Chapter 4

“Hello Karen, how lovely to see you again. Where was it we met ... oh yes, that charity ball a couple of months back.”

Rosaline Mansfield stood back to allow Karen to enter the spacious corridor of the luxurious mansion. The younger executive’s wife was awed by the size and opulence of the CEO’s home. “Uh, thank you. I must admit I was surprised at your invitation.”

They walked into the living area where again Karen was overwhelmed at the ostentatious nature of the room and its furnishings. She also noted they were no longer alone. A woman, Karen would have guessed in her late thirties-early forties, sat smiling as the host and guest entered.

“Karen Jenkins, I’d like you to meet Katrina Howard. Katrina is married to Rick Howard, one of our Vice-Presidents.”

The two shook hands, Karen noticing the woman carried the same air of self assurance as Roasaline.

“I’m so glad you could join us for tea. I like to get to know the wives in our little corporate family.”

“It was nice of you to invite me,” replied Karen, taking a seat.

And for the next few minutes there was the usual chit-chat as the women got to know each other and feel each other out. Finally Rosaline sensed it was time to deal with the real reason for Karen’s invitation.

“Actually Karen I have two reasons for inviting you here today,” said Rosaline. “ As I said, I do like to get to know our executive’s wives, but, well, if I may come right to the subject, I understand you are having doubts about Roger accepting a Vice Presidency.”

“I ... I ... well, yes,” answered Karen hesitantly.

“Karen, there are no secrets among the company wives. We all know what is asked of us. It’s why I also invited Katrina today. You see, her husband has been with the company for seventeen years now and a Vice -President for nine. We all know it’s a major decision for you, so I thought if you could talk with one of the VP wives you could better understand what is being asked of you and what it will mean to you and Roger.”

“You...?” Stammered Karen, facing Katrina.

“Of course, Karen,” replied the VP’s wife. “It was hard for me as well when I was first told what role I would need to play in advancing my husband in the company. I was raised on a farm in Nebraska with very traditional values so it was a major shock when I found out I was expected to go bed with men I’d never even met. But Rick and I talked about it and he indicated he would be alright with it if I was. I was also worried about the health aspects until it was explained that everyone, and I do mean everyone gets a complete checkup and repeats those checkups every six months to be sure nothing negative gets passed along. We wives are also required to go on birth control.”

“But ... but Roger and I want to have children.”

“Wait one year, then you can take time off to have a child,” said Rosaline. She smiled coyly. “Or you can roll the dice and take your chances.”

“Oh my god!” breathed Karen. NO, of course not!”

“Then you will need to get on birth control immediately. That is, if your answer is yes.”

“I ... understand,” said Karen. She again looked to Katrina. “But hasn’t it been hard on your marriage?”

“No,” responded the VP’s wife. “We both consider it a part of moving up the corporate ladder. We agreed these ... adventures were for sex only. The moment any romantic feelings began to surface I simply would not see that particular person again.”

“And did that happen?”

“Once, but in reverse. The man wanted to see me again and I refused. After a couple of futile tries, he quit calling and sending flowers. We see each other once in a while at corporate social affairs, but we both keep our distance.”