Climbing the Ladder 5 - Reaching New Heights
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 49: Desperately
Fiction Sex Story: Chapter 49: Desperately - Jonathan's business life is booming, but he's also suffering from yet another loss. While he's done his best to pick up the pieces of that sundered relationship, he can't help but feel responsible. However, where two close relationships have withered, another blooms. Violet has transitioned from a badly damaged girl to a vibrant woman. Will he continue to climb this ladder, or will there be another ladder to climb in his future? No matter what, the only direction he plans to go is up.
Caution: This Fiction Sex Story contains strong sexual content, including Ma/Fa Workplace
September 8, 1984, Chicago, Illinois
"You're learning," Violet said as we showered together on Saturday morning.
"Learning?"
"In the past, you'd have asked me if I was OK after watching what can only be described as soft-core porn. Other than responding to CeCi about the 'ick' factor of thinking about having sex with a fourteen-year-old girl, you just let it go."
"It just took me time to adapt to the new Violet," I replied. "I know you understand why."
"I do," Violet replied. "I'm very happy you deduced that Doctor Lochner was wrong!"
"As am I."
We finished our shower, dressed, then went downstairs to make breakfast.
"What are your plans for the day?" I asked.
"I'm going to hang out with Lily, Kallie, Janet, and Liv. If everything went the way Lily expected, she should be engaged to Jim."
"How did she know he was going to propose last night?" I asked.
"He asked for her ring size about two weeks ago, and they were going to a nice restaurant last night, which isn't the norm for them. Not to mention it's not exactly a surprise!"
"Any idea when they'll get married?"
"I'd guess next Summer after Lily graduates. Jim found a job before he graduated in June, so I'm sure they can handle it financially."
"I meant to ask — did that Latino guy we met rent the apartment?"
"No. I'm not sure what happened; there's a female Freshman Circle student living there now."
"What kind of trouble are you girls going to get up to?"
"Wouldn't YOU like to know!" Violet teased.
"Hmm..." I replied, stroking my non-existent 'evil' goatee. "Four girls..."
Violet rolled her eyes, "You are such a guy! But Lily is engaged, and Liv has a boyfriend."
"So, you, Kallie, and me then?" I asked, hopefully.
"You are out of your mind if you think I'm signing up for THAT!" Violet declared, though she was laughing.
"Darn," I replied.
"Uh-huh," Violet said. "Seriously, is that something you want?"
"No," I replied. "That's not us, and I don't think it should be."
"Me, either," Violet confirmed. "You've done that before, haven't you?"
"Yes. But please do NOT feel that has anything to do with our relationship or that I am somehow unsatisfied with our sex life. I certainly don't believe you are."
"We fit very nicely together, despite you being so much taller than I am!"
"I agree!"
When we finished our breakfast, Violet went home by a Town Car from Chicago Livery, and I made a trip to Waldenbooks to purchase the books I needed for my English course — The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, All the King's Men, The Canterbury Tales, Bēowulf, and Hamlet.
I was going to be very busy reading for the next four months, which meant setting aside The Stand, which I had started reading after finishing Les Misérables. Once I finished that, I'd read the third book Keiko had read while we were married — Roots, but that would have to wait for December.
I returned to the condo, put the books on the shelf, then went to sit with Bianca, Nicole, and Sofía. Misty climbed into my lap, something she had been doing more and more often recently. I found it strange, but the idea Deanna had put forth made me wonder, at least a little bit, if there might be some truth to it. I didn't believe it, and certainly had no way of proving it, but it did make me wonder.
"How was the stand-up comedian?" I asked.
"Pretty funny. His schtick is similar to George Carlin's. How was the movie?"
"So-so in terms of plot; it really was soft-core porn."
"Was it at least hot?" Nicole asked.
"The scenes with Bo Derek were pretty hot, but kind of silly at points."
"I bet CeCi got some ideas," Bianca said with a silly smile.
"CeCi doesn't need soft-core porn to get ideas," I countered.
"Was Violet OK?"
"Yes. She actually commented that she was happy I didn't ask her if she was OK after seeing the movie."
"You're seeing Jennifer today, right?"
"I am."
"She doesn't spend the night, so if you have any energy left, come sleep with Nicole and me."
That was true, though she had said she was going to try to figure out a way. If that happened, I knew Bianca would understand, and I'd join them another night.
"Sleep?" I asked with an arched eyebrow.
"Eventually! Are you ready to do the shopping?"
"Yes."
The four of us left the condo, and we headed to Jewel on Halsted Street in my car. Just over an hour later, we returned to the condo to put away the groceries, then had lunch with CeCi. After lunch, I showered, then headed to Oak Park to pick up Jennifer for our date. She greeted me with a hug and a quick kiss, then we walked to my Saab. I helped her in, and after closing the door, walked around the car to get into the driver's seat.
"What are we doing today?" I asked
"What do you think about going to Brookfield Zoo, then going back to your place to fool around?"
"That sounds good to me," I said, starting the car and pulling away from the curb. "Are you going to spend the night?"
"I wish, but given my dad knows I'm on a date with you, not coming home would create too much tension. He and Mom are going away for the weekend in two weeks. That would be the perfect time, if it works for you."
"Saturday, September 22?"
"Yes."
"Consider it a date! How was your first week in nursing school?"
"Lots of reading and studying. I have classes in biology, chemistry, anatomy, communications, and psychology. Next semester, I'll have physiology, human growth and development, microbiology, and clinical evaluation. We start our practical work next June. You're taking one class, right?"
"Yes. English literature. We'll start with Bēowulf, then The Canterbury Tales, then Hamlet, before more modern literature. I looked at Bēowulf and couldn't make heads or tails out of it, despite it allegedly being Old English."
"I remember reading that it's basically Germanic, and it wasn't until the Vikings and French invaded that English became readable by people who speak it now. Did you read any of those in High School?"
"No. We read The Scarlet Letter, Moby Dick, Macbeth, 1984, The Lord of the Flies, and A Tale of Two Cities."
"Pretty standard, I think. I'm going to wager you read fast, given what you do for a living."
"Yes and no. I read fast and absorb the material when it's news or financial information; I read a lot slower when I'm reading literature. It took me almost twice as long to read Les Misérables as it took Keiko. Reading the The Stand was easier."
"I think books like Les Misérables, War and Peace, A Tale of Two Cities, and other stuff like that are slogs for the average person. I didn't know Keiko, but from everything you've said, she was very intelligent and very well read."
I nodded, "She was. She read books like those for pleasure, which is what led me to decide to read Les Misérables, The Stand, and Roots. Keiko read all three of those once she could no longer attend classes."
"How are you doing? I mean emotionally and psychologically?"
"I miss her," I replied. "That said, I'm doing exactly what she wanted me to do — live a successful, productive, fulfilling life. I wish she were here with me, but she's not. I've accepted that, grudgingly, because there wasn't really another choice."
"No, there wasn't. How are things going otherwise?"
"Work is great, and I have a chance to sign a significant new client."
"You make more money for every client you sign, right?"
"Yes, though it depends on the size of their investment."
"I'm going to be totally rude, and I won't be upset if you refuse to answer, but how much will you make this year?"
"In terms of base salary, around $300,000, plus a significant bonus. My net worth will climb to around $2 million, roughly."
"Jesus! I won't make even your salary in ten years as a nurse!"
"In some ways, I'm as surprised as you are. I never expected to be this successful at this point in my life."
"Your success, combined with everything else about you, makes me wish I'd met you under different circumstances."
"I understand, but one thing is certain — we can only play the cards we're dealt. I know you know the challenges and limitations because we've discussed them."
"That, among other things, I'd likely have to give up the idea of ever marrying, which I'm not sure I can do. I know you've said that, in your mind, it's just a piece of paper, and I kind of get it, but I don't see it that way."
"Which is the more traditional view," I observed.
"If I were mercenary, I could probably make that concession, but I'm not. I mean, it would be awesome to live in the lap of luxury, but marriage is important to me."
"I understand, and ... well, rather than speculate, I'll ask if you have something to say."
"Not really, except for the fact that, at some point, this is going to end. Well, unless you have a change of heart about Keiko, which I think is about as likely as me getting a date with Richard Gere."
I chuckled, "I know people in Hollywood, so you never know! Is he single?"
"I think so," Jennifer replied. "Who is your actress fantasy?"
"Jan Smithers, who was Bailey on WKRP in Cincinnati."
"Interesting choice, given Loni Anderson is probably right up there with Farrah!"
"Loni is beautiful, but doesn't make my top five," I replied. "In order, after Jan Smithers, would be Phoebe Cates, Jaclyn Smith, Lea Thompson, and Anne Lockhart."
"Who is that last one?"
"She played on Battlestar Galactica. And to answer your next question, Mary Ann, any day of the week, and twice on Sundays!"
Jennifer laughed, "With you, it would be more like five times!"
"Are you complaining?"
"Oh, hell no!" Jennifer exclaimed.
"May I ask an indelicate question?"
"Sure."
"Why the zoo? Last time you wanted to go right back to my place and have sex."
"And we could do that, if you wanted."
"I wouldn't have objected; I was just curious."
"I felt we could spend some time together, and the zoo seemed like a good place where we could walk and talk, have some privacy, as well as see the animals."
"I think that was a wise choice," I said.
"But we'll still screw ourselves silly later, right?"
"Right!"
September 9, 1984, Chicago, Illinois
On Sunday morning, I couldn't stay in bed with Bianca and Nicole because I had too much to do before the gang joined us for football, which would be followed by Deanna's art show. The girls decided to stay in bed, so I went to my room to shower and dress, then went downstairs to have breakfast. CeCi and Deanna came down a few minutes later, and I made breakfast for them as well.
"Are there any changes for this evening?" I asked as I scrambled eggs.
"No," Deanna replied. "I checked that we have everything on hand, and nothing has changed about my plans. Kendra and Kassie will be here at 6:00pm to help set up and help clean if we need to after football."
"Cool. CeCi, is there anything you need for your internship?"
"No. I'll mostly be a gofer, so I don't really need anything special. Think of it as starting out in the mailroom. Blue jeans, a blouse, and either a windbreaker or jacket for outside are appropriate. That's true for when I'm in LA, too."
"OK. Let me know about the accommodations they set up for you in LA so I can arrange to pay for them."
"Will do!"
Nicole and Bianca came down just as Deanna, CeCi, and I finished eating, and I made breakfast for them. We spent a few quiet hours relaxing, and then the gang began to arrive to watch the Bears take on the Denver Broncos. It was a blowout, with the Bears scoring 27 points in the first half and shutting out the Broncos. Nobody scored in the second half, when the Bears gave a group of second-stringers more playing time than they typically would, though Jim McMahon played the entire game.
The downside of watching the games at the condo was not having the grill or fire pit, but nobody complained. Most people began leaving when the game ended, knowing we had the art show in a few hours. When Kendra and Kassie arrived, I excused myself and went up to my room to call Noel Spurgeon. Les answered and called Noel to the phone.
"What's up, Kane? Can't wait to hear what happened?"
"I am curious, but I actually have something that needs your immediate attention."
"What?"
"We have an opportunity to land up to $100 million from Sierra Nevada Reinsurance, but their CEO doesn't believe their Board of Directors will be receptive to a pitch from a punk kid."
Noel laughed, "Did he call you that?"
"No; he was polite about it. I promised to discuss it with you, and I believe you and Murray should come with my team to San Francisco the week after next. You know I have jury duty this week, and I only found out about this opportunity late on Friday. I gave Kirov, Moreland, and Mueller until Tuesday afternoon to work up a complete profile. I'll find time on Monday to set up the meeting; I just need to know your schedule."
"For $100 mil, I'll drop almost anything else. I don't have plans to travel the week of the 17th. Pick any day, but check with Julie on the availability of the jet."
"Will do. I'm sure you know this, but I have to say it — if there are significant losses by any of the insurance companies Sierra Nevada backs, they could need to pull some or all of their money."
"Understood, but that is something we can explain."
"How did things go in the Gulf?"
"We made good progress, but we don't have any money just yet. Your $100 mil, if we can land it, will cover quite a few ills inflicted on us by Taylor and Fletcher. You're firing on all cylinders, Kane. Don't take your foot off the gas."
"I have no intention of doing so. What's the timeframe on the Gulf money?"
"We have a lot of work to do with them, so I'd say early next year. I have a good feeling about it, and my meeting with the Emir was friendly, and he provided the usual hospitality for a close friend."
"I'd say that's a good sign."
"Very. Make sure you check in this week while you're wasting your time at the courthouse."
"I'll make sure I speak to Jack and Violet; Jack has his marching orders."
"Good. Anything else?"
"No."
"OK," he said and hung up, as was his usual practice.
I hung up the phone and went downstairs, where Deanna, Kassie, and Kendra were setting up.
"I have the vase I made for you," Kassie said, handing me a gorgeous red and gold vase.
"Thanks. If you don't object, I'll put it on a stand in the gallery room."
"No objections! Would you like some company for a few hours after the show?"
"I certainly won't object."
"Great!"
I took the vase upstairs and set it on a small table, then returned downstairs.
"Anything I need to know about any of your guests?" I asked Deanna.
"No. Just put on your tux and look pretty!"
I laughed, "Handsome. You mean handsome."
"You're my arm candy, so pretty!" she teased.
"Yeah, yeah," I chuckled.
I went upstairs, changed into my tux, and returned downstairs just in time for Claire to arrive. After greeting each other, she confirmed that I'd be modeling for her public art class on the 15th, and I promised I'd be there. As the others arrived, Deanna introduced them to me, and Kassie and Kendra began serving champagne and hors d'oeuvres.
"You have a very nice collection of student pieces," Professor Sparks remarked about thirty minutes later. "Do you intend to supplement with works from established artists?"
I shook my head, "No. I'll leave that to the collectors in San Francisco and New York. I like the work the students have done, and putting money in their pockets strikes me as better than putting money in the pockets of collectors and auction houses, or worse, speculators like Robert and Ethel Scull."
He smiled, "I see Deanna has educated you."
"She's tried, but beyond knowing what I like, I'm not particularly knowledgeable about art."
"We each have our areas of expertise," he said. "I couldn't tell you anything about stocks beyond the most basic understanding. How did you and Deanna meet?"
"Through another student who happened to wait on my table."
He nodded, "The stereotype for artists, actors, and actresses is not wrong."
"No, it's not."
"Would you be willing to lend paintings for a short time for a student show at the Art Institute?"
"I would. If you don't mind, I'll leave that to Deanna to work out, given she, together with Natasha Mazarov, designed the decor and chose how to display the artwork."
"Good. I saw in the catalog that you have pieces displayed in your office as well."
"There's not enough room here, even with the room set aside as a gallery. If you want to see them, I can make arrangements."
"I would, thank you."
I mingled more and spoke briefly to everyone Deanna had invited.
"Impressive," Traci, a cute blonde, smirked, coming over to me.
I was absolutely positive she was referring to Nuclear Family.
"Deanna does good work," I replied.
Traci laughed, "She does, but that is not what I meant!"
"Thank you for the compliment."
"I heard from Professor Dawson that you model."
"I do, when I have time."
"I'd like to sketch you for a class project, if that's cool."
"I'm pretty busy for the next week, so if you give me a call the following week, we can probably arrange something."
"Cool! Thanks!"
Two hours later, everyone, except Kassie, had left.
"What do you think?" I asked Deanna.
"Very successful. Professor Sparks spoke to me about a loan from your collection. He'd like four pieces from different artists."
"That's fine. Choose what you think is most appropriate."
"Including Nuclear Family?"