To Be A Wife

Kendra was the name the escort service provided for her. An extra level of anonymity given to their employees to make it difficult for clientele to stalk them. She thought of herself as Kendra whenever she interacted with clientele.

February 14th, Valentine’s Day, was a normally busy day for a lot of escorts. Lonely clientele trying to fill an empty spot in their lives by hiring a date for the loneliest day of the year. Kendra preferred having that day off. She’d arranged to have her birthday free for the past 15 years working at the agency. This Valentine’s Day, Kendra received an email from the service making a date for August 1st.

Three days later the package arrived from the service with instructions. Wrapped in the package was a garment box, received from the client with the request to wear the contents on the date with Jason. Unusual to say the least; she’d heard of weirder requests from some of her co-workers, but Kendra recalled other occasions in which she’d received garments a client requested for the date.

Mostly the garments were slutty school uniform, or naughty nurse or maid. The date was almost 6 months in the future. Given her past experiences, she put the box away in her closet for later perusal.

On July 15th, a reminder popped up on Kendra’s calendar, two weeks in advance of her scheduled date with Jason. The pop up reminded her of the box she’d set aside in February, still waiting in her closet, untouched, unopened, ignored for all these months.

Kendra opened her closet doors, much as she would any other time she prepared for a date with a client. Though this time was somewhat different, not exactly preparation for a date given the two week lead time, but there was almost a sense of curiosity. She wondered after putting it off for so long, what the client might be expecting of her. The time was ripe for finding out whether the client’s perversion would provide a fresh surprise or end up being another in a long string of monotonous sameness.

If it were something new, the two week lead time would give her ample time to prepare for the upcoming date and if necessary research what kind of play the client might be expecting.

The nondescript garment box was anything but presumptuous. Just a plain extra large white box with the front flap taped down with a label on top – Aug 1st. Within, tissue paper covered whatever garment she was requested to wear. An envelope lay atop the tissue paper, handwritten and addressed to Kendra.

The handwriting was how Kendra would expect a woman’s handwriting to appear, light, flowing, airy. Kendra picked up the envelope, sure that the missive in the envelope would provide whatever context might explain the garment. The envelope and stationery seemed expensive. Kendra couldn’t imagine going to such lengths, but then again she couldn’t exactly imagine having an anniversary date.

Unfolding the note, Kendra found a photo of a young couple. Setting the photo aside, she read inside.

Dear Kendra,

Every year, my husband and I have gone on an anniversary dinner date for nearly 25 years now. I find myself ill this year and fear I will not be able to attend. That is why I have asked your escort service to provide a dinner date for my husband Jason. This is the same date that Jason and I have been on every anniversary.

I have provided the dress that I wear every year. Please wear it so that he will think you are me in the lobby of the hotel where we always meet, Plaza Vista at 7 PM August 1st. Reservations have been made and dinner is paid for. Jason will know where to take you. Shea’s is where we dine every year. A band will be playing. If Jason feels like dancing, please dance with him. For after dinner, the Honeymoon Suite has been reserved at Plaza Vista in our names. Please take him to bed there. It has been so long since I have been able to attend to his physical needs. Please do for him what I am no longer able to do. Please be for him the woman I am no longer able to be.

Sylvia

It wasn’t uncommon for escorts to contract extra services with a client. Ordinarily, the client would be a long standing customer, generous to a fault, and would naturally be somebody with whom the escort had some sort of affinity. Kendra felt somewhat incredulous with respect to the request.

Reading the heart felt pleading of the note, Kendra discerned that she was to pretend to be the wife on the couple’s anniversary date. She would have scoffed at the notion of a married woman asking an escort to take her place on an anniversary date, not to mention whatever might occur afterward in the confines of a Honeymoon Suite. But there it was in a personally handwritten note.

Kendra experienced mixed emotions when thinking about this woman’s request. She wondered if she would feel the same way if she had a husband; if she could no longer bring pleasure to her husband. She had trouble putting herself in Sylvia’s place. Maybe if she put on the dress, it would be easier to do so.

Looking at the photo, she could see that she resembled the younger Sylvia somewhat. If she styled her hair more like in the photo, perhaps she could pull it off. She’d definitely agree to wear a chosen garment, and also to attend a dinner and perhaps dancing afterward, but pretend to be his wife? Well, she had pretended to be a niece once or twice. Would a wife be so different?

She stared for long moments at the uncovered garment, tissue paper spread open. The dress was definitely out of fashion, probably at least as old as the relationship alluded to in the accompanying letter, but that wasn’t what held her attention.

No, Kendra’s sight was riveted to the fan of 100 dollar bills partially spread across the bodice of the linen dress beneath, an amount that was beyond her fevered dreams. If it was as much as it appeared to be, it would more than cover any extra services.

Kendra closed the box lid, unable to believe what had been within. She imagined that whatever it was that she’d seen would disappear while she held the lid closed under the palms of her hands. It must be some mistake she thought. It was beyond normal that anybody would provide such a bounteous tip for an escort of her scant reputation, or so it seemed to her. And yet, there it was when she lifted the lid once more.

Okay Kendra thought, maybe for this much money, she could. Besides, Kendra couldn’t quite bring herself to return the package to the client. It would be just one night or one assignation, however long that may be. Besides, the wife, Sylvia seemed so sincere.

Wearing the dress sent by Sylvia had Kendra feeling almost retro. It fit well enough, but in the back of her mind, it was a married woman’s dress that Kendra was wearing to go on a date with that same married woman’s husband.

Kendra thought everybody would know that the Pastel Lavender Linen dress with the sweetheart neckline cutout and the empire waistline belonged to somebody other than the person wearing it. She thought her cocoa colored coif would be too dark. It was much darker than the customer’s photo indicated. She had a bit more cleavage as well.

In the Plaza Vista bar, Kendra ordered a Chocolatini, but immediately changed her mind and decided on a vodka martini with a lemon twist to calm her nerves. Spilling a chocolate cocktail on a customer’s linen dress would be the pinnacle of faux pas.

Carrying her drink back toward the lobby, Kendra thought a man resembling Jason from the picture walked through. He headed to the hotel desk, though, so maybe that wasn’t him. She went to a high table with a view to the entry. The dress skirt was a bit longer than she usually wore, but it folded nicely against her legs as she sat, facing the lobby doors.

Kendra waited and watched and listened to the hustle and bustle of the hotel lobby; and began to relax a little bit, for which she was grateful.

“I recognize that dress,” said a man’s voice beside her, “I wondered why Sylvia told me to look for her here. She put you up to this, didn’t she?”

Kendra turned her head to catch a glimpse of the speaker. It was the same man she’d seen earlier. He was older than in the photo, streaks of gray in his hair, 10 pounds heavier. But it was unmistakable now that she had a better view that he was the same man. Not for the first time, Kendra was curious about how much the husband knew with regard to the date this evening. His question seemed to confirm that he wasn’t expecting her.

“Jason?” to which he nodded in the affirmative. “Yes, my name is Kendra. Sylvia wanted me to help you remember her since she couldn’t be here. Your anniversary date, right?”

Once again, Jason nodded. “I don’t remember you Kendra. Are you a friend of hers?”

Kendra decided honesty was the better choice here, “No, Sylvia wanted to be here tonight actually, but she sent me in her stead. She arranged this several months ago. Are you disappointed?”

“No. I don’t think I’d say disappointed Kendra. Surprised. You do kind of remind me of Sylvia faintly, wearing her dress.”

“I understand this is the dress she wears to all your anniversary dinners? It’s what she told me.”

“It is…” and a pained expression washed his features, “or rather, it was. She’s unfortunately in no shape to wear it now. I can hope, but it doesn’t look likely that she’ll wear it any more.”

The silence hung between them for a few moments and seemed as if it would keep stretching out unless one of them broke the ice.

“Sylvia went to a bit of effort to make sure you had an enjoyable anniversary Jason, she said that dinner reservations were made and that you knew where to take me. And perhaps you should call me Sylvia instead, I think that’s what she wanted.”

Kendra watched him a few moments while he pulled himself together. With a final visible shudder he appeared to join the present. “Quite right. Do you want to finish your drink?”

Kendra looked at the martini and back at Jason, “No, I’m fine.”

Jason held his hand out to Kendra, offering to help her rise. It was such an unusual gesture, and it kind of enamored her to him. “Let’s take a cab Kendra… Sylvia. You look so elegant, I can’t picture you riding in my old beater.”

“Your wife never rode with you?”

Jason chuckled, “She did, but she always changed into that dress before we went to the restaurant. And… we took a cab. Have you been to Shea’s before?”

“Let’s pretend that I have, okay? Keep to the spirit of the occasion. What do you say?”

“Well, I hope you aren’t allergic to shellfish then, because she always ordered the scallops.”

“Sylvia didn’t mention that. It’s okay, I’m not allergic. Are they good?”

Jason cocked an eyebrow. Kendra closed her eyes and gave herself a mental kick in the pants. “Sorry, of course. Why else would Sylvia order them every year? Okay, I’m a little bit slow, but I think I’m catching up. Let’s go get me some scallops.”

Jason led Kendra out of the entryway, and hailed a cab. While they waited for a cab to stop, Kendra suggested, “If there’s something I can do to make your experience more pleasurable, please let me know Jason.”

“Sure. I will… um, Sylvia. It’s funny, the very first time we went to Shea’s we couldn’t afford much,” Jason reminisced, “We shared a surf and turf. Sylvia took the scallops and I took the steak. After that, she tried the Scallops and Linguine in a Cream Sherry sauce, and ordered it every time since.”

The cab ride wasn’t very long, eight or nine minutes at most, spent in silence. Jason didn’t seem interested in making small talk, so Kendra didn’t push, rather just spent the time in comfortable companionship trying to think of light conversation she could make without dwelling on a sore point, like Sylvia’s absence.

When the cab stopped, Jason exited first and again offered his hand to assist Kendra’s exit. It was impressive, at least for the fact that this was her first customer who was charming without seeming to want to have his way with her in bed.

“I’m sorry Kendra, I’m being a bit of an ass, talking about Sylvia all this time. You should order what you would prefer for dinner. You don’t need to be her, or even pretend. I imagine you’ve got better things to do than entertain me on my anniversary.”

“I’m certain this is what Sylvia wanted, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be anyway Jason.” Kendra followed Jason to the restaurant doors which he opened for her. “Sylvia also mentioned that dinner is paid for. I assume that means she ordered the usual. I’m fine with the scallops, but thank you.”

“Sounds like Sylvia. She probably ordered the Rosé for us as well. It’s a bit dry for my taste, but it was the restaurant’s recommendation for pairing with our first surf and turf dinner.”

Through the doors, Jason approached the maître d’ and said, “Reservation for Bowman.”

After glancing at the reservation list, the man replied, “Ah yes, Jason and Sylvia. Happy 25th anniversary, Maxine will see you to your table.”

Jason glanced in Kendra’s direction as if he expected she would have some reaction to the staff thinking she was Sylvia. For her part, Kendra wasn’t upset that they did. Many times her client would introduced her as somebody closely related to themselves. In her business, it was to be expected.

What was unusual was that Jason seemed apologetic for it, though not vocally. He nodded at the maître d’ and reached out to take her arm as if she were his Sylvia. It was almost endearing and Kendra hadn’t mentioned she was in the escort business earlier. That made it seem just about like a real date.

A woman looking almost as magisterial as the maître d’ stepped forward and smiled at Jason and Kendra. As she led them away she informed them, “When the manager heard it was your 25th, she set aside a private table for you two instead of your usual. We at Shea’s hope it is an enjoyable evening.”

As they walked arm in arm following Maxine, Kendra began wondering if she was missing such interactions in her life. She’d never had somebody take her on as elaborate a date as this. Had she been at this too long and become too jaded? Was it time to get out of the escort business?

Maxine stopped at a curtained opening and drew it open from one side, motioning Jason and Kendra within. The private dining area was furnished with one round table and two chairs and a serving table. Jason pulled back one of the chairs for Kendra making sure she was seated before he himself sat. There was a low bouquet and one candle holder as well as the two dinner settings. Maxine lit the candles when they were settled. Then the sommelier opened the wine bottle, and poured a glass for each of them.

Kendra took up her wineglass and raised it, “To 25 years!” as a server set a basket of steaming soft bread sticks on the table and departed through the now closed curtain.

Jason raised his when they were alone again and added, “Technically we didn’t actually get married until our 5th anniversary, but yes, this is the 25th. Our family calls it our 20th this year. Even so, I still kind of think we were married for the first 5. We attended different colleges, but spent every possible waking moment together. Heh, except when we were asleep in each other’s arms.”

“I’ll bet there’s quite a story how you two met.”

He huffed slightly, “Not really much of a story actually. The both of us returned books to the library the first day we met. Mine was overdue and she paid the fine,” Jason paused a moment looking a little misty eyed before continuing, “I wanted to pay her back right away, and insisted she follow me home so that I could do so immediately. I didn’t want to be beholden to her, but it didn’t matter. I was anyway, from that moment forward.”

“How so?”

“She was caught in a torrential downpour less than a block away walking back home. Sylvia returned to our front door soaked to the bone. And she was shivering so much she couldn’t talk without her teeth chattering. After that I looked for any way I could to make it up to her for being so bone-headed.”

“And?”

“I found out where she lived when my Mum drove her home. I went there every day for two weeks to ask her how I could make up for what I’d done, and every time, she’d tell me that she would think about it and I should come back tomorrow.”

“Wow. Sylvia sounds like a bit of a tease.”

“That’s not all, I was about to give up, I was just almost ready to quit, and then she said, ‘Give me a kiss, and come back tomorrow.’ until I eventually forgot to ask what to do to make up and just gave her a kiss. After a month, she asked me why I hadn’t asked her out on a date yet.”

Kendra laughed, “That’s cute! I’m guessing you didn’t need to be asked twice.”

He got quiet when a server entered to bring in an appetizer, so she didn’t press further, glad to wait until they would be alone again. The bread sticks were no longer steaming. The appetizer was breaded zucchini sticks with a ranch dip. It made Kendra’s mouth water, so she speared one and pulled it onto her plate adding a spoonful of ranch dip. She worried that a gurgling stomach would interrupt the conversation and sliced a bite from the steaming zucchini.

Jason followed her cue, and helped himself to a couple of spears of the appetizer, though he wasn’t in a hurry to eat. He also pulled a bread stick from the basket.

Alone again, Jason asked, “So how did you know my wife?”

“Casually, mostly through my employer, but that’s nowhere near as interesting as your story,” Kendra said attempting to steer the conversation away from her being an escort his wife hired for the date, “Tell me about your first date.”

“She made me work for it actually. Sylvia made me guess what she considered an acceptable first date. It took me a couple of days to work out that she wanted me to take her roller skating. I’d never roller skated before, but I think she could have been a pro if she wanted to. I was so sore after falling down so many times I just about had second thoughts. But I was hooked on her kisses, the way her lips would stretch into a grin while we kissed. It was maddening and intoxicating at the same time.”

“Yeah. I think it would be wouldn’t it? I’ve never had a kiss like that. Just hearing you talk about it I kind of wish I could be kissed like that.”

“I can’t kiss like that, not like she could. Sometimes I just wanted to kiss the smirk off her face,” he giggled, “Never managed to though. Sylvia was always in control of the kissing.” Jason choked up then, “Lately, she’s been in too much pain to kiss like that.”

“Change of subject then.”

Jason nodded his head, acknowledging Kendra’s suggestion. While it took a couple of minutes for Jason as he collected himself a server came through the curtain to deliver the main course of the meal. The two of them, Jason and Kendra, were silent while the server was present. They hadn’t eaten much while they were talking. The server asked if they were finished with the bread sticks and appetizer. Jason indicated they were not, though the practical side of Kendra thought the food would be wasted, she also figured it would detract from the spirit of the occasion to mention it.

After the server departed, Jason asked, “What about you Kendra, do you roller skate?”

“Nope. Never. Not even ice skating. I’d much rather hike. I’ve been on the 5 mile trail at the Botanical Gardens quite a few times, and attempted the Appalachian Trail once without much success, but I spend most of my time walking a treadmill. Did you and Sylvia ever go hiking?”

Jason assumed the look of a person remembering the past with fondness. Kendra wondered if she’d said something wrong, whether what she had asked triggered a memory that was somehow painful, the last thing she wanted to do. She asked, “What? Did I say something wrong?”

Jason came back to the present, “No,” but didn’t elaborate, and took a breath. “Did you know that the Botanical Society would often hold dinners for the Friends of the Society? Sylvia and I were lifetime donors, and always on the list. Many times, we would attend the sunset dinners there and stroll through the gardens in the evening. Not a bad memory at all… one I’d forgotten about since…”

Kendra waited to see if he would add anything. On the one hand, she was under the impression that Sylvia wanted Jason to remember all the good times they’d experience. But on the other, Sylvia had also hired her to what, help her say good-bye? Sylvia had asked her to be a woman, a sexual woman to her husband. And the weight of it all pressed down on her shoulders. She closed her eyes and fought back the urge to become emotionally involved.

She wanted to stay professional, to just be what her client needed her to be, but with Jason and Sylvia, it was proving harder than normal to keep her distance. And if this tug-of-war between being a good listener and fending off Jason’s queries about how she knew his wife, and trying to steer him back toward remembering Sylvia were any indication… it was beginning to seem like this was going to end up being a total foul up.

Jason cleared his throat, “Oops sorry, where were we?”

“Um… I think I need to use the powder room,” she said.

“Oh. Of course,” he stood and gripped her chair to help her up, offering one hand to help her rise and using the other to move the chair back when she grasped his. All of the gestures were making her a bit light-headed.

Kendra made it to the ladies room, pausing and breathing shallowly just inside the doorway. Oh damn it, she thought, why couldn’t it be me with a husband who is deeply in love with his wife? And the worst of it was, his wife wanted her to end up bedding him tonight.

Kendra didn’t know if she could go through with it. She would, of course. She might even enjoy it, but she thought she might hate herself for it tomorrow. And the cherry on top of it all? She’d done a poor job of pretending to be Sylvia the whole night. Not to mention that she kept digging into Sylvia’s relationship with Jason.

The restroom door admitted another woman, who paused before entering a stall, looking back at Kendra as she sniffled and tried to regain her composure.

“Oh honey. Do you need help?”

Kendra scoffed, “You don’t know the half of it. I don’t think you can help. I feel like I’m getting in over my head.”

“It can’t be as bad as all that… Do you need me to call the police?”

“No. Really… no. Affairs of the heart,” and Kendra shrugged.

“Oh. Oh dear,” was the stranger’s only comment before she entered and locked the stall.

Kendra peered at her reflection in the mirror, made sure her mascara was not running, freshened her dusty rose lip gloss, and exited. Time to get back to her date with a married man and trying to think of him as the job and not living vicariously through Sylvia’s life with him.

As Kendra reached for the curtained partition of their dining area, an odd thought crossed her mind. The curtain was the same shade of dusty rose as her lip gloss and fingernail polish. The coincidence was distracting. She hated blending in with the furnishings. Before her hesitation ended, a server slid the curtain aside and held it open for her as he carried a pitcher of water from within.

“Kendra! Come in and eat before dinner gets too cold,” Jason entreated near her seat, “I’m afraid my blathering away has interrupted our meal.”

When he had finished seating her again, Jason returned to his own chair stating, “The scallops smell as lovely as ever. Do you mind if I have one?”

Thankful for the diversion, Kendra replied, “No, not at all! I’ll trade you for a scallop sized bite of your steak. Okay, maybe half a scallop, these are huge!”

Jason speared the steak and sliced a portion before carefully transferring it to her dish. He added shortly after, “If I didn’t know Sylvia doesn’t have a sister, I’d think you were it. Are you sure you aren’t related to her? She would do the same, trade me one of her scallops for a bite of my steak.”

Kendra blushed wickedly upon hearing it, and rebutted, “You’re not serious are you? Please tell me you’re joking…”

“Heck no. Every year without fail.”

“Oh my God, I’m sorry Jason. I don’t know why I was so presumptuous… please forgive me.”

“Don’t worry about it Kendra. I didn’t think it was presumptuous at all, rather amusing in fact. But don’t forget to taste the scallops before they get cold. They get cold quicker than my steak does.”

Still blushing, Kendra dutifully forked and halved a scallop before placing it in her mouth. The scallop practically melted in her mouth, almost like the perfect lover’s kiss. She closed her eyes in savory appreciation of the morsel.

“Oh My God,” she gushed, “That’s near perfection!”

“I know, right? And the steak is almost as good. Go ahead and try that bite, it’s like the perfect surf and turf in two bites. You’ll never want another as long as you live, honest!”

Tentatively Kendra halved what Jason had offered and placed it her mouth. He was right, it was like the perfect surf and turf in two bites. The steak also practically melted in her mouth. The sensation was almost indescribable in mouth watering goodness.

Kendra blurted out, “Oh, oh, that’s almost as good as sex!” before clapping her hand across her mouth in disbelief at what she’s just said.

With pure mirth in his eyes, Jason reached across the table and proffered Kendra her own glass of Rosé in a gesture full of expectation, “Now, the wine,” he said.

She grasped it with both hands, the touch between their fingertips electric and tingly. The experience was unexpected, and when she thought about it, Kendra decided that she hoped Jason would not want to dance. If she had to dance, she worried there would be more moments like the one that just passed; moments that would bring more sensations she’d never before wanted nor expected. But Sylvia had instructed her to dance if Jason wanted to dance.

Oh how she squirmed as she tried not to think about her body responding to his touch. Kendra gamely attempted to eat a bit more of the meal before the subject of dancing might be upon her. The silence was palpable as they continued the meal, but her appetite flagged in direct opposition to her desire to avoid it.

It would be unethical and immoral to insert her emotions into the relationship of a loving and devoted husband and his ailing wife. Nor could Kendra believe that spending an evening in her arms would be the panacea for either of them. She wondered if maybe the best would be to disclose her current occupation and the wife’s commission for her this evening.

But the date had so far been so pleasant and Kendra couldn’t quite figure why she was reluctant to taint it. Again she dwelled on the thought that maybe she should find another occupation. Would she be able to find moments like this for herself in the arms of a willing lover?

Jason wasn’t making much progress with his meal either and soon the muted music from the band wafted through the curtains. Time seemed to be drawing near to a crux with respect to dancing and trying to hide her recent and reluctant emotional needs. Kendra swallowed the last of her bite and took a mouthful of wine, draining the last bit from her glass.

“Jason? Sylvia suggested that I dance with you if you want to dance.”

He smiled a bit ruefully, and cleared his throat, “Sylvia loved to dance. And despite all the dance lessons she dragged me to, I’m still no dancer. I’ve got two of the same feet, whether left or right, I haven’t a clue,” he paused, “She wouldn’t have taken no for an answer either if she was in the mood. But if you wish, I will dance with you and try not to step all over your toes.”

Kendra sighed in relief, “I’m fine with a no. It’s not that I am afraid for my toes, I’m just not sure I’m in the mood tonight.”

A server came through the curtain then, dampening the conversation. “Refills, wine, water?” He refilled Kendra’s glass with wine before she could demure. He then added, “Dessert is on the way. Can I take your dishes, or would you like the rest boxed?”

Jason spoke up before Kendra saying, “Box the rest please.”

The waiter then moved the dishes to the serving table, retrieved a couple of cardboard containers and started transferring the left-over meal into them. As he worked, Maxine entered. She carried one large dish. Centered on it was the largest slice of deep dish chocolate cream pie that Kendra had ever observed. It was adorned with dark chocolate shavings sprinkled generously over the whipped cream topping and couple of chocolate drenched strawberries rested on the side.

The plate was placed in the center between them and the woman placed one dessert fork for each of them precisely parallel to the table’s edge at which they sat. Maxine then punctuated her act with a nod and an, “Enjoy your anniversary dessert.” Crisply she turned and exited.

Kendra looked up from the pie with wide eyes and found Jason watching her. He hadn’t made a move for the fork on his side, and Kendra wasn’t about to reach for the one on her side. She quietly whispered, “Are we expected to eat all that?”

Jason grinned, and gestured that she should start. A simple gesture, like a motion, ‘you first’ in hand signal, like he expected her to start and he would join as soon as she did. But this was different. It was frightening. It’s one thing to share a dessert with a table full of friends, each person free to take a bite or pass it along until it either returns to the initial guest or gets finished along the way. This dessert, fraught with intimacy unearned, pregnant with meaning that this man’s wife should be the one sharing with him, not her.

She felt quite like a mistress usurping a wife’s privilege. The feeling drove a knife into her breast. “I can’t,” she quailed, despite knowing that this man’s wife had wrought this. It also drove home the point to this meal, which was ultimately taking him to bed in the honeymoon suite.

She’d been fine with it a mere handful of hours ago, and yet now, her emotions were raw and she was afraid of becoming that rarefied fruit she’d never before dared hope to be, a lover.

In slow motion, the event unfolded before her, like it was meant to be, unwanted yet wanted just the same. Jason picked up the fork in front of him, and plunged the tines through the foremost point of the pie’s wedge. Just a bit, almost a bite, more than enough for a taste, the prize that belonged to the victor, the piece of a piece of a pie meant for someone special.

Kendra watched, rapt, breath shallow, desperately awaiting the moment it would cross his lips and release her from her quandary, release her from the spell. Instead, his hand moved toward her mouth, which opened involuntarily, her traitorous mouth that belonged to a woman who just this evening began to wish she were in Sylvia’s shoes with an attentive husband.

That tender moment when Jason held his hand beneath her jaw to catch stray bits that might not make it into Sylvia’s mouth, his true lover’s mouth that at this moment so cruelly belonged to a concubine instead. A woman trying desperately not to envision herself replacing his wife as he might tenderly make passionate love to her atop this table in a curtained alcove of a busy restaurant.

While the heavenly flavors silkily traversed her tongue enticing a euphoria of endorphins to rummage the attic of her brain, clarity ensued. A kind of post orgasmic clarity grabbed her and shook her to her senses. Kendra wasn’t the person Jason was looking at now, it was Sylvia, her memory superimposed.

She’d almost fallen into her own trap, just about allowed herself to believe the possibility. Kendra floundered for a moment trying to think of a response, something to say to make up for having put her mouth on his fork. But it caught in her diaphragm, unable to move, disastrously worrying her that saying so might ruin this evening for him.

What would Sylvia want her to do? Go along? Ignore the fact that Jason had also used the same fork to slice and carry another bite toward his own mouth to mingle their saliva and that bite as if she were not a complete stranger with whom he had no history? She watched that fork move inexorably toward his tongue, and lips enclosing the pie; watched as his eyes closed for moments as he withdrew the utensil.

When Jason sighed and asked, “Mmm, is that not the best chocolate cream pie you’ve ever had?” Kendra became painfully aware she’d held her breath the entire time she was watching.

She exhaled and added, “You know, I’m kind of thinking that was rich enough that one bite should do the trick. Maybe get the rest of it boxed to go?”

Her pulsed hammered in her throat as she fought to control her erratic breath. A blink, and another moment was upon her.

“Go on, one more bite,” Jason insisted, fork full of yet one more section of pie awaiting patiently in his hands before her lips. His lips parted in expectation that hers would also. Almost dutifully hers did as well, just enough that it allowed him to press the tine tips against her tongue, teasing her jaw wide enough to admit one more decadent bite.

“OH MY GOD! This is so rich. Stop! I’m begging you, please stop stuffing that pie in my pie hole,” Kendra blurted.

Jason burst out laughing.

“What? What’s so funny?”

Jason grinned and explained, “I always thought that expression – pie hole – was kind of funny,” and chuckling he added, “And then you go using it in a perfectly normal fashion… well, it just tickles me. I’m sorry… you’re right, let’s get the rest boxed to go.”

When dessert was boxed and the left-over bag filled, it seemed much like they were leaving with more than either of them ate. In the street as they waited for a cab ride back to the hotel, Kendra couldn’t keep from remarking, “You didn’t eat much Jason. I didn’t ruin your appetite in some way did I? I won’t be able to forgive myself it that’s the case.”

“Nonsense, you were delightful Kendra. I found myself talking and reminiscing way too much about Sylvia instead of making polite conversation. I should be the one to apologize. Wait, I know you’re going to say that it’s what Sylvia wanted, but it wasn’t all that fair to you.”

“Well, it was your anniversary dinner after all, yours and Sylvia’s,” Kendra said, looking up into his wonderful brown eyes, “What would you two have talked about if I weren’t here instead of her? Weather, politics; God forbid; or would you two have talked about memories? You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. I’m rather jealous of Sylvia actually.”

The cab pulled up to the curb behind her just as she started to regret being so forward. She had no right to be jealous of Sylvia. She felt stupid for saying it.

Jason was moving past her toward the cab then. Now she had to contemplate how to make up for that error. It made for an uncomfortable ride back to the hotel, fraught with angst and wondering what she should do with her hands. If they were friends, lovers, spouses; she could reach out and grasp his hand and pull it to her.

Accepting Sylvia’s commission had seemed so simple. At the moment, it seemed like it was a veritable mine-field of feelings, awkward moments and unusual conversations. Maybe, if she could find a way to get Jason into the hotel room and into bed and complete the mission, everything would work out in the end.

One more time, Jason exited before her, held her door and helped her out without the slightest hint that he would do otherwise if she were anybody else. She held the bag of left-over food out to him, but he turned and headed to the hotel entry. Kendra followed, not sure how to broach the subject going forward from here. He ushered her through to the lobby. After she entered, she paused far enough from the doorway to avoid interfering with any other ingress or egress.

“Jason, Sylvia mentioned that there was a room reserved in your names.”

“Yes! She did indeed make that reservation. I checked us in earlier this evening when I thought she meant to leave Hospice and make her way here despite her health,” Jason responded, “I really... she really got my hopes up. I thought she’d be here.”

“And it was me instead. I’m sorry Jason.”

“No, don’t be sorry. You were a great date Kendra.”

He retrieved a card key from his pocket, and placed it within her hand, “Here, take the room key, spend the night here, it’s already paid.”

Before he could withdraw his hands she grasped them. He still wasn’t taking the left-over bag from her, and it seemed as if he meant to walk away. Trying not to panic, Kendra spoke pleadingly releasing the card key, “Jason, please, take me to the room. I don’t feel comfortable going by myself since I’m not Sylvia.”

Jason searched her face, her eyes, and whatever he saw, whether he was satisfied or not, he relented, “Sure.”

Away from the multitude of eyes in the lobby, Kendra relaxed. The further away from the lobby they traveled, the further she was able to steel her resolve. She wasn’t sure why this was so. She’d never before been so intimidated by an audience. She thought maybe she had lost her confidence. Would it be different if it were another man she had asked to bring her to a hotel room? Maybe it was the feelings that conversation with Jason had engendered in her earlier.

She followed Jason from the elevator along the hallway, step by step, closer to the honeymoon suite. There weren’t many doors on this floor. How many honeymoon suites could there possibly be in a hotel anyway? Most hotels had at least one, more likely they had several but only called one a honeymoon suite. The rest, though similarly appointed would probably not be called so unless somebody booked them that way.

Jason stopped before the door, and worked the lock with the card key. He pushed it open and held it for her to enter. If she were Sylvia, perhaps he would have lifted her in his arms and crossed the threshold. Tonight, he just waited there, holding the door open and proffering the room key in her direction so that she could relieve him of it’s burden.

She sighed and stepped through without taking the room key, but she turned back to him, still reluctant to take it. If he were annoyed by that, he showed no sign of it.

“Thank you Jason. You’ve been a wonderful date. I’ve had a lovely evening. Sylvia told me she wanted me to stay with you tonight. I’m an escort, Jason… she asked me to sleep with you… to make love to you…” Her voice caught in her throat. She thought it would be easier to say. She somehow felt the lesser for it, but if he acceded, she would try to measure up to the expectation.

His response caught her by surprise, “What? Seriously? Oh my, oh my God… Sylvia, what have you done?”

Jason tossed the room key onto the credenza, and turned. Without preamble, he walked quickly out of the room. Buy the time Kendra looked out the door he was stepping onto the elevator.

“Jason!” she called as the elevator door closed and carried him away. A feeling of failure crept up her spine. Turning back into the room, her mind was in a quandary. She thought that maybe if she waited, he would find out his wife was fine and possibly return to her. Aside from begging him to stay and sleep with her, she’d had no other recourse. And even then, Jason hadn’t given her much opportunity to do so.

Resignedly, she set the left-over food in the small refrigerator. She hadn’t brought any luggage to speak of, just packed a flimsy nightie in her purse, more for fun and games than anything to sleep in. Left to herself, Kendra had no recourse but to remove the dress and hang it to wear home tomorrow. It promised to be a lonely night, but going home seemed even lonelier than hoping Jason would return.

Kendra decided to take a shower before going to bed. The least she could do, if he did actually return, was to be as fresh as possible and ready to make love to him according to Sylvia’s wishes.

When sunlight filtered through the thinly curtained window it awoke Kendra to the revelation that Jason had indeed not returned. The anniversary dinner date could now be considered concluded, not satisfactorily, but finished. There was nothing she could do at this point, but get dressed again and check out of the hotel and head back home to weigh her options. On the one hand, no instructions had been provided for what to do if she were unsuccessful.

Then again, it wasn’t often she was assigned a task of seducing an unwitting partner. Most of her dates were with persons hoping to get lucky, rather than persons with whom she would hope to get lucky. It left an odd feeling in the pit of her stomach. She’d never before not been successful at a date. And, as well, she’d never before gotten so emotionally tangled with her social engagements.

Three days later, Sylvia’s linen dress had been dry-cleaned and folded neatly again within the box that had been delivered to Kendra. The fan of bills that accompanied the dress were in an envelope. As much as she desired to keep the money, her pride prevented her from accepting the benefit of such recompense from her failure. She carried the box and envelope to her vehicle and drove to her employer’s office.

At the receptionist’s desk, Kendra presented herself for the appointment with the Office Manager that she had arranged earlier. The Office Manager was a rather stern looking woman. She could be considered attractive, despite being in her mid fifties. When Kendra entered her office, she peered up from her computer terminal, “What can I do for you Kendra?”

“Please, call me Vanessa, that’s my real name. I need an address, customer’s address. I have to return Sylvia’s dress.”

“That’s highly unusual. We provide protection from stalking of our employees by the anonymity of our work names, Kendra. We also provide protection from stalking of our customers by our employees…” she paused, and Kendra assumed it was intended to provide her ample opportunity to walk back or step away from the action she appeared to be headed toward, “Perhaps if you leave the dress with us instead we can forward it to the customer…”

“No! You don’t understand. I have to return it personally. I have to apologize. Sylvia wanted me to sleep with her husband…”

“We prefer not to go into details of any assignations that the customers might engage with our employees Kendra. You know that, or you should. It’s called plausible deniability.”

“I failed! I tried, but he wouldn’t, and I need to return the dress and the money.”

“Kendra! I must warn you if you pursue this further, I will be forced to reprimand you and make a note of it in your file.”

“I don’t care,” Vanessa sobbed, “I’ll tender my resignation. I just need to… I just need to… I don’t think I can do this again. I have to take her dress back and apologize, to Sylvia at the very least.”

“Ah. I see… okay, I’ll tell you what. I’ll give you a leave of absence Kendra. You take whatever time you need to get your life back together, and you’ll be welcome back. Okay?”

“But, the address?”

The Office Manager sighed, but retrieved a pen and pad from her desk. She added, “I strongly advise against this you know, but if this will help you get your life back on track,” she began as she scrawled an address on the pad, “Here you go. I must warn you though, if the agency is subjected to any repercussions from your actions, you will not be allowed to return. Think… before you act on this.”

“Yes. Thank you. I’ll make sure there are none.”

Vanessa took the address from the Office Manager and excused herself. She firmly believed that there would be no repercussions, and if there were, she would do her best to make certain they only affected herself.

She parked on the street in front of the tan two-story colonial house sitting on a corner lot. Then she retrieved the garment box and envelope from the passenger seat before exiting. The type of reception she would receive, Vanessa could only guess. She hoped it would be warm, but expected it might be less than. But this was something that she’d decided she needed to do. The only thing left to do was survive it.

An observer might have thought she walked with confidence, but there was doubt in her mind. She’d rehearsed what she wanted to say, but there was no way of knowing to whom she would be speaking. She sort of hoped that she’d be speaking to Sylvia, but thought that it would be more likely Jason. She couldn’t decide which topic would be better to cover first. Her real name, her job as such, or just a mumbled excuse for returning the dress and money and rushing back to her car.

After Vanessa rang the doorbell, the wait seemed interminable. In one respect, she felt as if she were a butterfly pinned for display. She checked her dress. She’d checked her makeup for what seemed like thousands of times on the way. She’d already made a first impression with Jason, now it was time to correct whatever that might be.

When the door opened, a young man filled the frame. He vaguely resembled Jason, but half his age. He spoke over his shoulder, “Dad, it’s some lady.”

In the background she heard, “Okay, JJ, be there in a sec.”

Vanessa’s nerve almost gave out. She was close to blurting out an apology for ringing the wrong bell when Jason appeared behind JJ, and then the young man retreated leaving her with Jason.

“Kendra? How can I help you?”

“Um,” she started, trying to collect her wits and remember what it was she wanted to say.

“I’m sorry I left in such a hurry the other night. I was worried that Sylvia had planned… you know what… never mind,” and then he stepped out onto the porch with her and closed the door.

“I… uh, I want to return Sylvia’s dress.”

“No need. You can keep it. It looked great on you, and she never was able to wear it again after the cancer took her breasts.”

“Jason… I have a confession to make,” she began, “No, wait,” when Jason looked like he was going to wave off her confession, “I am, I was, an escort for 15 years. Sylvia hired me, well I told you that night and also what she wanted me to do.”

“I remember…”

“She paid me,” she held out the envelope filled with cash, “I failed her, so I can’t accept it…”

“I see… that’s why she cried when I showed up that night,” he said as he gently pushed her hand back, “You tried, she wanted,” he cleared his throat, “She wanted to pass away thinking that we… that I was taken care of…” he blinked as a couple of tears collected and spilled down his cheek. “I appreciate your attempt Kendra, please, keep the money.”

“Kendra’s the name the agency gave me, that’s my other confession. My real name is Vanessa. I’ve quit. I…” she sniffled before being able to continue, “I hope you can forgive me for lying. I don’t think Sylvia intended, I don’t think she knew about that. Anyway, I’m sorry. I think… I’m fond of you, and I’m certainly jealous of Sylvia. And you probably don’t need that kind of complication, so I’ll leave.”

She turned, intending to run away, to get in her car and drive to where ever.

“Wait,” he said, “Sylvia’s funeral is tomorrow.”

“My condolences Jason, but I should be going.”

“You don’t need to be a stranger. If you need a friend, or if you need to talk, let me know.”