Chapter 8

VIVIAN

The woman was late. Vivian fidgeted in the semi circular booth as she toyed with her Margarita, the salty rim of the glass accentuating the taste of the mixed drink. She had agreed to chair the city park committee as a favor to Terry. He, in turn, had first been asked and being deluged with projects at the moment still felt an obligation to help so he had asked Vivian if she would stand in as chair.

An introvert at heart, Vivian had been hesitant, for the committee was at times engaged in high profile decisions about the city's park system and its projects, but she didn't want to disappoint Terry so after several rounds of pleading and cajoling he had finally worn her down and she agreed.

Now she was to meet the newest member of the committee, a white mayoral appointee who was apparently a successful business woman. Janice C. Tyler had made quite a name for herself in the women's athletic wear business and now owned a chain of such stores across the country.

The information Vivian had, said the woman had been on the cover of Athletic Wear Monthly and only five years into the business had made her first million. Both the mayor and the parks commissioner had emphasized how advantageous it would be to have the woman on the parks committee.

Well, millionaire of not, she's late and if this is what we can expect ... thought Vivian.

At that moment a statuesque woman walked briskly through the front lobby of the restaurant, waved off the waitress and looked around. Spotting Vivian, she smiled and walked self confidently toward the table.

Vivian did a double take. It couldn't be! But it was!

"Hello, Vivian, we meet again," said Cherise, the attractive woman who had propositioned Vivian at the charity auction.

"You! But, this says your name is Janice!" stammered Vivian pointing to the folder of background material she had been given.

"Cherise is my middle name, but it's what everyone calls me. Now let's eat. I'm famished.," said Cherise, sliding in next to the attractive black.

The waitress appeared and took their orders, Vivian still stunned at the revelation that the newest member of her committee was also the woman who had made sexual overtures toward her.

"The ... the mayor and commissioner think you'll make a great addition to the parks commission," said Vivian trying to avoid the broad smile on the face of the business woman.

"Yes, well I'm aware of why I was appointed. I've been in the business news a great deal lately and they wanted someone high profile. I'll be glad to serve on the committee under your capable leadership. And now that we have that little formality out of the way. let's talk about the two of us."

" ... What ... do you mean?"

"Oh, come on Vivian. You've got my file right in front of you. I don't know how detailed it is, but it means someone's gone to the trouble of finding out some things about me. Did you really think I wouldn't do the same?"

"You ... you mean?"

"Of course. The truth is, I was going to turn down the offer to serve on the committee, then after the other night, when I found out you were chairing the committee I changed my mind."

"But ... why?"

"Isn't it obvious? My people do a pretty thorough job on background checks. For instance, I know where you went to high school and college and that you majored in Art. I also know you're a closet lesbian."

"That's not tr..." Vivian started but Cherise waved off her denial.

"Please, let's don't insult each other with denials and lies. I also happen to know you were submissive to a transsexual for several months before you turned up pregnant and had an abortion. You've been married for three years to a nice enough guy who hasn't a clue that you dig woman and transsexuals instead of men."

Vivian's mouth was open in astonishment. "But ... but ... how did you... ?"

"I just told you. When I have someone checked out I want it done right and my research staff knows it."

Vivian was still too stunned to respond.

"Now, why don't we have a pleasant lunch and see what we have in common. We might even talk a little about the parks committee," smiled Cherise.

Their food arrived and Cherise hungrily dove in while Vivian picked at her salad, so upset she had lost her appetite.

"Now then, let's get to know each other a little better," smiled Cherise scooting even closer to Vivian making her even more uncomfortable for now Vivian could feel the woman's thigh against hers and the scent of her perfume was mesmerizing.

"You really are quite beautiful," said the business executive, her eyes penetrating Vivian's, seeming to reach in and touch her very soul.

A weak, " ... Thank you..." was all Vivian could manage. The woman's aura was already overpowering and Vivian felt terribly inadequate in her presence.