the door, I almost closed it again. Somehow, you see, I had entered the wrong apartment." Ken shook his head sadly and said, "I hadn't. The apartment had been completely refurnished. It looked like a feature story in Apartment Living. But you heard those stories before from Joan and Connie. When I go in, I find Kathy looking like a dream in a hostess gown — I find out later, of course, that it was absolutely all she was wearing. Everything is laid out and the table is beautifully set with dinnerware we didn't have. Anyway, I go into the bedroom to change. Since everything in it was brand new, I almost wasn't ready because of all the time it took to find my clothes. Then promptly at six the Collins appear. I really don't know how Kathy did it. You see, she handled all the cooking and serving herself. But in spite of that, it seemed she was always just sitting, chatting in the living room and nursing a glass of dry sherry. Lillian Collins was so excited, she couldn't see straight. The hors d'oeuvres, for example, were tiny works of art that tasted divine.

"Finally, we are called to the dining room. Kathy begins with paté de foie gràs with truffles, served with a vintage Chablis. Then she serves tournedos Rossini, soufflé potatoes — you know, those little french fries that look like little balloons? This is accompanied by a vintage Bordeaux that probably costs a year's pay. She follows it with a salad, and then crèpes Suzette for dessert. Is it over? Don't be silly. She follows that with fresh fruit and assorted cheeses. This is followed by coffee. By now, it's nearly ten o'clock — we had been at the table for almost three hours. Then she brings out a bottle of cognac I had heard about but never seen, Rémy Martin's Louis XIII, pours more coffee and disappears again. When she returns, she is lighting a Corona corona for Kevin. She gives it to him with a smile that melts him to his chair. Then she repeats it with me. Finally, she lights a thin light panatella for Lillian, and then one for herself.

"I'll never forget the look on Lillian Collins' face! She just held the cigar in her fingers and looked at it. Then she sees Kathy take a puff on hers, so she tries hers, too. She loved it! When everyone was finished, Kathy shooed Kevin and me out to the living room with our cognac and a couple of more cigars.

"While we're sitting there feeling so expansive we could conquer the world, I start to worry. You see, I could hear the two women in the kitchen. Of course I couldn't hear any words, but I certainly heard some very sexy-sounding giggles from Lillian. When it was time to leave, my fears were confirmed. Lil and Kathy were acting very conspiratorial and I saw the characteristic shape of a Dom Pérignon bottle in a paper bag Lillian was carrying in her hand. Incidentally, when I closed the door after the Collins left, I turn and find Kathy has unzipped her hostess gown all the way. She's just standing there with her hands on her hips with the gown framing her magnificent nude body!

"Was that the end of the night for me? I should be so lucky! I move towards Kathy and all she does is take off my coat and tie, unbutton my shirt and sit me in a brand-new easy chair. Then she brings a small bench into the living room and puts on a tape. What is she doing? What the hell would you think she would be doing? She was replicating Jennifer's exotic routine for me. I have never seen a woman move the way Kathy did that night!"

Turning to Jennifer, Ken asked, "By the way, how did your act end? You told us earlier that a part of it had you kneeling on the stage with your knees spread wide, and then bending over backward so the audience could see your gaping cunt. Unfortunately, that's as far as Kathy got." Ken frowned and added, "I guess it's more accurate to say that it was as much as I could take! When she spread her knees, I could see how wet she was with her wanting, so I took her on the floor the way she was."

Ken sighed and smiled happily, remembering. "Sunday was a delight. I spent it in our brand-new bed on our crisp, new sheets, while the most beautiful, most loving female creature God ever created alternately runs her fingers over my body with a touch of feathers, or kisses me all over with her wonderful soft lips!"

Ken shook his head, murmured, "Wow!" and continued, "At any rate, I left it with Kevin that I was supposed to come in again on Monday morning because he had a very light schedule that day. When I enter his office and see him, I'm shocked. Here is the managing partner of one of the biggest law firms in town with an incredible shit-eating grin on his face. When we shake hands, I could almost swear I heard him murmur, 'God! Lil gives great head!'"

The guests howled with laughter as Ken just shook his head. "I thought I had been imagining things when the phone rang. Kevin lighted up like a Christmas tree, hung up, and virtually threw me out of the office. Of course, it wasn't before he offered me a position at $100,000 a year. He was in such a hurry, you know what he did? He said, 'Ken, I was going to work out the details with you — bonus, vacation, profit-sharing, that sort of stuff. Hell, you know what you want. Why don't you just fill in the blanks and drop it off back here at the office.' As he was hustling me out the door, there's Lillian waiting outside the door ... with another bottle of Dom Pérignon!"

Ken just shook his head in apparent puzzlement, but then brightened. "You know, I think I've solved some puzzles today. For example, how does any work ever get done at Clifford & Jamison? The answer is clear: somehow they accomplish more in ten minutes than other firms do in ten days. It frees up their time for more important things ... Like working out ... Like enticing their men.

"You know, I mentioned the costumes Kathy wore? Where do you suppose they all came from? They're from that ... that ... space ... they call a conference room. The girls are all near physical duplicates — there's a small variation in height but not enough to matter. So they just swap these things around."

Ken looked around the room and said, "There you have it. Or most of it. There's one more point I need to make, though. You've heard me bleating about how beat up and run down I am? Well, to settle it once and for all, I made an appointment to see my doctor last week. Kathy insisted on coming along. I should tell you that my doctor is a high-school classmate, and he's known Kathy for a long time.

"Anyway, I'm shown into his office. Does Kathy sit in the waiting room? Hell, no!" He looked around at the ceiling and than appeared to get an idea. "Now I know!" he exclaimed. "Have you ever seen a cat with a mouse? It just watches the mouse, occasionally licking its lips. It may let the mouse move around, but won't let it out of its sight. That's Kathy! She's the panther and I'm her next meal. Anyway, I undress and Dan — the doctor — goes over me. He runs every kind of test there is in the book. All he does is shake his head, and I'm starting to worry. Maybe it's even worse than I thought? He finishes with me and asks Kathy if he could give her a physical, too. I thought it was a great idea to see her poked and prodded, so she gets undressed. You've already seen how fast a process that is with Kathy. Anyway, she's standing nude and Dan's eyes almost bug out. He whistles! Can you believe it? A doctor? He does. Then he goes over her the way he did me. When he's finished we both get dressed and go out to the waiting room to wait for some of the tests to be run.

Awhile later, he calls us into his office and closes the door. We sit down and his first words to me are, 'Ken, what, in the name of God, have you been doing to yourself?' I was scared, but then it came to me. I was going to be freed! He was going to tell Kathy to knock off the rich foods, stop killing me with sex — in short, he was going to tell her to give me a break." He looked around and said brightly, "You know, a permanent heart condition would have been a small price to pay."

Then his face fell. "Is that what he said? Hell, no! Dan goes on to say, 'Whatever you're doing, don't change a single thing!' He goes on to say that my bad cholesterol level is through the floor and the good cholesterol is through the ceiling. My heart was in great shape and he even noted that my biceps measurements were larger by three inches, I had four more inches on my chest, and two fewer on my waist. There was no trace of the chronic stiffness in my shoulder from the bullet wound — it used to bother me. The only thing left is the little puckered hole that Kathy loves to put her nipple in, but nothing else. He said I was in great shape for a 21-year-old! My heart fell to my feet! There was Kathy looking smug, like the cat that swallowed the canary.

"Then he turns to Kathy and says that if I'm in the shape of a 21-year-old, she's in perfect condition for an 18-year-old! Then he shakes his head and said, 'You two are textbook cases! Don't you dare change the least little thing in your lifestyle. I'm sure you're staying away from fats and red meat, eating lots of natural foods plain ... You have to be! No one could possibly be in your physical condition any other way.'

"Then he leans back and just shakes his head. He said, 'Ken, I've been talking to you as a doctor. Now I would like to talk to you as an old friend. First, you heard me whistle when Kathy stripped. Buddy, you have to be married to the most perfectly put-together female it's ever been my good fortune to see.'" Ken looked around the room and asked, "Would you believe it? Kathy didn't even have the modesty to blush?" Then he continued his narrative. "Dan went on to say, 'There's more, though. First, I took some pelvic measurements on Kathy. In spite of her slim hips, she has a large pelvic opening. What this means is that she can deliver children easily. When I couple this with the incredible love you two have for each other ... My God, with you both naked, it's obvious why you don't feel chilled! The looks of love between you people would melt an iceberg. Anyway, ' he continued, 'I guess what I'm trying to say is that your children will be truly remarkable. Their parents are incredible physical specimens who live in an aura of love.' He just shook his head and said, 'It's just a thought.' Then Kathy just about melts the poor guy with one of her kisses."

Ken shook his head sorrowfully. "Where does that leave me?" he asked rhetorically. "In the worst position of my life. Now, if I complain all Kathy does is grin and parrot, 'Don't change a single thing!' There's nothing I can say.

"Two final points: First, student loans. Do you remember those classic Bugs Bunny cartoons where Elmer Fudd would be admiring his carrot patch? He would turn his back and all of a sudden carrots would start disappearing down into the ground? Well, you know what? It seems that something similar is happening to my student loans. Every time I turn around, there are fewer of them!" Turning to Ali, Ken glared and demanded, "Allison McGrath Clifford, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Ali looked like a small child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Gracefully standing up, she hung her head like the small child. "Gosh, Ken," she said with tears starting to come to her eyes, "it's not my fault! It's ... It's become a habit. You know, like smoking? It started with Joan." Now her eyes became larger and had a manic gleam as she went around the table and out onto the floor. "How was I to know ... I didn't mean to ruin her life ... To destroy any chance she would ever have for happiness ... How could I have known that it was her life's work?"

She was crying now, and her tears gave way to a series of frenzied high-pitched screams. She tore at her hair and her chest was heaving so much her breasts threatened to pop out from the top of her gown.

She seemed to regain a little control and continued. Although she was sounding reasonable, there was still a manic edge to her voice. The woman was on the verge of a breakdown. "With Connie, it was different. I made her destroy herself. She was in my arms crying like her heart would break, but I was relentless! In spite of what it did to her, I made her pay off her own loans." Again the wild light appeared in her eyes as she said, "Do you know what I did, Ken? Do you? Do you?" she screamed, with overtones of insanity. Now she looked cunning as she said, "I followed her! I was hiding as the poor girl abased herself before my very eyes. She could scarcely hold a pen, her hand was shaking so badly, but she managed to pay off the loan." With menace in her voice, and a diabolically mirthless laugh, she said, "She knew what I would have done to her! Oh, I was so hoping she would weaken..."

Then she turned to look at him and sounded like an insane woman trying to rationally explain her irrational actions. "With you, Ken, it was different. I didn't do them all ... How was I to know that you would miss one or two." Again her voice rose to a scream as she continued, "But that's the trouble, you see. I can't stop at one or two ... I must keep going..." She pulled herself together and again tried to rationalize her behavior. Ali now raised her head, looked at him defiantly, and said "Besides, it's not that bad. I mean, it doesn't pollute the air, or hurt the ozone layer or anything like that. Why should you mind?"

Suddenly, she let out another maniacal scream and began to cry uncontrollably. "I can't control myself ... I keep doing it, in spite of the pain I cause others." Again, her eyes widened and the insane gleam reappeared. Pulling at her hair, she screamed, "I can't help myself! I think of those luscious payment books, those tender coupons, those voluptuous personal notes ... I lose control!"

With another scream, her eyes darted around the room as she said, "Oh, God! Won't somebody help me? You must! Otherwise, I'll do it again, and again, and again..." With a scream, Ali crumpled into a ball on the floor. Her screams dissolved into tears as she cried like her heart would break. She was holding her head in her arms and her shoulders were shaking with her anguish. Finally, she just collapsed in a heap.

Meanwhile, Ken Carlson had been striving to remain impassive in the presence of one of the finest acting performances he had ever seen. When Ali's body stopped shaking, he quietly asked, "Are you through, yet?"

Ali bounced to her feet, ran her fingers through her hair, incredibly restoring her hairdo with just that single pass. She gave him a big grin while the guests were on their feet applauding wildly. Then she asked, "How was it?"

With his face still impassive, he said, "The subject was student loans. Remember?"

Ali appeared to get angry. "Carlson, what is wrong with you? I give an Academy-Award performance, and you're still stuck on that loan thing! My God, don't you even recognize talent when you see it?" Then Ali's eyes started to widen and the manic gleam reappeared. "You're just like those damned producers! They wouldn't recognize my acting ability, either."

Ali was so wrought up, she strode out to the middle of the dance floor. Her gestures were on the verge of wildness, but her voice was still in control. "They would only let me play Ali McGrath parts. Would you believe it? That's honestly what they were called. I was the studio's resident goodie-two-shoes." Again her voice rose in pitch and took on a manic edge, "I had talent. But would they let me use it? Hell, no! I desperately wanted to play a real sex scene; they would only allow me to show my tits in a long shot. Of course they are small, but they're cute, and ... and ... I know damned well the cameraman could make them appear a lot bigger with the right lens."

Her voice was still rising as she screamed, "Would they let me have sex with my co-star? Really do it, for the European version? Hell, no!" Then in an instant, Ali's voice was back to normal as she added, "As a matter of fact, if I'm thinking of the right film, he didn't like girls. But hell, I could have gone down on him, or something."

Then her voice was instantly back in its manic mode and she was back in her rôle, "I even offered to bed the producer! Do you know what he did?" she screamed. "He asked for references! Honestly, he did! He wasn't going to waste his time in bed with a cheap actress who might not be able to perform for him!" Suddenly her face crumpled and she started to sag to the floor, "I didn't have any!" Now the tears began as she sobbed, "I could have been a star! Oh, God, I could have been a star..."

This time the people were on their feet applauding and cheering Ali's performance. Again she bounced to her feet, blew kisses to the guests and returned to her seat. When she did, Ken, with his face still impassive, said, "The subject was loans, Ali."

"Kenneth Carlson, you're mean! You're just plain mean!" Then Ali suddenly sat down again, put her head on her arms and started to bawl.

Ken just grinned and started to applaud. Turning to the guests he asked, "Let's hear it for a great actress! Just think: she wasn't even rehearsed." Ali raised her head from the table, grinned at him and winked.

Turning back to the mike Ken said, "When I was talking about the dinners we had with the Collins, I mentioned that we hadn't had anyone over to dinner, and I was afraid of Kathy's response. Why is that? Because we have become so completely self-contained as a little family." Tears began to flow from his eyes as he continued, "What is Kathy to me? She is my whore, my buddy, my confidante, my playmate. If I need an opponent, she competes. If I need a partner, she supports. She is my life! What can I do? I said that my first year and a half in law school was disastrous. It's improved a great deal since. Why? Because when I come home depressed and down in the dumps, she picks me up."

Now he smiled and shook his head saying, "Listening to the bullshit I've been slinging — being beat up and abused — even I can't believe it. Did you see Kathy get mad? Hell, no! When I asked her to take off her clothes in public, did she even flinch, let alone refuse? Hell, no. You've heard about her myriad variety of kisses. There's so much more! You see, she knows in an instant how I'm feeling within a split second of my entering our home. Once, I came in feeling lower than a snake's belly. What did she do? She plumped up the cushions on my favorite chair, loosened my tie and sat me down. In an instant she went to the kitchen and returned with a beautiful martini and a plate of luscious appetizers. Then she strips off her clothes and just kneels on the floor beside me and begins to lightly caress my chest murmuring, 'Darling, I love you so much!' Almost in no time my troubles disappeared. Kathy knew this, too, and then climbed on my lap and just cuddled."

Ken looked out at the people and said, "I'm really glad, now, that you all know what Kathy really looks like. Can you imagine how a guy feels with this magnificent woman cuddled naked on his lap while she runs her fingers over his shoulders and chest, just crooning endearments? Can you imagine what it's like to have her look at me with a great wanting in her eyes and then brighten like the sun when I just lean over to kiss her? Can you!? God, I adore this woman! Damn it! She is my wife! That says it all."

Again ignoring everyone else, Kathy jumped from her chair and came into his arms. Their kiss was loaded with their love for each other. When she broke the kiss, she buried her head in his shoulder and whispered, "Kenneth Carlson, I adore you!"



-------

Chapter 25



When Kathy went back to her seat, Ken shook his head to clear it. Then he said, "I've done a lot of talking today, speaking on behalf of the men. However, I'm only one guy. I would like to see what they have to say for themselves." Looking at Charley Conrad, he said, "Following this afternoon's batting order, Charley, why don't you start?"

Charley just stood up and stood behind Ginger, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Ken, first I want to thank you for your comments and Kathy for providing the living illustration. There was one point you made I would like to elaborate on. You told how, at the picnic, all eyes were on Kathy while her eyes were on you. I know precisely what you mean, of course, but I think some of the guests might get the wrong impression. You see, Kathy isn't hanging on Ken like a clinging vine...

"Hell, let me just talk about Ginger. She and Kath are as alike peas in a pod, anyway." He looked around the room and his eyes seemed to be pleading for understanding. "These girls are as far from clinging vines as it's possible to be. They are almost like hunting consorts ... Free spirited, athletic..." Charley was searching for the right words. "I know! Look at the way they stand and walk. Their heads are up high, their backs are straight and their tits are thrusting out proudly, unencumbered by bras. You're right, Ken, and your metaphor is apt: They are golden panthers. That's really the way they move, with the same feline grace.

"I go into a room and I feel ten feet tall with Ginger by my side. Why? Because all eyes are on her, and her eyes are on me. She neither knows nor cares that she is the object of everyone's attention, any more than Kathy cared about revealing her gorgeous body to the guests. Why do I feel ten feet tall? Because Ginger Conrad is my wife and she loves me..."

With that Ginger jumped to her feet and into Charley's arms. Even though her face was buried in his shoulder, everyone could hear her, "Oh God, Charley, I adore you..." When she raised her head, everyone could see the electricity flow between them in an incredibly passionate kiss.

"Thanks, Charley," Ken said. "Jack Benson, what do you think?"

Rising to his feet, Jack said, "Amen! That's what I think. I would like to add two points, though. First, Ken, you referred to that den of iniquity known as the conference room. But I'll bet even you don't know everything that goes on there. For example, did you know that Kathy runs regular cooking classes? She does. It's the way Sandy learned to cook and why she is now so great. In honesty, though, she's not yet in Kathy's class, but she's trying. The second point is your characterization of Kathy as your everything. I sure know what that means! You see, Sandy has been taking courses and reading everything she can get her hands on regarding aviation. She doesn't know I know, but I found out from her instructor that she's taking flying lessons.

"Now why is a brilliant trial lawyer wasting her time like this? Because for Sandy, it's not a waste of time — it's vital! Why? Because she knows that aviation is an important part of my life and she's determined to learn more about it. Why? Well," Jack grinned, "I know you can identify with this: Every night after marvelous lovemaking, Sandy puts her head on my shoulder, molds her body to mine, and just snuggles. It's the time when we talk about things while we're waiting for sleep. If she can possibly help it, there will be nothing of importance to me that she can't talk about and help me think through."

Then he turned to where Jennifer was sitting and said, "Jen, I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for what you said about Sandy today. You got it exactly right! She is exactly like Ali. Like Ali, her beauty results from her goodness shining through. And you're right about another thing, too. She has done a hell of a job of keeping it a secret from herself." He reached out his hands to Sandy as he said, "God, I love this woman!" Sandy leaped from her chair into his arms and melted him with a kiss. When she eased away he pinched one of her tight little buns and whispered, "I haven't forgotten that 'blind' crack, woman! Wait until I get you home!" Sandy gave him a salacious grin and shivered with anticipation.

Now Ken turned to Steve Chapman and said, "Steve, Jennifer isn't really a member of this zoo, but would you like to say something anyway?"

"As a matter of fact, yes," Steve replied, standing up and moving behind Jennifer. Like Charley Conrad, he gently massaged Jen's neck, hearing soft moans of pleasure as he did. "First, I want to thank all the girls who put together the wardrobe Jen had when we went back to Chicago. After that promise she extorted from me, that was the only one of her schemes that could possibly have worked.

"Next, though," Steve continued, "I want to underscore some of the things you've been hearing today. For example, Ken, one evening Jen came back to the apartment in a state of shock. You see, that day she had been at the office and walked into the conference room. So far, there's nothing new. She found your wife, Kathy, and Judy Jeffries on the floor, nude — still nothing new. She saw what they were doing and almost became ill. Kathy was on her back with her legs spread almost straight out to both sides, opening her cunt as much as possible. Judy was on her knees, between her legs using a magnifying glass and tweezers to pull out Kathy's stray pubic hairs. Jen knows, first hand, how sensitive that area is, and how incredibly painful hair removal can be. Nevertheless, Judy was working to produce straight lines above Kathy's slit, and removing any hair that wasn't a part of her dense little bush.

"By the way, Ken, I saw something this morning I have never even heard of before: Kathy must have the world's only pubic hair with sun streaks in it. She is incredibly beautiful. But anyway, Jen reported that tears were pouring from Kathy's eyes from the agonizing pain, but she wasn't making a sound nor would she let Judy stop to let her rest. When the girls finished working on each other and put some pain-deadening ointment on their vaginal lips, they asked Jen to strip so they could get a close look at her bare mound. Incidentally, the only thing they could talk about was whether you and Mike would like them that way.

"The last point I want to make regards Jen's behavior. You see, she's taking Kathy's cooking class; Judy is coaching her in swimming; Sandy works out on weights with her and gives her tips on technique, while Joan works on her posture and bearing." Steve shook his head in disbelief and added, "You see, I thought Jen was perfect, but the girls look at her only as interesting raw material with a lot of room for improvement." Steve looked baffled as he finished by saying, "Ken, what are we going to do with these girls?"

Ken just shook his head and replied, "Steve, I'm damned if I know. But it's fun, isn't it?" Meanwhile, Jennifer had stood up and gone into Steve's arms. He was melting her with a kiss. Turning to Brian Clifford, Ken said, "Brian, your fiancée helped us a lot earlier in the afternoon. Do you have anything you would care to say?"

"Yes, sir, I do," Brian replied. He, too, stood behind his girl and put his hands on her shoulders. Karen writhed in pleasure as he worked on the muscles in her neck and shoulders. "Thank you, Mr. Carlson, for giving me a chance to speak." When Brian referred to "Mr. Carlson" the guests began to howl with laughter, while Brian appeared to be puzzled. When the laughter died down, he continued, "Why are you all laughing? My mom always taught me to be polite to old people."

Ken could no longer contain himself and began to howl with laughter, while Brian pretended to be increasingly puzzled. When order was restored, Brian shrugged and said with a grin, "I guess I'm my mother's son. She's a great actress, too."

While the people were laughing at the latest quip, Ali jumped from her chair, ran to Brian and kissed him solidly on the lips. Then she glared at Ken and said, "At least my son appreciates my acting ability!" She daintily stuck out her tongue and sat down again.

Brian said, "Thanks, Ken. Can I start again? I have two comments to make: First, about the girls. Karen and I have only been out here for a few days on our spring break. I can second what Steve Chapman said, though. The girls have taken Karen under their wing, too. Here I thought I had feminine perfection, but now Karen comes back to the hotel in tears! She's convinced that she's hopeless!

"We were thinking about various possibilities for things to do this summer, but now there's nothing more to talk about. Karen is coming out here as soon as she can to continue her training. You know what she said? She said, 'Brian, I have to! It's the only chance I have to be an even marginally acceptable wife for you.'" Brian shook his head and said, "These women settle for nothing less than perfection!"

Then he looked at Ali and shook his head. "Ken, you told us what Kathy said about the firm: Ginger is great with clients, Sandy is great with juries and Ali ... is Ali. What does that really mean? I certainly don't know for sure, but I can mention a few things. First, there is her goodness: Fred sure had that one right. It just shines through in her smile. But there's so much more. There's her love for my father. There's her selflessness. There's her sense of humor and her teasing.

"Most of all, though, I think it's a standard she sets, along with the encouragement she provides. She's just constantly encouraging the girls to do better. Since 'doing better' directly translates into more pleasure for themselves, it becomes mutually reinforcing. What does she do? She sets a standard for the other girls to strive for, and provides encouragement for them to reach it." Brian shrugged and added, "Ken, I'm just a kid, but isn't that what leadership is all about? Isn't that what Kathy really meant? Ali provides the leadership for the Firm."

When Brian sat down, Ken said, "Brian, I think you are absolutely right. That sure, as hell, is leadership! Then he turned to Mike Morris and said, "Mike, you and I are in similar positions. As far as I know, Ali never concentrated on Judy, either. Do you have anything you would like to say?"

Mike got to his feet and stood behind Judy's chair. When he did, she reached up and just gripped his hand tightly. He said, "Thanks, Ken. As a matter of fact, I do. First, Carlson, would you please stop your bleating about Maui? Look, you and I were in the same boat. You were Army Rangers and I was Marine Recon. Let's face it, no one cares about us — we're the cannon fodder. We don't have the glamour of the fly-boys, for instance. But let's be realistic. Think of the jungles with the snakes and bugs, loaded with guys out to kill you. Hell, you've taken Ranger patrols deep behind enemy lines."

Mike shook his head and continued. "Now, I'll admit that's not nearly as tough as Maui, but past some point does it really matter? By the way, you mentioned swimming. I didn't know what that was. I thought the only thing beaches were for was to storm across under heavy enemy fire. No one ever told me they were used for swimming!" At that, the guests exploded with laughter.

Ken took the opportunity to interject, "Okay, Mike, I'll admit I overlooked the jungle combat. But hell," he added plaintively, "in the jungle the enemy doesn't get in bed with you!" Mike broke up with laughter at Ken's crack.

He shook his head and said, "There's one more thing, Captain Carlson." With that Mike stiffened to attention, faced Ken and gave him a meticulous salute. Ken was shocked, but from force of habit, he as meticulously returned it. Mike relaxed and resumed his position behind Judy. Again, she held his hand. "By way of explanation, folks, that was a most meager tribute to a real hero. You see, I've known Ken Carlson for six months now and we've gotten to be good friends. I realize that I could know him for thirty years and never hear of his medals. You see, Kathy mentioned the DSC — the Distinguished Service Cross. That is the award for heroism that ranks right below the Medal of Honor. It is awarded for conspicuous gallantry in action with the enemy while acting with complete disregard for one's own life and safety. That's what Ken Carlson did for his country, and I think it deserves some applause." Everyone rose to his feet and applauded wildly.

Meantime, Ken was blushing red as a beet. Then Kathy took him in her arms and burned him with another kiss, then said, "Darling, it's about time more people knew of my hero!"

When the people were again seated, Mike continued. "I would also like to tell you how I wooed and won the hand of Miss Jeffries here. It was an impressive campaign. You see, I was stationed down at Camp Pendleton with my reconnaissance battalion. Mike looked around and then shook his head in dismay. "You know, I think the reason we are such tigers against the enemy is because we're such wimps with women. But what the hell, there's always girl-watching, right? They can't shoot you for that.

"Anyway, there's a nice motel near the base with a great lounge and a good band playing weekends. My buddies and I used to go over, have a few beers, watch the girls and eat our hearts out. Talk to one? You've got to be kidding!

"One Friday night late last fall, I'm standing at the bar. Then this golden apparition starts making her way through the crowd in my direction, refusing overtures from I can't tell you how many guys along the way. She comes right up to me, smiles this incredible smile and says, 'My name is Judy. Will you dance with me?' I'm a tough Marine, so I didn't even collapse on the floor — but I was much too scared to run. I don't think I even had the ability to say yes. Anyway, she leads me out on the floor and comes into my arms. Even though I can't dance, somehow this apparition was making me do it. She was like a feather on her feet and a dream in my arms. When the music stopped, she lifts her chin and asks, 'Please kiss me, Mike?' I do, and it's all over. My God! My ears are ringing with bells, and there's a charge of electricity that must have been 100,000 volts! When we separate, she looks at me with the most incredible expression of love on her face and asks, 'Mike, do you need to pick up anything at the BOQ?' I'm stunned. I don't know what to say.

"Judy just said sweetly, 'I didn't think they allowed women in the BOQ. And besides, the beds are narrow. I have a wonderful bed here at the hotel, and there's room service... ' Anyway, we go up to her room and she takes off her clothes. It was exactly like what you saw Kathy do today. She even stood there the same way, with her head up straight and her golden body fully revealed. She had a tremulous smile on her face while she just stood there. I held out my arms and with a little yelp, she dove into my lap."

Mike shook his head while he remembered the scene. "It was only eight o'clock. We didn't leave the room until Sunday evening. My life was saved by room service. In the course of our love making, I learned a lot about Ali's golden girls. For example, the tremulous smile: She didn't think she was nearly good enough for me, because she had so far to go to look the way she felt she should. Can you believe it? But, she went on to say, she was a one-man woman and when she saw me, she thought I was the guy. She told me she screwed up every ounce of courage she possessed to come over and introduce herself. She claimed her knees were knocking with fear, and she wasn't sure she would even be able to talk. Then, after the dance, when I kissed her she was sure, so that was that."

Looking around the room, Mike said, "I hope you appreciated the tactical beauty of my campaign to win Judy? I'm sure Ken and the other military guys here all do. How did I conduct it? I raised both hands and surrendered!"

When the laughter died down, Mike continued, "A few minutes ago Steve told us what Jen had seen in the conference room, with Kathy and Judy plucking each other's pubic hair. I remember that day very well. You see, that night we were both naked in bed and I touched her crotch. She screamed with pain and then launched herself at me, wrapped her arms around my neck and cried like her heart would break. I was scared! I didn't know what I had done to her. Then, I hear what she is saying while she's crying her eyes out.

"She says, 'Mike, I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!' I cradled her in my arms, stroked her hair, kissed her and finally got her quieted down. Finally I ask her, 'Forgive you for what? What did you do?' Her reply? 'For screaming, Mike. It didn't really hurt that much... ' Then she told me what she and Kathy had been doing and insisted that I look at her carefully to see if I liked it. What did I see? Golden skin with a wonderfully neat thick patch of pubic hair that's been bleached nearly white by the sun, above her lovely pink vaginal lips. Finally I assured her that it looked lovely.

"But there's a lesson here for the men — an incredibly humbling one. You see, the labia are incredibly sensitive, so the pain was excruciating. For what? To possibly make herself a tiny bit more attractive to me. The amount of pain she suffered to give me a tiny bit of pleasure is irrelevant." There were tears in his eyes as he added, "That's true of all of Ali's girls, too.

"This brings me to another point Ken made: the Association and our workouts. Ken's really full of shit, you know. Yes, we work out, but it's not to get away from the girls, but it's certainly because of them. Why? Because of things like the pubic hair episode. Ali's girls are always working on themselves like a jeweler polishing another facet on a diamond. We can't see the difference, but they claim to be able to. The object? To be as perfect in our eyes as they possibly can be."

Mike looked around the room and shook his head. "I can't tell you what a humbling thought that is. So we feel we have to work out, too. Incidentally, Marine officers' uniforms are very tightly tailored. The standard practice is when you go off active duty, the uniform needs to be re-tailored to accommodate smaller shoulders and a larger waist. Well, I just had my uniform refitted because I'm still in the reserves. It was refitted for larger shoulders and a smaller waist. We will never be in their class in a million years, of course, but we have to work to keep from falling too far behind. And you know what? You've heard it before, but I'll say it again. They do it for their men. We're the only people who count."

Turning to Ali, Mike said, "Ali, in spite of what Carlson says, I think you're a great actress. I mean it, too. I'm not teasing. Your performance this afternoon was truly spectacular. You know, living at the BOQ, every once in a while at any time of the day or night, there would be a shout, 'She's on!' Guys would run down the halls beating on doors and getting the other guys up. We would get up in the middle of the night to watch an Ali McGrath movie. You know, I think your producers had it right. Although you have incredible acting ability, they knew that the sure-fire formula was to let Ali play Ali! Imagine, whether you did your own stunts in the film or not, it's now clear that you could have done them better than whoever they used. Ali, you are just great and I wanted you to know that the U.S. Marines love you!"

Ali jumped out of her chair and, with her bridal gown streaming behind her, ran around to where Mike was standing. She threw herself into his arms and kissed him solidly. Then she said, with tears streaming from her eyes, "Thank you so much, Mike. It's been such a very long time!"

Mike just shook his head and said, "Ali, I'll just underscore what others have already said: You're younger today than when you made those films — and far more beautiful!" Ali just shook her head and returned to her seat.

Mike returned to his position behind Judy, "To finish, I would like to go back to the Maui experience Ken mentioned." He looked at Ken and asked, "Ken, do you remember checking in at the hotel on Wednesday night?" Ken shook his head and looked puzzled. Mike continued, "I sure do! There were a lot of people in the lobby when we checked in. All the eyes were on these magnificent golden girls who had just walked in the door. Did the girls notice? Hell, no! They were focused on us. God, I felt like a million dollars. Eat your hearts out guys! She's mine."

Judy jumped from her chair into his arms. After burning him with a kiss she said, "Thank you, darling! At least you got that one thing right."

Ken looked around the room and picked out Bill, Junior. He asked, "Bill, is there anything you would like to say to your mother, father, and their guests?"

"Thank you, Ken, and the answer is yes." Bill said, standing behind Joan. Then with a grin he added, "And thank you for acting as master of ceremonies. I think we've learned a lot about my mother and her effect on a number of wonderful people. However, I want to talk about the effect she has had on me.

"First, I am now here in LA finishing my last six weeks before I go back to Boston to receive my degree. Then it's going to be back here for graduate training. Anyway, the rotation I am in is Emergency Medicine. We try to put back the pieces after the accidents and injuries. It was an easy sell because there is a truly outstanding program run out at the hospital here.

"We've heard a great deal about the beauty these girls share, but there is another element that has been touched on that I want to feature: their incredible sensitivity. Last week there was a major accident and the victims were brought to our hospital. I was treating one guy — we were all pitching in because there were so many — when he died under my hands. I was late getting back to the apartment that night and was feeling so badly I was seriously thinking of giving up medicine.

"I open the door and Joan is standing there. She just takes one look, leads me to my favorite chair, and sits me down. Then she disappears for a moment and comes back with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Putting the drinks on the table, she unties my tie, unbuttons my shirt and pulls it off. Then she strips in an instant — we've already seen how fast they are — and climbs on my lap. Joan just rubbed her magnificent body over mine while she's kissing me and running her fingers all over me. While this is going on, she's whispering, 'Darling, you did the best you could! They were really messed up — it was impossible to save them all. Please relax, darling. I love you so much.' Then she started working on my neck with her fingers while she's kissing me and warming my body with her own. I guess I must have fallen asleep. The next thing I know I feel her glorious lips on mine and open my eyes. She has covered me with a blanket to keep me warm while she prepares a gourmet feast which we eat while I am staring at her gorgeous tits across the table. Do you know what? I felt like a million bucks — half a million, anyway. She made all the pain go away."

He took Joan's hand in his and she rose from her chair into his arms. The two young people just merged in an electrifying kiss. When Bill released her, he kept his arm around her and said, "There's one thing that's really been bothering me, though. I know what Mom does in a lot of these situations, but how in hell does she teach mental telepathy?"

"Thank you very much, Bill," Ken replied. "As far as I'm concerned, I don't have the first clue, but the girls sure are telepathic, aren't they? I have one idea, though. Maybe it's because Kathy concentrates so much on me, and the other girls on their respective guys, that they get inside our heads. They know what we're thinking while we're thinking it. But you're the doctor. What do you think?"

Bill grinned, looked thoughtful for a moment, nodded his head and said, "Makes sense to me!"

Finally Ken turned to Chip Cartwright. "Chip, we heard from your bride-to-be. Is there anything you want to add?"

Like the others, Chip rose and stood behind Connie's chair and said, "As a matter of fact, yes. First, this has been the most thrilling day of my life! You see, I was all set emotionally to be a career bachelor. Why? Because I became convinced that God had stopped making the kind of girl I was looking for. You see, I wanted a girl who was smart and educated, but at the same time a girl who could love me. I had come to the conclusion that the qualifications I was looking for were mutually exclusive. The bright, well-educated ones I met were universally greedy and self-centered. Because I have a little money, I guess I wasted a lot of time with a lot of women finding out the same thing over and over.

"Then I met Constance. I utterly adored the girl and proposed marriage after knowing her for less than twenty-four hours. Why? Because I had been around the track often enough to know that there couldn't possibly be another one like her, and I wasn't going to let her get away."

Then with a wonderfully warm smile, Chip continued, "That brings us to today. What did I learn? My God! I was utterly stunned and overjoyed. You see, what I really wanted was a wife who wanted to raise a family, but, in view of the other problems I thought that was utterly out of the question."

He took Connie by the hand and took her into his arms as he continued, "Darling, I have never heard anything so beautiful in my life as your description of conception, pregnancy and birth. My darling, I can't wait to see your magnificent tits fill with luscious milk to feed our child!" With a warm smile he asked, "Do you suppose there might be enough for my coffee, too?"

Connie kissed him warmly and just hugged him tight. Then with her eyes bright she replied, "It will be taking the food from our baby's mouth, but for my husband: anything!" The two sat down to the applause of the guests.

Ken looked around and said, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I certainly learned a lot today. But folks, what is the message in all of this? It's simple, really. Remember all the other stories you heard today. In each case Ali focused her attention on a girl, and you heard what happened. With us, it's not true. Ali never focused on Kathy. Kathy just soaked it up through osmosis or something.

"You see, this woman, Allison McGrath Clifford, has so much goodness that it's in the air the girls breathe in that office. You heard Mike Morris tell what happens because Judy breathes it, too." With that, Ken turned to Ali and asked, "Allison Clifford, I have two requests: First, may Kathy and I name our first girl, Allison, after you? And second, Ali, will you give me a kiss? Please?"

Jumping to her feet, Ali ran to his arms. "Ken, nothing would thrill me more! I'm honored. I really am. But why? Why me?" With that Ali lifted her head and Ken kissed her full on the mouth.

When they parted he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "Because we love you, Ali. Because you were Kathy's inspiration ... You didn't show her how to do things, but she learned what to do." Ken turned to Kathy who was standing by his side.

When he released Ali, Kathy took her in her arms with tears flowing down her cheeks and said, "Ali, I couldn't thank you enough in a million years! You made everything happen that you heard Ken talk about ... All of it! You showed me the heaven that could exist in a man's arms. I had the man, but was ruining everything until I met you. Darling Ali, I love you!"

In the meantime, Ken extended his hand to Bill Clifford, and said, "Bill, I won't say I envy you — I have Kathy who is my dream. I will say, though, that you are a very lucky man to have the love of the world's most extraordinary woman, Allison Clifford. And Bill? It couldn't happen to a nicer guy! Congratulations!"

Bill gave Ken a hug, then took Kathy in his arms and kissed her. He whispered, "Kathy, you really have a wonderful guy! And you're such a handsome couple ... You know, there's that trite phrase, 'made for each other?' Honey, with you and Ken it's not trite, it's the truth."

Finally, Kathy came into Ken's arms. As she did, she reflected on how natural it felt. It was where she belonged and where she always wanted to be. Then she tilted her head to look up at Ken as his lips came down on hers. Their kiss embodied all of their massive love for each other as their bodies molded together. When they parted, he looked into her eyes and asked, "Darling, what did you think of the day?"

"All I can think of is what Connie said ... about making babies? Darling, could we? Could I just pitch my pills?" Then, with her eyes gleaming, she added, "Just think, Ken, except for going down on you, I'll have to live without you inside of me for the last few weeks. And, darling, you know that, try as I might, I can't drain you with my mouth. It could even give you a couple of weeks of that rest you've been begging for all day. Interested?"

Ken pulled her close and whispered, "Darling Kathy, I love you so much..."



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Chapter 26



When Kathy and Ken rejoined their table, there were congratulations extended all around. Sandy pretended to pout when Jack Benson shook Ken's hand heartily saying, "Ken, that was great! You said what had to be said." Then his face fell as he added with a wink, "It doesn't change anything of course, but it did need to be said."

Mike Morris also congratulated him while Judy Jeffries pretended to glare. When Mike sat down, Judy said, "Kenneth Carlson, that's the last time I defend you to Kathy. The next time we're on the beach in Maui and Kathy says you're getting a little scrawny downstairs, I'll agree with her! You have one hell of a nerve!" Like Kathy, when Judy had started at the Firm she had been distinctly plump and soft, but with a vivid smile. The smile was still there, but she was now as firm, muscular, and lithe as everyone else.

It was now time for Billy Clifford to offer the best man's toast. He rose, went to the microphone, and tapped on a glass for attention. The guests were all still talking about Ken's speech and the men's comments, but they quickly quieted down. Billy lifted his glass and said, "Would you all please rise and join me in a toast to the bride and groom?" In moments, everyone was standing. Ken noticed that Kathy backed into him so that her body was in contact with his.

"Dad," Billy began, "one year ago today, you met a woman you had come to know from her films. As a tax deal, you married her. It was undoubtedly the smartest move you ever made!

"Allison McGrath Clifford ... Mom! I can't tell you the impact you have had in only twelve months on all the people in this room. We have heard some very remarkable people talk about you today. The most memorable points to me? Fred Clark: 'It's just your goodness shining through!' Mom, he's right, you know. Then Karen: 'She's not a woman, she's an angel. And she is keeping her consort young!'

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I offer a toast: To Allison McGrath Clifford and William Harrison Clifford: two of the finest people God has ever put on this earth, merged together to become an incredible force for goodness! Mom and Dad, may you continue to enjoy all of God's blessings for the rest of very long lives!" With murmurs of 'Amen, ' the toast was drunk.

When the guests were again seated, Billy again tapped on his glass. When he had the room's attention, he said, "There is one additional comment I would like to make. It doesn't fit into a toast, so I'm doing it this way. It plays off points made by Karen Gaudli and by Ken Carlson: the aging process. As I'm sure you all know, I am an almost-physician. As a joke, a couple of weeks ago I gave my parents physical exams. Dad thought it was for the upcoming wedding today. Ali didn't have a clue what it was for, but you heard it said today: A friend never needs a reason for Ali; if its possible for her to do, she'll do it. To digress for a moment, there is another comment that's appropriate here. You see, in her scale of priorities, at the top, in a class by himself, is my father. Following him are the members of her family, followed by her friends, like Kathy and Ken Carlson. Ali herself isn't even on the list ... Nowhere. She just doesn't count.

"You know something else? That's an attitude that spreads to all of Ali's girls. You heard it over and over today, and saw it demonstrated by Kathy Carlson. Ken asked her to strip, so she did. You know what? If she were outside on the street in the middle of rush hour and he asked her, she would have done the same thing. That's Ali, too.

"But back to the physical. I was just having fun, but I was going to really give them both a workout. I ran them through every test medical science has yet conceived. The results? Let me make it short. I ran the results of the tests through age-rated tables. Know what happened? For Dad, his physical performance is in the top 1 percent ... for thirty-two-year-olds, and in the top 5 percent for twenty-six-year-olds. Ali? You can't find her numbers at all until you get to age twenty-three, and she's in the top 5 percent for ... an eighteen-year-old girl! Can you believe it? Honest, it's true.

"Mom, I'm sorry, but Karen Gaudli is right: you are an angel and you are keeping your consort young." Then, with a big grin he asked, "Mom, promise to take care of Joan and me when we're old and gray?" The whole room cracked up with laughter.

They were about to move to the cutting of the cake when Ali stood up. "Bill, since it's my wedding and all I have been getting is alternatively a ration of you-know-what, intermixed with gallons of tears, may I please say something?"

Billy was startled, but quickly recovered. "Well, Mom, it's irregular ... But what the hell, this has been a very irregular wedding reception, anyway!" He grinned and said, "Talk away!"

Ali didn't go to the microphone but just stood at her place. She looked around the room and tears came to her eyes. This time, the guests were certain they were real; this was no act. "One year ago today I came to this hotel. I guess it was a year and a few hours ago. I was coming to try out for a part. You see, there was a testimonial earlier to Sandy Harris for saving my life — and she sure as hell did. However, had things worked out differently, there would have been no life to be saved. You see, when I came to the hotel that morning, I was dying." She stopped as she heard the gasps from the guests.

"I'm not exaggerating. You see, I was literally starving to death that morning. In fact, I guess I spent all the time between meeting Bill Clifford for the first time and then marrying him, eating. He saved my life, and gave me the part. It was the most challenging rôle I have ever played. I'll say something to you now that I have never said to a living soul: I almost gave up. You see, after we were married, beginning the first night, we slept together — but we didn't have sex. A little earlier in one of my little acts, I was joking about it. Believe me when I tell you that a year ago, it was no joke.

"What did I do? I did everything I could conceive of to make myself attractive enough to Bill Clifford so he would take me. I almost gave up. Then, following Ginger's wedding, we went out to Maui and Bill took me! It was like nothing I had ever even dreamed! I was in heaven. Right there I resolved to make myself as attractive to him as I possibly could be so he wouldn't lose interest. It was purely self-preservation, you see.

"Later, in the event described so poignantly by Jennifer and others, I came to realize that Bill Clifford really loves me! I am honored above all women as the recipient of his love. I am humbled." Ali paused and looked around the room, then shook her head and said, "Fred Clark was both too kind and inaccurate in what he said. You see, it's not my goodness you see. It's me trying to reflect the goodness that is Bill Clifford, the most wonderful man God has ever created. Since then, I have worked with the girls to try to get them to understand what a marvelous thing married love can be.

"I was both flattered and humbled by many of the things said today. I want to single out only one additional person: Kathy Carlson. I have never been so flattered in my life as when I heard it said that she was just trying to emulate me. She is truly a paragon: Brilliant: Do you realize she would be one of the top lawyers in the state if there weren't for the dumb rule that you can't take the bar exam without having gone to law school? It's true. Beautiful: You all saw that for yourselves. Passionate: Discount what Ken was trying to sell about 75 percent, but that's still one hell of a lot." Turning to Kathy she said, "Darling, all I can possibly say to you is thank you for being who you are and for all that you have done for me and for the Firm."

Then Ali lifted her head and raised her champagne glass and said, "Now please join me in a toast to the man who literally saved my life and then gave me a level of happiness beyond even the fairy tales. To the finest husband in all the world, William Harrison Clifford!" There were cheers from the guests, and Ali gulped her drink, just having enough time to drop her glass before Bill swept her off her feet.

"My darling," he whispered, "Ali, you are the love of my life ... That's wrong! Ali, you are my life!"

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The final element of the reception, following the cutting of the cake, was the bride throwing her bouquet to the women and her garter to the men. As the time approached, Barbara whispered in her ear and Ali nodded and began to giggle. When it was time for the bouquet, Ali stood with a bouquet in her hand and shook her head sadly. "Girls, I have bad news for you. You see, the girl who catches the bouquet is supposed to be the first one to marry. This creates a couple of problems. First, Bill and I — strictly in the interests of economy, of course — are planning a multiple wedding, so no one would be first. Second, we were quite taken with Ken's metaphor of golden panthers. I really think he's pretty accurate. Since the last thing we want is a major-league cat fight, we had to do something else."

Turning her head she called, "Carmelita, Consuela?" The two girls looked both beautiful and proud as they came into the room, each carrying a flower basket with duplicate bridal bouquets. Debbie was so proud of her young sisters as they visited each of the girls in turn. The girl would make a deep curtsy and then proudly present a bridal bouquet. The recipients were Sandy, Jennifer, Joan, Connie, and Judy.

When Consuela presented the last bouquet in her basket to Judy Jeffries, Judy took the girl in her arms and gave her a big kiss. The young girl blushed with embarrassment, but then asked, "Miss Jeffries, may I kiss you again? Please? Your lips are so sweet, and they are so luscious. May I have another?"

"My God, yes!" Judy exclaimed, taking the girl back in her arms and kissing her softly full on the lips. When the girl withdrew with stars in her eyes, Judy pretended to glare at Mike and said, "None of your shit, Michael Morris! I am now certified as having very kissable lips."

Mike just winked and asked, "May I try, too?" Judy just melted into his arms.

The process was then repeated with the garter. Again the girls presented duplicate garters to the men. When they finished their young heads were spinning from the kisses the men had given them in return.

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That night Ali and Bill were in their bed. They were planning to leave for Maui the next day. It was very similar to the first night they had spent together a year earlier, except Bill came out from the bathroom nude. At the side of the bed he just stood and looked down at Ali. She licked her lips hungrily and whispered, "Darling, I think they may be right. You look much younger than you did last year." Then her face fell and her lower lip began to tremble. Tears appeared at the corners of her eyes as she whispered, "Bill ... Bill ... Could you try ... Could you..." Then with tears beginning to flow she said tremulously, "Please be gentle..."

Bill pantomimed a silent-films villain, pretending to curl his nonexistent mustache, and said, "No! Little girl, the time has come to make you a woman!"

Ali threw back the covers, revealing her golden nude body to welcome Bill, but still maintained her rôle. In spite of her lascivious grin, she softly cried in a little-girl voice, "But sir! My virtue..."


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The End
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Posted:  2001-08-24
Last Modified: 2012-04-14 / 02:29:43 pm
Version: 1.20
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