Chapter 3

“Regina, thanks for agreeing to have lunch,” said Karen as she and her ex-roommate sat in a quiet nook of the small restaurant.

“Are you kidding? This is the first time since your wedding that we’ve even seen each other, let alone had a chance to talk. How’s married life?”

“Uh, fine, but...”

“Not having troubles already, are we? I told you you he was too old for you.”

“No, no, there’s nothing wrong with our marriage. Roger and I are fine. But there is something I need your advice on.”

“Oh?” Replied the vivacious brunette.

And for the next few minutes Karen explained the situation to the woman she had been closer to than anyone else in her life, with the exception of Roger. Being roommates, college had thrown together the diversely different young women who nevertheless had become the best of friends, never hesitating to share their innermost secrets.

“And Roger is okay with this?” Asked Regina.

“Well, I wouldn’t use the word okay. He’s never exactly been the jealous type, but he admits he’s not crazy about me bedding strange men.”

“And you, Karen, what are your feelings?”

“On the one hand I abhor the idea, but I do know what it means to Roger and I’ve always told him I would do anything to help his career.”

“Sounds like you’re on the horns of a real dilemma.”

Her eyes misted, and Karen’s hands reached across the table to hold those of her friend.

“What should I do, Regina?”

“You may be asking the wrong person,” smiled the brunette. “I’m still single and enjoying every minute of it. Would I agree to be wined, dined and bedded by some of the top executives in the country? in a New York minute! But I also recognize that marriage does put a different spin on it.” She looked her former roommate in the eyes with a wry smile. “But I do know that while you were getting voted this and that you also were so shy you hardly ever went out. How often did you get laid, sweetie?”

Karen was taken aback. “I ... I...”

“Oh, my god! Don’t tell me you were a virgin when you met Roger.”

“Regina, I was a virgin until our wedding night.”

“Holy crap, no wonder this is scaring the hell out of you. Look, here’s how I would see this. I’m assuming Roger was NOT a virgin before your wedding night. That means, honey you really didn’t know much about how to please a man in bed. Am I right?”

Embarrassed, Karen shook her head positively.

“Well, I’m sure you and Roger go at it like any other married couple, but have you ever considered that you might need to know more about how to please a man?”

“I ... hadn’t thought about it.”

“Well, you might consider this situation is not only a means to further Roger’s career, but also a means to learn how to improve your skills under the sheets.”

“I ... I ... guess I don’t know very much. Roger and I just sort of do it the same way all the time.”

“Oh, Honey, have you got a lot to learn! This just might be the best seminar in lovemaking you could possibly imagine. I’m sure these execs are experienced beyond anything you and Roger may have tried or even heard about. They are in a position, no pun intended, to show you positions and techniques the two of you probably never imagined.”

“I ... I suppose you’re right about that,” mused Karen.

“So, if you want my advice, I’d say go for it. You know the old adage that the Roman mother passed along to her daughter as Rome was being raped and pillaged. ‘When faced with the inevitable ... lie back and enjoy it!’”

They both laughed.

“You do put a new spin on things, Regina”

“Just don’t take yourself or Roger’s position with the company too seriously. Life is meant to be enjoyed. If you can advance Roger’s career and enjoy the company and lovemaking of important and powerful men, I say go for it.”

“I ... I’ve just never had your confidence, Regina.”

“It’s your call, Honey. Just remember, when it’s all over we always have more regrets about what we DIDN’T do than what we DID”

With that the former roommate stood, leaned over and kissed Karen on the cheek. “Your call, Honey,” she said, turning and walking out the door.