Shannon

It was tough for me to get used to the idea of being single again after 22 years of marriage. At my age, it wasn’t easy to find female companionship -- at least the kind that I wanted. Sure, there were a couple of gold-diggers. I mean, I wasn’t rich, but I was pretty well-fixed. I had no mortgage on my home, no car payments or other serious bills, and a considerable salary. As I said, not rich but comfortable.

My job was also interesting. I was the chief software engineer for a medium-sized application development company: Radius. The only problem was that I didn’t actually design things any more. I supervised. I could have done without the management side of the job.

There were quite a few pretty young things around my workplace, but I discovered early on that they weren’t interested in an old fart like me. Except for the obvious gold-diggers, which I soon learned to spot.

Shannon Peters was a pretty young woman. She had the sort of nice girl-next-door looks that have always appealed to me. Her manner of dress served to emphasize these looks. She was always well-dressed in a neat but sedate style. Her pageboy haircut also amplified the girl-next-door impression. She had very black hair, blue eyes and a very light complexion with freckles -- the unusual coloration that’s known as “black Irish.” I discovered that she was indeed of Irish descent. Her maiden name was Mahoney, which she hated. She was on the petite side, about 5’ 3” or 5” 4”, and she was, I guessed, about 35, at least 20 years younger than I. She was also married and therefore out of reach.

Shannon worked in our marketing department. She was intelligent and very good at her job. I discovered this in working with her on several projects. Working with Shannon was always a delight. About three years ago, we were working together. She was putting together a sales package for a new product. I knew from previous experience that Shannon was very bright and very professional. On this new project, my previous experience of her was reinforced.

Since I had been in charge of the software’s development, Shannon needed input from me. She was very careful to be sure that her material would communicate the details of the application without misrepresenting it.

Since the deadline was approaching, we found ourselves working over the holidays. We were in my office on the 29th of December. Neither of us wanted to be there, but we didn’t have much choice. I noticed that Shannon was unusually quiet and somewhat morose, so I asked if anything was troubling her.

“It’s just that my husband is out of town on a business trip,” she said, “and he called last night to say that he wouldn't be home for new year’s. So I’ll probably just sit in front of the TV and watch the Time’s Square celebration. Or something equally boring.”

“I don’t have any plans either. Why don’t you come over to my place for dinner, and we’ll watch the tube together?”

“That sounds nice, but...”

“Shannon, I said ‘dinner’-- nothing more. OK?”

“Oh hell, why not?” She paused and looked down for a moment. “I’ll need directions, though. Actually, I’ll just take a cab. Don usually drives, so I never bothered to get a licence.”

“Why don’t you let me pick you up?” I’d bought a new Mercedes CLK 430 coupe in September, and I admit that I loved showing it off. “I’d be happy to provide transportation, Madame.”

Shannon smiled for the first time that afternoon. “OK. What time?”

She gave me her address, and we agreed that I’d pick her up at 6:00 on the 31st. The rest of the afternoon went very well. Shannon was able to concentrate much better, and we finished our work early.

“Shannon, that was terrific. Why don’t you let me buy you a drink at Charlie’s place? Then I’ll give you a lift home, now that I know the address.”

“Well... all right. But just a quick one. I’m expecting a call from my mother at about 7:30.”

We packed up and headed for the bar. It was actually called “The Continental,” but everybody in our company simply called it “Charlie’s.” Charlie was the bartender and manager, and this afternoon he was the only person in the place when we went in. He greeted us warmly.

“I’m glad to see some people. Christ, it’s been so slow today. The thing is that not many people actually live around here, so when the offices are closed nothing happens. I’m probably going to close early, but I’ll happily look after you. How about the corner booth?”

We sat down and ordered a couple of Charlie’s specials. He’s one of the few guys I know who actually makes a gin gimlet from scratch. The only problem is that they always taste like more. So we each ended up having a couple of them.

Away from the office, Shannon was an even better conversationalist. It turned out that she had many interests, among them rabbits, of all things. She’d bred them when she was a kid and really wanted a hutch. The problem was that she and the absent Don lived in a high-rise apartment in a building that frowned on both pets and children. I, of course, never had the slightest interest in rabbits. In fact, the only things I admired about them were their sexual habits, but Shannon made rabbits sound interesting.

We finished our drinks and headed for the parking garage. I was happy to see that Shannon was suitably impressed by my car. She managed to “ooh” and “ah” at all the right things as I drove her home. She lived across town, and traffic was heavy. The trip took a while, but we finally pulled up in front of her building.

“Thanks, Mike,” Shannon said. “Thanks for being a friend when I really need one.” She leaned across the console, gave me a peck on the cheek, then got out and walked inside quickly.

New Year’s Eve 1999 was on a Friday. It finally arrived. I planned to do one of my favourite meals -- a meat fondue. It’s a dish I’ve loved since I spent some time in Switzerland. I’d prepared the broth and the sauces the previous day, and I had a more than ample supply of beef tenderloin. I figured we could have the fondue in the living room in front of the fireplace. It would be nice and cheerful. The potatoes were cut and ready for the deep fryer. The bubbly was in the fridge. It was time to pick up Shannon.

When I got to Shannon’s place, she was in the lobby waiting for me. She gave me another peck on the cheek. I escorted her to the car, and we drove away. On the way to my place, Shannon talked a mile a minute. I suspect that she was a bit nervous. I know that I was. We arrived at my house and pulled into the driveway.

We went inside. I took Shannon’s coat and hung it beside mine. Then I turned around and got my first real look at her that evening. I think I must have been staring like an idiot. She looked fantastic. She was wearing the sort of outfit she never wore at the office. She was dressed for once in formfitting clothes -- a black sweater and a black leather skirt. They emphasized all the right points of her little form. The skirt had a big zipper in front that went from waist to hem. She looked sexy as hell.

I said, “Shannon, you look...”

“Different?” She smiled and did a little pirouette.

“Absolutely gorgeous,” I managed to finish.

“I don’t always dress like a nun,” she said.

“I never thought that you did. At the office, you always look...”

“Businesslike?”

“Yeah. Businesslike.”

“Mike, that’s business. This isn’t. By the way, this place looks great. Why don’t get us a drink and show me around?”

I got our drinks, and I gave her the tour. I was surprised and pleased at her reaction to my art collection. Over the years, I’ve collected some choice works by Canadian artists, many of whom are my friends. Shannon had a very good eye and immediately gravitated to the best piece. I was getting used to being surprised by her.

I put the potatoes in the deep fryer and lit the fondue pot. Soon supper was ready. We sat on the chesterfield in front of the fire and ate off the coffee table. Shannon managed to put away a surprising amount of food for such a little girl. Another surprise.

After we finished our fondue, we were both fairly stuffed. I suggested that we have our coffee and think about desert later. She agreed. Then she asked if she could use my phone.

“Of course you can. Use the one in my office upstairs. That will give you more privacy.”

“OK, but I’m just going to check my messages. Don was supposed to call today, and I haven’t heard from him yet.”

Shannon went upstairs while I cleared up and got the coffee and cognac. When she came back downstairs, she was very quiet and crestfallen.

“Shannon, what’s wrong?”

She looked at me with tears in her eyes. “That bastard! He doesn’t call all day, and then he leaves me a message to tell me that he won’t be home until next weekend. Fuck him! Fuck him!”

Shannon dissolved in tears. I took her in my arms and held her. She cried on my shoulder as though her heart were breaking. I cuddled her and stroked her hair for what seemed a long time. Finally, she regained her control. She looked up at me.

“Thanks, Mike. I’m sorry to cast a pall over such a lovely evening.”

“Shannon, in your shoes I’m sure I’d be in even worse shape.”

She grinned. “But I’m not wearing shoes.”

“OK, in your stockings then.” I grinned back at her, happy that she found some humour in the situation. “Let’s go back to the living room and sit in front of the fire.”

We sat down. Shannon looked at me. I was afraid from her expression that she was going to cry again. “Mike, please hold me.”

Once again, I took her in my arms. She was very quiet but at least was not crying. I was grateful for that. She looked up at me and gazed into my eyes. I did the only natural thing. I kissed her.

At first it was a gentle, almost brotherly kiss, but that changed. Gradually, we found ourselves in a more passionate embrace, and our tongues found each other. Shannon was a wonderful kisser.

At last, we broke the kiss. Shannon looked down, not meeting my eyes. “Mike, I’ve never cheated on Don.”

“Has he cheated on you.”

She looked at me. “I think so. I’m getting more suspicious all the time.”

“You mean all the signs are there.”

She nodded sadly.

“Shannon, I have to tell you something.” She looked at me again. “I’m not into casual relationships and certainly not with you. I don’t know what’s happening, but I felt something just now that I haven’t felt in years.”

She gave me a little half smile. “I know what you mean. I did, too. Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?”

“No, certainly not.”

“I know that you’re a widower. I’ve heard that much at work. What happened?”

“Janet was sick for a very long time. When she finally died, it was almost a relief. At least she’s not suffering any more.”

“But the word around the office is that you don’t date -- that you’re kind of a loner. Why?”

“Oh, I’ve dated a few times, but nothing has ever worked out. I’m out of practice, I guess.”

She smiled. “You’re certainly not too rusty in the kissing department.”

I smiled back. “It’s the company.”

She kissed me again. Soon we were back to the same sort of passionate embrace as before. When we finally stopped, Shannon sighed.

“I’m feeling dizzy. Do you mind if I lie down with my head in your lap?”

“Of course not.”

I scooted over, and Shannon stretched out with her head in my lap. My arms naturally went around her. She grinned up at me.

“This feels so cozy. I haven’t had this feeling in a long time.”

“Me too.”

I bent over and lifted her a bit. I kissed her. This time it went on even longer. I was holding her with my left arm, and my right hand found its way to her little body. I began caressing her, at first her back and then down to her legs. I felt that damned zipper. My hand moved down and I found the tab. It was just too damned tempting. I had to find out how the thing worked. Slowly, I began inching the zipper upward.

When I reached her mid-thigh, Shannon reached down and gently held my hand. She pulled back a bit and gave me a serious look. Suddenly, it seemed that she’d made up her mind. She released my right hand, put her arm around me and began kissing me again. I sensed that I’d been given permission.

Very slowly, my hand continued its journey upward. The zipper slid over her stomach and finally reached her waist. With a final tug, I reached the end of its track. Her skirt came apart and fell open, lying to either side. I gently stroked her thighs. Gradually, I gently touched her sex. I felt moisture even through her panties and pantyhose.

I drew back and looked at Shannon. Her eyes were closed, and she was breathing slowly and deeply. I slid my thumbs into her waistband. She lifted up to assist me, and I quickly pulled both panties and hose down her legs and off her feet. I guess that I was afraid that she might change her mind.

I kissed her ankles. Very slowly I worked my way up her legs, kissing and gently licking. When I reached her thighs, she separated them -- just a little a first and then wider. Her breath was beginning to come in little gasps. I continued to kiss my way upward. I reached her sex. She had opened her legs as far as she could. Her centre glistened in the firelight. I kissed it, and she gasped.

My tongue felt its way all over her pussy. Finally, I quit teasing her and began to lick her clitoris. Shannon began to buck toward my face. She was making little mewing sounds. Suddenly she tensed all over and moaned. She was coming.

When Shannon’s body relaxed, I began eating her again. It just seemed the thing to do. Soon she was making little noises again. This time, when she tensed it wasn’t quite as violent as the first time. I continued to eat.

Soon Shannon was bucking and mewing again. Her movements became almost violent. She tensed, screamed and went limp. I looked up at her. She was out cold.

I wondered if I could get the rest of her clothes off without awakening her. I thought it was worth a try. As gently as I could, I removed her sweater and bra. Her small breasts seemed the prettiest things I’d ever seen. Her pink nipples were erect, reminding me that she was probably a little chilly. Reluctantly, I took a throw from the back of the chesterfield and covered her. Shannon’s comfort seemed more important than my voyeurism. She looked like an angel sleeping in my arms. She remained asleep for at least 20 minutes.

At last she opened her eyes, smiled up and me and stretched. The throw slipped off her shoulders. She looked down at herself. “How did I get naked?”

“It was magic. The clothes just seemed to melt away.”

“Yeah. Right. My God, what did you do to me? I’ve never come that hard. I actually passed out.”

“I hope it was to your liking, Madame.”

“It was fantastic, but please don’t do that too often. Not like that. I think you could kill me. But what a way to go!” She frowned a bit. “Don hasn’t done that to me in years, and he was never that good at it. But the bastard certainly doesn’t mind if I go down on him. He even has a sick joke about it. He calls it a ‘68’. He says, ‘How about a 68? You eat me, and I’ll owe you one.’”

Shannon looked as though she were about to cry again. I pulled her close to me and kissed her neck. “Don’t cry, pretty Shannon. I’ll never let anyone hurt you again.”

She pushed away and looked at me very seriously. “Don’t say things like that unless you mean them. I couldn’t take that.”

Now I was the one in danger of tears. “I just realized how very much I meant what I said. I suspect that I’ve been falling in love with you for a while. Tonight when you cried I passed the point of no return. However, there’s a big obstacle that could prevent any relationship between us -- the difference in our ages.”

Shannon looked at me quizzically. “How old do you think I am?”

“I’d have guessed your age at about 35.”

“Actually you’re very close. I’ll be 35 in February. I’m a Pisces.”

“I’m 20 years older than you. Don’t you think that’s too much of a difference in ages?”

“Not the way that you just satisfied me, grandpa.”

She kissed me again. For a very long time.

Finally, I broke the clinch and said, “Lets go upstairs and get comfortable.”

She gave me a pouty little girl look. “Why Mr. Johnson, what are you suggesting? Surely you’re not trying to get me into your bed.”

“Of course I am. Can you walk, or do I have to carry you?”

“I can walk.”

“All right, you go first. I want to enjoy the view.”

Shannon preceded me up the stairs. The view was spectacular. Don Peters had to be the world’s prize fool to mistreat this beautiful little lady. I vowed to myself again not to make the same mistake.

“Turn left at the top of the stairs, Shannon. Then just go straight ahead.”

We entered the bedroom. I turned down the bed and tucked her in. Within a few seconds, I had my clothes off and had joined her. We came together, cuddling and kissing.

“Nekkid cuddles are the best,” she sighed.

“They certainly are.”

I was hard as a rock. I opened the drawer of the night stand. I hoped that I still had some condoms left in there. It had been a long time since I looked.

“You don’t have to worry, Mike. I’m on the pill. Don doesn’t want any kids.”

I quickly moved between her legs and lowered myself into her, entering slowly and savouring every inch of her vagina. She sighed. I kissed her and began a slow rhythm with deep strokes. Soon our movements became more frantic. I sensed that she was about to come, and I knew sure as hell that I was. If only I could hold out just a little longer...

Shannon cried out and grabbed me in a bear hug. I exploded with a force that felt like my balls were coming out my penis. It was my turn to nearly lose consciousness. Slowly I withdrew and pulled her into my arms.

“Mike, that was the most fantastic lovemaking. I’m afraid to believe it, but it seems as though we have perfect chemistry together. Will it always be this good?”

“Yes, if I have anything to say about it.”

We fell asleep snuggling. One of my last conscious thoughts was that we’d missed New Year’s. And I didn’t give a crap. I’d had the best night of my life.

The next morning I awoke to a fantastic feeling. I looked down my body to the most fantastic sight. There was Shannon’s angelic face with my penis in her mouth. I moaned. She looked up and me and smiled.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

Shannon straddled me and guided my erection into her vagina. Then she proceeded to fuck my brains out. Once again we both came incredibly hard. In fact, we both lost consciousness. I awoke a few minutes later to find a sleeping Shannon lying on top of me. My dick had shriveled and slipped out of her. She was still dripping on my balls. I felt perfectly content. As I cuddled her, I thought I was the luckiest bastard on earth. I drifted off.

I was awakened by Shannon’s stirring. She was still lying on top of me in my arms.

“Precious, don’t you think we should get up?”

“No,” she said in a very sleepy voice, “I want to stay here forever. In your arms.”

“And you will, little girl. You will.”

We did eventually get up. Then we took a shower together. As you might guess, that fact delayed our getting dressed. Eventually, we were forced out of the shower when the hot water gave out. Neither of us really felt like getting dressed, so I grabbed a couple of my T-shirts and some sweat pants. I put on the pants and a T-shirt. Shannon settled for just a shirt. My shirt came to mid-thigh on her. She looked adorable and about 16 or 17. I felt like a dirty old man. It was a great feeling.

I made coffee while Shannon cooked up some eggs and bacon. We ate at the kitchen table. We took turns feeding each other like school kids. At last we finished our breakfast and most of the pot of coffee.

“Shannon, we have some decisions to make. I don’t think either one of us is interested in an extramarital affair. I want you, and I want you out in the open, not sneaking around. How about it?”

She looked into her coffee mug for a while. “I love you, Mike. I do very much love you. I guess that I’ve been slowly coming to the realization that my marriage was over. I just didn’t want to admit it. I didn’t know what to do if I left Don. Hell, I guess he left me a long time ago in many ways. I’m tired of being a convenience for him. I won’t do that again for any man.”

I noticed for the first time that she wasn’t wearing her rings. Some time between supper and now they’d disappeared. She noticed where I was looking.

“They’re in my purse. I’m not going to wear that bastard’s rings any more. I seriously thought about flushing them down the toilet. Instead I think that I’ll just leave them in the apartment with a ‘Dear Don’ letter.”

“Do you mean,” I said, daring to hope.

“Yes, you silly old fart. If you want me, you’ve got me.”

Now it was my turn to cry.

We finally did get dressed. I drove her to her apartment. I helped her pack some suitcases and carried them to the car. I put the suitcases in the trunk, and we drove home.

Home. What a great word when you have someone wonderful to share it with.

The rest of that weekend was spent getting to know each other, in bed and out. I’d never been so much in love, and I allowed myself to believe that Shannon felt the same way. No one could be that good an actress.

On Sunday morning, Shannon delivered yet another of her surprises.

“Mike, have you ever tried anal intercourse?”

“Well, once or twice when I was a lot younger. But it’s not my preferred method of love making. Why do you ask? Have you tried it?”

“No. Never. Would you try it with me?”

I was quiet for a few minutes. Then I asked softly, “Darling, why are you asking this?”

“I have my own reasons. Just please believe that it’s important to me. Maybe just this once. OK?”

“OK. I’ll be as gentle as I can.”

I found some lube in the john, and it turned out that there were condoms in the night stand. I put one on. Shannon got on all fours, and I gently applied the lubrication to her anus and my penis. The condom was lubricated, but that lubrication presupposed that one’s partner would produce some of her own. Butt holes don’t do that.

As gently as I could, I introduced my penis into her. Shannon grunted a few times, her head buried in the pillow.

“Precious, am I hurting you? Shall I stop?”

“No, no. Keep going slowly.”

Gradually, I introduced nearly my full length into her.

“Are you all there now?”

“Yes.”

“Then fuck me. Please.”

I slowly stroked in and out of her. Gradually, the friction became slightly less and her grunts less frequent. I reached around to her clitoris, attempting to give her some pleasure of her own. She spread her legs slightly to ease my access.

“Oh, that’s nicer. Oh yes, fuck me. If only those bastards at work could see sweet, prim little Shannon getting fucked in the ass. Or most of all that son of a bitch Don. Keep on fucking me. I want you to come in my ass.”

The sight before me, the heightened friction of her anus, and the feeling of her sex proved too much for me, in spite of my concern for Shannon. I accelerated my manipulations of her pussy.

“Oh darling baby, I’m coming. Oh my sweet, dear little Shannon.”

“I’m coming, too. Oh Christ, here it comes!”

We both collapsed on the bed. I withdrew from her, careful to keep the condom on and intact. A kissed Shannon and hugged her gently. Then I went into the washroom to clean up.

When I returned, she was crying. Not with the huge racking sobs of two nights before. She was gently crying into her pillow.

I held her to my bosom. “Precious, please don’t cry. I’m so sorry that I hurt you. I’ll never do that again.”

Shannon smiled at me through her tears. “Don’t say never. And please don’t apologize. I came, didn’t I? And I’m not the kinky sort of person who can come when I’m in pain. Just give me a few minutes. I feel like I need a shower.”

When she returned from her shower, she looked a lot more like herself. She laid down beside me and put her head on my shoulder. I asked, “Now do you want to tell me what all this is about?”

“To be honest, I think that I just figured it out in the shower. Don has pressured me for years for anal sex. I refused for several reasons. To begin with, I had a very middle-class Catholic upbringing on the Prairies. Like a lot of good Catholic girls, I had trouble enough accepting that my genitals weren’t filthy, much less my anus. Then there was also the fact that I now know that I didn’t trust Don not to hurt me. Badly. He’d never have been worried about my needs, the way you are. I’m sure that anal intercourse with Don would have been pretty brutal. It would have been an asshole fucking an asshole!”

Shannon giggled at her joke. I was a bit taken aback at her choice of language. In the mouths of many women, those words wouldn’t have shocked me at all. I began to realize that I had to cut Shannon more slack. She had to develop her personality in ways that she’d never allowed herself to do.

She stopped laughing and looked at me more seriously. “The crying came because I realized that my marriage was now really and truly over. I had let you -- no, begged you -- to do the one thing that I’d never allowed Don to do. I’m no longer his in any way. I’m yours, and I proved that to myself with that act -- something I’d never have done with anyone else. I wasn’t crying about him, I was mourning the marriage itself.”

“He couldn’t always have been such a prick, or you wouldn’t have married him.”

“Looking back, I don’t know that I’ve ever really known him. Especially not when we met in university. You see, Don was a jock. Football and Rugby.” She smiled. “He had a bumper sticker on his car that said ‘It Takes Leather Balls To Play Rugby’. He was handsome and charming and had an incredible body. He was so different from any of the guys I dated in high school. And we seemed to have common interests. We were both business majors and did pretty well in school. We got married after graduation, moved into married students’ housing and took our masters’ degrees.”

Shannon looked at me with a very serious expression, perhaps verging on tears. “The problems started after we left school and both got jobs. At first, I made more money than Don did. I know that he was jealous, even though he denied it. Then, he found that he had a real talent for sales and landed the job he has now. That was when the traveling started, and we drifted apart even more after that.” Shannon looked into my eyes. “Now, I realize that I wouldn’t take Don back under any circumstances. I want you, not him or anyone else.”

We cuddled. Then, we made love slowly and gently. The regular way.

Since New Year’s Day fell on a Saturday, our company, like many others, observed the Monday as a holiday. I used the time to make some arrangements. I called a moving company and arranged for them to send a truck to Shannon’s apartment that afternoon. We didn’t need a very large truck, since Shannon had a limited list of things that she wanted to take. In addition to her clothes and personal items, there were only a couple of small pieces of furniture that had sentimental value to her.

My next call was to Howard Goldfarb, my lawyer. I explained the situation to him and waited for him to call me a silly old fart who’d gotten himself in over his head. To my surprise, he did not.

“Mike, I wish to hell that you’d waited until she had the goods on her old man. If he’s fucking around, as you suspect, she could take the bastard to the cleaners. Now, since she’s left him, I suspect she’ll get nothing.”

“Howie, she doesn’t need anything. She has a job, and anyway I make more than enough to take care of both of us. What we need is a divorce. Pronto. I’ll even pay the son of a bitch off if necessary.”

“You won’t have to do that, but I’ll need another opinion on just what the options are. I’m in business law, not family law. But one of my classmates in law school is the top family law guy in town. I’ll call him and get back to you, you old home wrecker.”

By that night, we had Shannon moved in. We were tired but extremely happy. Shannon had done as she’d said she would. She’d left her rings and her keys in the apartment and gotten the super to lock the place. I decided that we were much too tired to cook, so we went out.

We went to one of my favourite little restaurants -- Provence. It’s fairly expensive but well worth it. I’m afraid that we spent as much time looking at each other and holding hands as we did eating. We finished our meal and strolled home.

We went into the house and hung up our coats. As I turned away from the coat rack, I was almost knocked down as Shannon suddenly rushed into my arms. “Mike, I’m so goddam happy! I feel like you’ve saved me. How the hell can you be so wonderful? What did I do to deserve you?”

“Well, I can think of a few things,” I said.

Shannon gave me a little light punch to the cheek. “Get your mind out of the gutter, you dirty old man. I’m serious.”

“So am I, my little love. So am I.”

I unbuttoned her jeans and pulled them down.

“Mike, what the hell are you doing?”

“Grab me, will you, you forward little minx! Now you’re going to get what you deserve.” I grinned at her. “Just relax and enjoy it.”

I removed her pants and took her right there, on the floor in the hallway.

“Mike, you’re raping me! Please don’t stop.”

Eventually I did stop, and we made our way upstairs. We got ready for bed. Shannon kissed me and laid her head on my chest.

“You are a rapist, you know. But you’re my rapist. Just don’t think of attacking anyone else.”

The next morning we went to work. I suspect that it may have turned a few heads when we came in together, but everyone knew that we’d been working together on a project. I supposed it was reasonable to assume that we might have met for breakfast, as indeed we had. In our kitchen.

Shannon went to her office and I to mine. We’d promised to meet for lunch, but when I got to the office there was a message waiting for me. It was from the president of the company. He requested my presence at lunch that afternoon. I called Shannon and told her what had happened.

“Gosh, I wonder what he wants,” she said, “the last time that he took someone out to lunch the security goons cleaned out their office while they were gone. I sure hope you’re not going to get fired.”

I grinned. “No chance. He probably just wants to be briefed on the new software. He’ll have to make a report to the board soon, and he’ll want to sound like he knows what he’s talking about.”

At noon, I showed up at the president’s office. His secretary took me into his office. I was taken aback. The chairman of the board was sitting on the chesterfield. Both Guy Lapointe, the president, and Henri “Hank” Poirier, the chairman, stood and shook my hand. At our company, everyone is on a first-name basis. But don’t let that fool you. There’s a real pecking order in spite of the seeming informality.

Guy said, “Mike, Hank, we’d better go. I have a reservation at Fenice, and you know that Luigi likes people to be prompt.”

Luigi was the maitre d’ at Fenice. He ran a tight ship, and people were willing to put up with his seeming crankiness because of the incredible food and service. We arrived at Fenice, and Luigi showed us to our table.

We made small talk over a round of drinks. After we’d placed our order, Hank turned to me.

“Mike, I’ll get right to the point. You may have heard that Joe Barnes is leaving the company. He has a great job offer in the States.”

I had heard something about that. Joe was the vice-president for development. He was a first-class engineer and a decent enough guy. I’d be sorry to see him go. Hank continued.

“As I said, I’ll get right to the point. Joe’s departure leaves a vice-presidency vacant. Would you be interested in the job?”

I was speechless. Is the Pope Polish? Of course I’d be interested, and I managed to stammer out some words to that effect. Hank had more to say.

“I’m glad. Guy and I think you’ll make a terrific vice president. Joe’s resignation technically took place at the end of the year, but he’s offered to stay on for a while to show you the ropes. As of now, you’re vice president of development. Let’s drink to that.”

I needed a drink. Boy, did I need a drink. I couldn’t believe it. A new year that brought a fantastic new woman and a great new job. I had to have an ass full of horseshoes.

After our toast, Hank said, “There’s more. You may have heard that I’m looking forward to retirement in a year or so. It seems reasonable to assume that Guy will succeed me as chair. There’s certainly no one more qualified. That will leave the presidency open. As you know, it’s our policy to promote from within whenever possible. Anytime we’ve used a headhunter the result has been a disaster.”

Both Hank and Guy were grinning at me. I’m sure that I looked like a prize idiot sitting there with my mouth open. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

Guy said, “Damned right, and this isn’t a snap decision. This old bastard and I have been talking about it for a long time, ever since Joe decided to leave. I thought that Joe would take over my job, and that you’d take over from Joe. His leaving has moved things ahead a bit. We think that, unless you fuck up royally between now and then, which, by the way, I consider highly unlikely, that you’re now the obvious choice to run the company. You sure as hell know our business, and you’ve shown that you’re excellent in working with people. Of course, you don’t have to make up your mind about the presidency for a while. We just wanted to be sure that you were thinking about it.”

Son of a bitch. All I could think of was how soon I could tell Shannon. That and another drink. Mercifully, Hank ordered another drink.

During lunch, the two of them briefed me on some of the pending company business. Just after we finished our main course, my cell phone rang. The call display showed Shannon’s office number. I excused myself from the table, saying that I really had to take the call.

Shannon sounded out of breath. “Mike, what the hell is going on? I was joking before, but there’s a whole gang of guys here cleaning out your office. I asked one of them what’s going on. He said that you’re moving down the hall. You haven’t been fired, have you?”

I grinned into the phone. “Baby, are you sitting down?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You might not know this, but you’re shacked up with the vice president of development of Radius Software, Inc.”

“Do you mean...”

“Yeah, and there’s more. Do me a favour and make us a supper reservation at Scaramouche. We’re going to celebrate tonight. Big time.”

I went back to the table. Both guys were grinning at me. Guy said, “I guess Shannon was pretty freaked when she saw them moving your office, eh?”

“What the...”

“Oh come on. It’s been obvious to everyone but you and Shannon what was happening. When you two came back to work today making goo-goo eyes at each other, I collected on the pool. The whole management team was betting on how long it would take you two to get together. I won. New Year’s Eve, right?”

I nodded, speechless.

“I knew it. She’s a great girl, and her husband is a real asshole. My brother-in-law is his manager at Daytronics. I’ll bet that Shannon thinks Don is out of town at some sales convention or something.”

Again I nodded.

“Hell no. He’s shacked up at the Four Seasons Hotel with a bimbo. She looks like a pro, but I think she’s actually a secretary or something. Here are some pictures.”

He threw them on the table. I assumed the guy in the shots was Don. He looked like a college jock who’d gone to flab. He was sitting in a restaurant, and there was a cheap-looking blonde all over him.

“How did you...”

“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. The pictures are dated and certified. Give them to Howie Goldfarb with my compliments.”

I was astounded and also a bit pissed off. Was my private life common knowledge to all these people? How about Shannon’s privacy? If anyone else had seen these pictures...

Hank spoke this time. He seemed to be reading my mind. “Mike, believe me, no one but the people at this table has seen the pictures. And Guy was joking about the betting pool. There is no pool. Jacques Laroche, the head of marketing, just happened to be at the Four Seasons restaurant the other day. He’d met Don at a party and recognized him. Jacques really likes Shannon, as does everyone who’s worked with her. At least that’s what I’ve heard, although I’ve never had the pleasure. Anyway, it was Jacques’ wife’s birthday, so he had his camera along. He took pictures of Betty and the family and snuck in a few of lover-boy and the bimbo. Jacques and Betty are prepared to testify to that effect if need be. The manager of the hotel will also testify that Mr. and Mrs. Donald Peters were booked into the hotel all last week.”

“Jesus, guys, I’m really grateful. Shannon and I owe a lot to you. And to Jacques, of course. You two are the best. It’ll be great to work more closely with you.”

Shannon and I would have a lot to celebrate that night.

Guy said, “Actually, Joe Barnes is out of town until next week, so he can’t work with you on the transition until then. Why don't you and Shannon take the rest of the week off? But I warn you, you’ve got to hit the ground running next Monday.”

When we returned to the office, we went to the upper-management area. On the door of the office next to Guy’s, there was a shiny new nameplate on the door. It read, “Michael Johnson, Vice President, Development.” A whole group of the staff were gathered in the reception area. They all applauded. Shannon grabbed me in a bear hug. She kissed me, and they applauded louder.

Shannon and I went home on a cloud that night. We got into our glad rags and headed for Scaramouche, which I’ve always felt is one of the best restaurants in the world. Shannon had never been there. She absolutely loved it. I vowed to myself to take her there at least once a week from now on. I have to give myself some credit on living up to that vow. I haven’t missed too many weeks in the years since.

That night we wined and dined and finished off the evening with a bottle of bubbly at home. It was the bottle that I’d originally meant for New Year’s Eve. I got out the Waterford crystal and lit the fireplace. I poured the Veuve Clicquot and presented Shannon with her glass. I’d waited until this moment to introduce the subject of the incriminating pictures.

“First, I’d like to toast our life together. May we have many wonderful years to come.”

We clinked glasses and drank.

“Now, another toast. Confusion to our enemies.”

I took the pictures from my breast pocket and put them on the coffee table. Shannon’s eyes got very big.

“Christ! Who the hell is that with Don? Where are they? When was this? Who took these pictures?”

“Darling, take a deep breath. First of all, the bimbo with Don is a receptionist or something at his company. Second, they were at the Four Seasons Hotel here in town. That’s where he was when he left you the message that he’d be out of town for the next week. The pictures were taken by your boss Jacques. He’d booked a table at the Four Seasons for his wife’s birthday and recognized lover boy, here. Now, I have a question for you. Do you know what this means? I don't mean the fact that ass wipe has been lying to you and cheating on you for a long time. I mean do you know what this means to us?”

For a minute she looked as though she might cry. Then, she slowly began to smile. “It means...”

“Yes, it means that Don will never bother us. He’s toast. My lawyer, Howie, says that you don’t ever need to see him again. You’ll get your divorce quickly. I’m sure that the Catholic Church will annul the marriage as well. And then...”

Shannon smiled at me. It was as though the sun had come out and the world was beautiful and new. Her smile had that kind of power.

“And then we can...”

“Yes, my little love. And then we can be married, if that’s what you want.”

For the second time in 24 hours I found myself attacked by a tiny ball of fire. Shannon literally bowled me over. Luckily, I saw her coming in time to put my glass safely on the table. Waterford champagne flutes in my pattern are damned expensive and hard to find.

When she finally stopped kissing me and let me get my breath, I said, “Does that mean ‘Yes’?”

“Yes!” (Kiss) “Yes!” (Kiss) “Yes!” (Incredibly long and passionate kiss)

Well, that was a few years ago now. Four, to be exact. Shannon was able to get an uncontested divorce from Don. It all happened rather quickly. It turned out that Don hadn’t been particularly careful. Nor was he all that well liked. There were many people in his company who were willing and even anxious to testify in court about his dalliances. Fortunately, it never came to that. When he was confronted by the evidence, he folded like a cheap suitcase. Guy’s brother-in-law, who was Don’s boss, got him the hell out of his company and out of town. We have no idea where Don is and don’t care.

Shannon and I were married a month after her divorce became final. We honeymooned in Paris. I became president of Radius last year. Shannon quit her job and started her own marketing company. She’s likely to make more money than I do in a couple of years.

Soon after we were married, Shannon went off the pill. Less than a year later, Kimberley was born. This Christmas, I got a special present. Shannon’s pregnant again. We’re hoping for a boy this time.

Shannon and little Kimmy, are the best things that ever happened to me. Shannon and I still have the world’s best relationship. We get along incredibly well. We’ve never had a serious argument, and the sex is, in a word, “awesome.”

Oh yes, Shannon finally has her rabbits. There’s a hutch in the back garden. It’s beautifully designed. She’s won a number of prizes at shows (yes, there are rabbit shows, believe it or not). Kimmy loves the “wabbits.” She has a pet wabbit who sleeps in a cage in her room.

I hate to sound smug, but I honestly cannot imagine anything about my life that I’d want to change. Some guys have all the luck. I just never thought I’d be one of them.