“And now for the weather. Let’s go over to a Chief Forecaster, Winter Gardens. It’s cold out there.” The perky blonde newswoman said.
“Thank you, Mandy. Yes, it is cold out there. And it’s gonna be colder for tonight. Let’s look at the weather map….”
Susan Thompson flipped off the television. It was New Year’s Eve in Chicago cold weather was the standard. As she reached for the telephone to call her old college friend Monica Duncan, the door bell rang. Susan put the phone back into its cradle.
“Mrs. Thompson?” The messenger asked when Susan opened the door.
“Yes.”
“Special delivery.” The young man held out a large square box. “Please sign here.”
Susan took the box and sat it on the small oak table in her foyer. “It’s a bit cold to be out delivering packages isn’t it?”
“Yes, ma’am.” The man responded.
Susan handed him back the clipboard and reached into the pocket of her jeans to hand him a tip.
“It’s already been taken care of.” The man waved and retreated back to his van.
“Happy New Year.” Susan called.
She closed the door wondering what was in the mysterious package. She retrieved it from the table and carried it into the den. The box was wrapped in plain brown wrapping paper. The words “special delivery” were stamped all around the box however there was no return address. The only address was hers.
“This should be interesting.” She said to herself as she peeled away the wrapping letting it fall to the floor at her feet. The box beneath the wrapping was white and in the lower right corner, the words Mims Evening Wear were printed. “Hmmm” Susan said as she read the words.
With little effort Susan removed the top off the box and found a pillow of neatly folded white wrapping paper. She pushed it aside and stopped.
“Oh my.” She said quietly as she lifted the shiny purple material from its nest. “It’s beautiful.”
Moving toward a mirror hanging on the wall, she held the long sequined covered dress of deep purple against her body. It appeared to be a perfect fit. As she moved from side to side in front of the mirror she caught a glimpse of an envelope tucked in the box behind her. Carefully laying the dress down across a nearby chair, Susan retrieved the note. A smile crossed her face when she read the hand written message..
My dearest wife of almost twenty years, whom I have cherished since the day I met you. I give you this dress that I’ve personally selected. Although this dress pales next to your beauty, it would please me if you wore this token of my affection as you accompany me to tonight’s party. All my Love, Robert
Susan chucked as his flamboyant attempt at poetry. Still, she pressed the noted against her heart. Their relationship had certainly taken a turn for the better since the whole Debra issue had been resolved. They had each agreed to give up two of their social activities in order to spend more time with each other. So far, they had managed to spend at least one evening together each week.
Susan picked up the purple dress and held it against her as she twirled about the living room. They were going to the country club with friends. Robert had promised her dancing on New Year’s Eve and by the looks of this dress he intended to live up to his promise. As she headed upstairs to try on the dress, her doorbell rang.
Once again she went to the door. Another deliveryman stood in the cold with a box addressed to her. He presented her with a clipboard and a smaller box. She signed for the package and again reached for a tip.
“No thank you ma’am, it’s already been taken care of.” The man climbed back in his truck and was gone.
Susan carried the smaller box into the den. It too contained the words “special delivery” and just like the first box it did not have a return address.
Quickly she pulled off the paper and inspected the box. “Carmen’s House of shoes.” Inside the box, Susan found deep purple sequined shoes. They were an identical match to her dress. There was also another note.
My wonderful loving wife, I count the hours until we are together. Being away from you is sheer torture. Please accept these shoes. They are a gift from my heart. I trust that these shoes will keep your feet will be as warm as you have always made my heart. You hold my heart, Robert.
Susan covered her face with her hands and snickered. He was really over the top now. Rising from the couch, she took her shoes and dress and headed up stairs. Before she reached the third step, her doorbell rang.
She went to the door and again found another deliveryman. He presented her with another box much smaller than the others.
“Happy New Year.” He said as he returned to his truck without waiting for a tip.
“I guess he’s already been taken care of.” Susan muttered.
Standing in the foyer, Susan look at the smaller package. Except for the size, it was almost identical to the others. She removed the wrapping noticing that this box didn’t have a store name. Flipping the lid off, she pulled back the white paper.
“Oh my God, he didn’t!” She exhaled. “Oh my God.”
Laughing, Susan lifted out the deep purple bra and the matching panty. “Oh my, I’m married to a dirty old man.”
The deep purple bra had a swirl pattern of swirled gold. The front clasp was covered in gold sequins. Susan laughed lightly as she thought it might glow in the dark like a homing beacon. The only word to describe the panties was scant. They too were deep purple with swirls of gold. As with the other packages, Susan found a note.
My lover, I adore your body. Your soft skin beckons my touch and I give it freely. Please my darling; would you do me the honor of wearing these undergarments that I have carefully selected for you? I’m am sure they will compliment your natural assets just as you will compliment me by being by my side this evening. I am loving you, Robert.
“Oh brother!” Susan laughed. She lifted the panties again wondering how he had arranged all this. Her peace was short lived as she heard yet another knock on the door.
This time instead of a deliveryman, Susan found a short balding man wearing an expensive suit.
“Yes?”
“Mrs. Susan Thompson?” The man asked slowly.
“Yes. I’m Susan Thompson.”
“I have a delivery for you. May I come in?”
Susan moved aside and allowed the man to enter.
“Mrs. Thompson, I’m Dudley Milton from Milton’s Jewels, Perhaps you’ve heard of us?”
Susan thought for a moment. “Are you near Oakbrooke”?
“Yes, that would be us. Mrs. Thompson, would it be permissible to have a seat?”
“Forgive me, Mr. Milton. Right this way.”
Susan led Milton into the living area. To her surprise, Milton guided her to a seat.
“Mrs. Thompson, I was asked to deliver this to you.” Milton removed a rectangular box from his brief case.
Susan eyes the black felt box carefully.
“I hope this is to your liking.” Milton said as he opened the box turning it around so that Susan could view its contents.
“Oh, it’s beautiful.” Susan whispered as she eyed the necklace.
“Allow me to place it around your neck. I have instructions to take it back if you are not completely satisfied.” Milton moved behind Susan drawing the diamond-covered circle around her neck.
He handed her a mirror and stood quietly.
Susan was speechless. The necklace was made of sparkling white diamonds. They were breathtaking as they lay against her black turtleneck.
Milton cleared his throat. “Are the suitable?”
Susan whispered, “Oh, yes.”
“Then I shall return to the store. Before I go, I must give you this.” Milton said as he pulled a note from his jacket pocket.
Silently, Susan took the note and escorted Milton to the door. When he was gone, She opened the note.
Susan, my Susie, no stone, no matter how brightly it’s color, could shine brighter than you. I’ve realized that these past few weeks have been more special than I could ever express in words. I love you, the mother of my children, more than life. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you. Please accept these stones as a token of our love. May our love endure. You are my precious diamond. Robert.
“Oh, Robert. You’ve really out done yourself.” Susan gathered her gifts and headed upstairs.
After several hours of preparation, Susan stood ready for the evening. The deep purple dress with its straight skirt and its sweetheart neckline clung to her trim figure. It wasn’t until she had actually put the dress on that she noticed the long slit that ran from ankle to mid thigh of her right leg. It was a bit racy but she loved it. To complement her ensemble, she chose stockings that were held in place by lace covered elastic. As she reached for the necklace, she heard the front door open and close.
“Susie?” Robert called.
Susan eased out of the bedroom and stood at the top of the steps. “Hiya Big Boy!” She said as she watch him take in her appearance.
“Sus..” Robert could only stare. She was ravishing.
“I guess you like what you see.” She slowly ascended down the stairs like some B movie actress in an old black and white film.
“You…you are stunning…” His voice sounded hoarse and rough. She could tell his mouth had gone dry.
Without saying a word, she moved into his arms and rewarded his thoughtfulness with a searing kiss. Pressing against him, she felt his arousal. Her hands slid down to stroke him through his pants.
“Hmmm.” Robert hummed against her lips.
Her lips moved from his to nibble on his ear. “Oh Robbie, I want you.” She whispered.
“Oh yes!” Robert reached for the zipper on her dress.
RING
RING
“Don’t answer it.” Susan said, her voice heavy with arousal.
Robert pulled the zipper.
RING
RING
“Ignore it.” She said when he pulled back slightly.
Robert leaned down to devour her neck. Something he could never resist when she wore her hair up.
RING
RING
“Damn it!” Robert said as he stopped. “Come with me.” He continued kissing her as he moved them closer to the phone.
“What?” He said angrily into the speaker.
“Oh, Lisa.” Robert let go of his wife. “I’m so sorry. I thought it was a salesman. Yes, I think some might be working on New Year’s Eve. Pardon? Oh Susan, she’s here. Let me get her for you.”
Robert took a deep breath. “It’s your mother.” He said regretfully.
Susan reached up and touched his cheek. She knew for him the moment had passed as soon as he heard Lisa’s voice. He headed upstairs with slow heavy steps.
Half an hour later, Robert came back downstairs to find his wife still on the phone with her mother. He was dressed for the evening in his double breast black tuxedo. The tie to his tux draped carelessly around his neck. In his right hand, he carried Susan’s new necklace. Robert stopped at the last step and waited.
“Well, no Mother, I don’t think…” Susan stopped talking. A small smile creep across her face as she took in the sight before her. Starting at his toes, her eyes moved up his body. When she reached his face, he was wearing a rather smug smile. She obviously approved of the way he looked.
“Turn around.” He said softly holding out her necklace.
She did as she was told still holding the telephone to her ear but saying nothing to her mother. Robert eased up behind her placing his lips on his special spot below her ear. He felt goose bumps form on her skin as he kissed her. Quietly so that only she could hear, he whispered, “Oh Lisa, I’m kissing your daughter, better call Randy.”
Susan fought to suppress a chuckle.
He brought his free hand up and gently cupped her breast. “Oh Lisa, I’m touching your daughter in a place I’m sure Randy hasn’t touched you in awhile.”
Susan laughed out loud.
“Oh Mother!” She said suddenly. “I wasn’t laughing at you.” Susan pulled Robert’s hand away looking back over her shoulder to meet his eyes. “Robert’s just watching something funny on TV. No, of course, I’m paying attention to what you were saying.”
Robert rolled his eyes. He fasten Susan necklace around her throat resisting the urge to devour her beautiful neck. As he passed her on the way to get their coats he caught her eye and pointed to his watch.
“Mother, I’m am sorry to hear about poor Mrs. Dawson’s collie but Robert and I are expected at the club and I must be going.”
Robert held out Susan coat as she slipped into it.
“Yes, I will call you tomorrow. The girls? They’re beside you? Yes, I’ll talk to them.”
Susan reached behind her for Robert’s arm pulling it around her waist to draw him near.
“Hi Helena! Having a good time at Grandma’s?” Susan held the away from her ear so Robert could hear.
“Mom! We are having a fantastic time! Can I talk to Daddy?”
“He’s right here.” Susan smiled indulgently when it came to Helena she always wanted her Daddy.
“Hi Cupcake. You did? Colt or Filly? A filly? Well, that’s wonderful Cake. Did Old Dr. Leggett let you help? He did! That’s great! Where’s Missy?”
Robert put his hand over the phone, “Henry’s horse had her pony last night. Helena helped with the delivery.” Robert was beaming with pride. Helena had decided three semesters ago that she wanted to follow her father’s footsteps into medicine. It had been no great surprise since she spent most of her childhood at his elbow watching and learning.
Susan had been watching Robert’s face. Anytime, he talked with Helena about medicine they both glowed.
“Missy!” Robert said cheerfully then paused. “What’s wrong beanie?”
Susan waited.
“Oh Beanie, You know you aren’t allowed to drive here either.” Robert shook his head and rolled his eyes.
“Beanie, Mom and I are late. Can we talk about this tomorrow? We are going to the club, Honey. Yes, Yes. I’ll call you tomorrow. Do you want to talk to Mom?”
Susan had moved away from Robert to check her hair and was standing in front of the mirror. She turned toward Robert.
“Okay. I’ll tell her.” Robert’s tone softened. “Happy New Year to you too, Missy. I love you too. Okay, sweetie, bye.” Robert slowly hung up the phone.
“You miss them, don’t you?” Susan said as she returned to his side.
Robert chuckled, “I do miss my girls.
“What was all that with Missy?” Susan kissed him quickly before heading toward the door.
“Her beloved Grandfather has forbidden her to drive the Cadillac into town for the evening. Best decision the old fart’s made all year.”
Susan smiled.
Between the traffic and the weather, it took them an hour to get to the club. Robert checked their coats at the door. He noticed the young attendant admiring Susan’s back as she walked passed. On instinct, he placed his hand in the small of her back. Susan had often referred to this gesture as an unspoken male code. It all but screamed this woman is already taken so keep your eyes and your hands to yourself. Robert hoped the young man got his message as he ushered his wife into the ballroom.
They were met at the door by their friends, Ron and Katherine Freestone and Charlie and Monica Duncan.
Ron directed the group to a candle and confetti covered table. In the middle was a extra large name card bearing their names. As the men moved to the bar for drinks, the women sat down side by side.
“Susan, I love that dress!” Monica Duncan, wife of the Dean of the Medical school, was wearing her standard black New Year’s Eve dress. It was the one she’d worn for the last three years straight. Susan and Katherine had tried for months to talk her into getting a new dress but Monica insisted she preferred this one. Unlike Susan and Katherine who had basically remained the same size since their college years. Monica had managed to put on her fair share of middle age thickness. After trying for years to combat her weight problem, Monica threw in the towel. She knew she would never be the same size she was in college and Charlie didn’t seem to mind. He loved her anyway.
“Where did you get it?” Katherine asked.
“Well, it came from Mims but I didn’t pick it out.” Susan smiled shyly.
“You didn’t pick it out?” Katherine gave her a look of confusion.
“No, I didn’t.”
“Who did?” Monica asked.
“Robert.” Susan said not offering any more of an explanation.
“ROBERT!” They both chimed in.
“Yes, he also picked out my shoes, these jewels, and…” Susan leaned close to her friends. “My bra and panties.”
The three women looked at one another then broke out into a fit of loud giggling.
“Oh my God, your underwear?” Monica asked, incredulous.
Susan only nodded. The women looked at one another and laughed again.
“Uh oh, what’s he done?” Katherine asked.
For a minute Susan’s heart stopped. She hadn’t told them about Robert’s affair and she knew that he hadn’t said anything to Charlie and Ron. But she also knew people talked and that someone else might have speculated on Robert and Debra’s working relationship.
“What do you mean?” She asked carefully.
Katherine leaned over chuckling, “I mean, did he forget to get you something for Christmas? Come home late for dinner? What?!”
Susan relaxed, “Oh, no, it’s nothing like that. He’s up to something though. Each piece came with a poem-a really bad poem too I might add.”
The women laughed.
“Oh, here they come.” Katherine said as the men approached.
“So what are you girl giggling about?” Ron asked as he offered a drink to his wife.
“Giggling?” Monica said as he accepted her drink from Charlie.
“Yes, giggling. We could hear you all the way across the room.” Ron said.
The women looked at each other and laughed while their husbands just stood there mostly lost.
“Oh, nothing.” They all said in unison.
“It must be one of those things we aren’t suppose to know about.” Robert said to his buddies.
The men were still standing around the table.
“Are you boys going to have a seat?” Susan asked.
“We’d like to have a seat, dear, but I don’t think any one us came here to sit with each other. I think we’d like to sit with our dates.”
The woman looked around. They were sitting next to each other leaving three empty seats on the opposite side of the table.
“I see.” Susan rose from her chair moving around to sit on the other side of the table. Robert took the seat next to her and the other men took the seats next to their spouses.
The couples sat and talked for an hour before Ron asked Katherine for a dance. Charlie soon reached for Monica and they too headed toward the dance floor leaving Susan and Robert alone at the table.
Robert moved his chair closer to his wife’s. “So what was so funny earlier?”
Susan schooled her facial features a trait the girls had developed back in college to elude and confuse the men. “Normal girl talk.”
“I see.” Robert slid his hand under the tablecloth and on to her exposed knee.
Susan allowed him to play beneath her dress until she thought she would explode.
“Didn’t you promise me a dance?” She asked. Her face was flushed.
Robert removed his hand slowly, painfully slow. “Yes, I think I did.” His voice was musical and light. “Allow me.” He said as they rose and headed toward the dance floor.
Robert nodded to Charlie and Ron as they passed but kept walking.
“Where are we going?” Susan asked when they passed the dance floor.
“In here.” Robert lead Susan behind some curtains and into an empty room the club sometimes used for large parties. Tonight because of the weather, they hadn’t needed it and the room was vacant and mostly dark. The windows of the room were covered in thick red velvet curtains that were drawn for the evening. The only furniture in the room was a dull maple bar that ran along the wall opposite of the windows.
“Robert.” Susan said uneasily. “What are you up to?”
“Nothing, Darling. I just want to dance with my beautiful wife in private.” He took her in his arms before she could protest pressing her body into his.
They danced closely for several minutes without saying a word. Susan laid her head on Robert’s shoulder.
“Hmm this is wonderful.” She said softly.
“You are wonderful.” He replied with equal softness.
“Rob?” Susan breathed lightly.
“Hmm?”
“You smell good.” She kissed him below his ear.
“You smell better.” He returned allowing his lips to met hers.
They stood kissing in the middle of the room until they noticed voices.
It was Monica and Katherine.
Thinking quickly, Robert pulled Susan behind the bar. The movement caused one of Susan’s earrings to fall off. Robert knelt down to search for it leaving Susan standing alone behind the bar to face the women.
“There you are.” Monica stated as she entered the room.
“Why are you in here by yourself?” Katherine asked.
“Just waiting for Robert.” Susan said.
Robert from his position on the floor found himself face to face with a black lace covered thigh. He looked up trying to get see Susan’s face. Instead of her face, he saw the underside of her breasts. Checking out the height of the bar, he noticed that it hit her right below chest level. It would give him plenty of room to work. Smiling, he traced the outline of lace and felt her shudder. Decided to have a little fun with his wife, Robert ran his hands up and down her leg working his way to her scanty purple panty. From his earlier ventures beneath her dress, he could smell her arousal. Using his finger, he hooked the side of Susan’s panties and began to remove them. When they were around her ankles, he carefully lifted each foot sliding the panties completely off. He tucked them in his jacket pocket for safekeeping.
Susan felt her them leave her body. She reached beneath the bar and tried to swat at Robert and his roaming hand. However, Robert caught her hand and brought each finger into his mouth. Watching the muscles in her legs tighten as he did so.
He kissed her hand and reached for the other one. She placed it on the bar in front of her.
Turning back to her dress, he pushed it up every so slightly, exposing her heated center to the cool air of the room. Using his thumb he traced the outside of her moist lips and felt her shudder.
Susan smiled indulgently at her friends as they rattled off about who was with whom and who was wearing what.
Robert was amazed that his wife was still able to carry on a conversation. He decided to raise the sakes. He leaned forward and gently blew on his wife’s center noticing the hand by him turn into a balled fist.
.
“So Susan, what did you think of Marcia’s dress?” Monica asked.
Susan grabbed the edge of the bar. “I think it’s lovely.” She said with difficulty.
Robert slipped his thumb between her wet folds, moving it with a rhythm that would surely take her over the top quickly.
“Well, I think the color is awful.” Katherine continued.
“I’ll say.” Monica agreed.
Susan remained silent, biting her lip to keep from crying out.
Robert watched from his position on the floor. He would pay for this later, he knew.
Just as Susan neared her peak, a waiter appeared from behind the closed curtains.
“I’m sorry ladies, you can’t use this room tonight.”
“FUCK!” Susan shouted and hit her fist on the bar. Her orgasm had ripped through her body just as the young man approached.
Her expression caused the waiter to jump and her friends to stare. Robert only removed his thumb and sat back on his heels. He waited with amusement to see what excuse she could come up with.
“Susan?” Monica said, wide eyed. Her friend had never used that word, not even in college when they were young and rebelling.
“Are you okay?” Katherine asked.
Susan panted quietly, trying to slow down her breathing. She looked at the young waiter first, “I’m sorry young man, I just bumped my knee on the shelf back here.. We’ll be out of here soon.”
The young waiter seemed to accept her explanation. He turned on his heels and left the room.
The women standing in front of her didn’t.
“Susan.” Katherine stood with her hands on her hips. “What the hell was that all about?”
“I just hit my knee that’s all.”
“Bullshit.”
Susan gave Katherine the look. “What? You don’t believe me?”
“No.” Katherine said.
Monica, always the peace maker, stepped up. “Ladies…” She started.
“Hey, here’s the party, Charlie.” Ron said as he appeared in the room.
Charlie followed him in.
“We’ve been looking for you girls.”
Katherine exchanged a look with Susan letting her know that this discussion wasn’t over. Then she smiled in the direction of her husband. “Oh, you know us girls, we just needed a little space to dish the gossip.”
“Well, the party’s out there. Susan, where’s Robert?”
Susan cleared her throat. “You didn’t see him? He said he was going for drinks.”
“There’s quite a line at the bar. He’s probably still out there.” Charlie volunteered.
The waiter reappeared at the curtain. He looked a little apprehensive. “Folks?”
“Yes, we know. We’re leaving now.” Katherine motioned for the others.
Susan felt something under her dress. It was dry and rough. Glancing down, she saw Robert had retrieved a cocktail napkin and was cleaning her up. When he finished he kissed her damp curls and looked up at her.
“Bastard.” Susan said quietly under her breath.
Robert winked smugly. Then caught the smile that tugged at Susan’s lips.
“I’d better wait here for Robert. He’ll be looking for me here. See you in a moment.” Susan offered.
The two couples moved toward the curtain. Katherine looked back at Susan.
“I’m coming.” Susan said.
Katherine reluctantly left her alone.
From his position on the floor, Robert began to laugh. As he stood up, Susan started lightly hitting him in the chest.
“My dear Susan, I think you misspoke. I think you aren’t coming. I think you already came.”
“Bastard.” She said.
Robert roared.
“Shut up!”
Robert leaned down and kissed her hard.
“Robert.”
“Shh…” He said when they pulled apart.
“Did you like that?”
“Oh yes.” He said with relish.
Susan laughed. “Which part?”
“The part where you shrieked with profanity. My god, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that more than 5 times since I’ve know you.”
“Shut up!” Susan’s soft Southern accent drawing the word out.
Robert kissed her again. “Ready to join the others?”
She nodded in silent agreement.
“What are you going to tell Katherine? She knows you didn’t hit your knee.” Robert said regretfully. He certainly did want to come between them again. He’d tried that once before and had lived to regret it.
“I don’t know, I’ll think of something. “ She watched Robert reach behind the bar and pour two drinks.
“To us.” She said as he handed her a glass.
“To purple panties and tall old maple bars.” Robert said with a wink.
Susan put her glass down and looked straight at her husband. “Fuck you!” She said with her own wink.
“Later Baby….” He said with a smirk. Then noticed Katherine, looking between the folds of the curtains. “I think we’d better go back now.”
They spent the rest of the evening celebrating with their friends. At midnight they kissed like teenagers. As Susan watched Robert retrieved their coats, he caught her eye and patted his pocket. Without a doubt he was expected a special delivery of his own.
