Chapter 2

Upon graduation, Rob Andrews had been offered a position at one of the large banks in the city. He enjoyed his job immensely, was successful early, and was promoted rapidly. After a few years, he enrolled in a graduate program, receiving his M.B.A. in finance three years later. His promotions and salary continued to increase. After finishing his graduate degree, he felt that they could afford to buy a larger house that was more appropriate to their lifestyle and income. After looking at several available at the time, they settled on a four thousand square foot two story home with nearly three acres of grass and flower gardens.

Amanda was quite pleased with their acquisition, believing that it was indeed appropriate for their "station in life" as she once described the home to her mother. Yes, it was large for just the three of them, she agreed, but Rob had promised her full time cleaning help, and a cook for the week ends, as a beginning. Besides, she had told her mother, young Cindy, their daughter would be starting school in the fall, and by moving now, would not have to make friends in a new school, all over again.

In the early years since buying the house, Amanda, usually with little Cindy tagging alongside, had spent many, many days in the city, several in New York, and had twice gone to Paris, without Cindy, shopping for just the right furniture and accessories for their home. Eight years later, having decided to redecorate most of their home, Amanda once again began visiting the stores of only the best designers. On extended trips, she would be accompanied by Stephanie, one of her old collegiate friends, and they would spend their evening hours talking, many times about the challenges of motherhood and marriage. It was during one of these evening discussions that Amanda became convinced that she had been continually deprived of sexual satisfaction. She admitted to Stephanie that since marrying Rob, she has only achieved an orgasm two or three times a year.