Chapter 5

I had one more day before I had to return to my office, so I suggested a trip to the Phoenix Zoo, or the Chandler Museum. When they asked about the museum, and I mentioned things like tumbleweeds and such desert lore, they opted for the zoo, assuming they’d see only animals indigenous to the Southwest. They were wrong! But we enjoyed the zoo by being with each other. The next day being work for me, Myra and I made an early evening of it and were in my bed by nine in the evening. Chloe wanted to spend time in the hot tub, but I told her she shouldn’t be there alone, so with a slight pout, she decided to stay up late, watching American TV. At the office the next day, I learned that my report concerning the factory tour had been well received and my boss handed me a bonus check, ostensibly to compensate me for my time away from my home and family. He knew very well I was divorced, but the bonus had been approved from up above, and they didn’t keep tabs on the marital status of underlings. While in the office, I made a phone call to Ian. Considering the seven-hour difference in time, I figured I would catch him at his hotel. Consequently, I called his cell, rather than the factory number. The phone rang six times on my end before being answered by a cross-sounding, out of breath, Ian:

“This better be bloody important!”

“Hello, Ian, it’s Will, old friend!” I chortled.

Still out of breath, his attitude became much friendlier:

“Will, for fucks’ sake! Is everything going well over there?” he inquired.

“Of course. I just thought I’d check to see how you were doing. Did I make you run for the phone? You’re breathing like you just ran up the stairs.” I commented.

“Are Myra and Chloe there with you?” he murmured.

“I’m at the office. They’re at my home.” I informed.

“Oh, that’s fine. I’m sorry, I was doing some exercises.” he admitted.

Knowing Ian well, I couldn’t help but tease him:

“Come on, old man, what kind of exercises, bedroom pushups?”

“Ah, Will, you know me so well. I was working over a subordinate.” He chuckled.

“Meaning you’re on top and they’re on the bottom?” I joked.

“Of course, Will. You know I’m a missionary style man.” he laughed, having fun being obtuse.

“I’m sorry for interrupting you at such a time like this, but tell me: is it a coworker, or your sister-in-law?” I exclaimed.

I sensed Ian had placed his hand over the mouthpiece and I heard only muffled voices, then Ian came back on strong again.

“So sorry Will, but I had to duck into the loo, so I could answer your questions. It’s Agnes. Her husband Robert took the boys to a cricket match, since Hugh plays at home and is a great fan of the sport. Agnes and I decided to take advantage of the time alone. I do maintain a hotel room, but I’m usually here most evenings, to spend time with my son, and take what I can get from Agnes, if we find a spare moment. I really appreciate your understanding.” he commented.

“Come on, Ian, I’m no hypocrite. I have nothing to say, since I’m bedding your wife, ‘and’ your daughter. I admitted.

“You’re bloody well right, old man! How’s that coming, by the way?” he boomed.

“I have no complaints, and I haven’t heard anything from the women as to feeling neglected. I haven’t slept a single night alone since they arrived in New York.” I bragged.

“Bloody hell, Will, you’ll ruin yourself.” he growled.

“I’m pacing myself, old friend. And by the way, I had to dash Chloe’s dream of me planting a baby in her belly.” I confessed.

“You are fucking shitting me! Why would she do that? You’re old enough to be her father. You can’t marry her. I won’t allow it ... well, maybe. I could do worse than you for a son-in-law, but dammit, she’s too young.” he barked.

“I told her all that. I think I talked her out of it, I hope!” I mumbled.

I continued:

“Anyway, I called to see how the overhaul was going. Just give me a brief report, and I’ll let you get back to Agnes, before she cools down.”

We discussed business matters for a few minutes and then wished each other luck in our individual endeavors and ended the call. I made notes on what he’d told me and arranged them into a proper format for a status report to be sent up the chain. It was soon time to close up shop and return to my English paramours.

Walking into the house from the garage, I found both of my lovelies in the kitchen. Myra had on a dress like she wears in her own home. Chloe was in a skimpy bikini. I received a hug and kiss from each and Myra perceived the unasked question on my face.

“Chloe has spent a good portion of the day in the lap pool. She tells me she feels like it’s a better exercise than just walking, though she’s done that a bit, also.”

“I’ve always thought swimming was a good, all-around exercise. I hear it works out nearly every muscle group in the body. I use the pool regularly when I’m at home. I probably wouldn’t have installed one, but since it was already here, I use it.” I advised.

“So, my daughter abandoned the pool to help me make a good old traditional English supper: ‘Bangers and Mash’. I found some kielbasa in the fridge, I boiled some potatoes and I’m getting ready to have Chloe mash them for me, while I finish cooking the sausage. Not quite like I make at home, but it’s close.” she disclosed.