Jake and Lila - Part 1

By Nigel McParr
von_souppe @ hotmail . com
Copyright 2009 by Nigel McParr, all rights reserved.

Jake Hinson was in over his head and he knew it.

On a Saturday morning he was in his office on the second floor of his sumptuous home that his friends called the house of seventy towers and dormers. Sunlight slanted through the open cherry wood French doors and onto an antique Persian carpet. The raucous chirping of birds and the smell of the dew-wet lawn drifting into the office reminded Jake Lila hadn’t yet brought him his coffee.

On a day like this, he should have already been on the first tee, smashing a 280 yard drive with his new Ping driver. He couldn’t afford that club but that hadn’t stopped him from buying it. In a singular moment of honest introspection and self discipline, Jake had caved, manned up, and cancelled his Saturday morning game. He even thought he might try to sell the new club on e-Bay. Maybe he could stop whoring and gambling, too. Yeah, right.

Truth was he couldn’t put this off any longer. He had to get his finances in order. He had begun by forcing himself to plow through the pile of unpaid bills on his desk. Even before he started he knew it was hopeless. Part of him said, “Fuck it! Make the call to the escort service or go to the casino.”  

The service would have something for him, but he knew that wasn’t the answer and he knew it in spades. Hell, the cost of whoring alone was a big part of the problem - not to mention those gambling losses. Nevertheless, the problems weren’t enough to make him stop thinking about that last dolly. She’d been a goddamn beauty. His mind filled with her plump glistening mouth, huge eyes the color of slate, long silken blonde hair, tits as big and sweet as cantaloupe, and those legs. Goddamn it! He wanted those legs wrapped around him while he buried himself in her phenomenal tits. Even though his extra-marital sex and gambling were costing him in so many ways, he couldn’t imagine letting go of either one. Nor could he admit he was trapped in their thrall. Inwardly, he hated himself and yet in some odd way he relished the power they exerted over him. It was as if he couldn’t help himself.     

Down the hall in the ivory-carpeted master bedroom, Jake’s wife Lila had just emerged from the shower. After putting on faded jeans, tee shirt, and flip-flops, she sat at her dressing table and ran a brush through her long hair. The morning sunlight caught the auburn strands and changed them to shimmering threads of copper and gold. In spite of Jake she had not put on a bra. He always wanted her in a bra because he didn’t like the other guys ogling her jiggling breasts. Well, her boobs were big, but she wasn’t going to cave to his wishes. She worked hard to stay in shape and her breasts were one of her most prominent features. She enjoyed displaying her profile and unfettered breasts motions. As if to prove the point, each brush stroke caused her breasts to wobble and bob. The fact they now brushed her waist when she sat excited her and caused her nipples to grow and harden. She wanted Jake, badly; wished he would come into the bedroom and start paying attention to her again. The problem was his damn obsession with work and golf on Saturdays. He never seemed to notice her anymore - much less her bustline.

He’d become distant and unfeeling. They’d been married three years and that first year had been incredible. He’d make love to her two - three times a night. He was insatiable and when he wasn’t inside her he was fucking her breasts. He’d loved her and her tits. And she’d loved him in return. And then over the past year, inexplicably things had changed. He’d stopped making love, saying he was preoccupied with work or was too tired. He lost interest in her. He never held her hand anymore nor did he run his hands over the rise of her breasts or along her butt when she wore his favorite indigo designer jeans. He never touched her now and she had no idea why. She’d tried everything to please him - even buying that nursing bra she knew he liked. Nothing had worked. Something had changed.

Lila could hear him down the hall, furiously punching the calculator. She went downstairs, made coffee, and brought in the morning paper. When the coffee was done, she brought up the newspaper and a steaming cup of coffee to his majesty. She set the coffee and newspaper on his desk and wrapped her arms around him. She deliberately allowed her generous breasts to settle themselves into his back. That pose had used to make him hard. God, she wanted him. Wanted his lips pressed to hers while his big cock drove deep, filling her insides.

 Jake glanced up at her and wondered why he did what he did. The fact that his buddies were doing it, too, didn’t make him feel any less guilty. He could have killed himself. Between Lila and him they had a great income and look what had happened. God, he’d let her down.

“Penny for your thoughts, Jake.”

She could sense his discomfort. He’s acting guilty, she realized, which seemed odd. She wondered if he was hiding something. She let go of him and went around to the opposite side of the desk. She set her hands on her hips and looked down at him.

“What’s up, Jake. You look like the world is about to end.”

“We…I’ve gotta do something, Lila. We’re not there yet, but we’re close to being upside down. We’re spending more than we’re bringing in.” His hand was shaking as he lifted the coffee mug and gestured her to a chair. While he explained the magnitude of their financial problem she listened silently and wondered who was doing all the spending. It sure as hell wasn’t her.

Lila was stunned. “How could this happen?” she asked. “We seemed to be doing so well. I mean look at us. We have a designer home, a pair of Lexus’s, a gardener, membership in the most exclusive country club in the state. Where did we go wrong? Don’t we earn enough?”

“It’s not you, Lila. We’ve…I’ve… just been spending too much. I don’t know what to do.”

“So, how deep are we? What would it take to get us back on track?”

He shrugged. “A twenty-five grand infusion would be nice.”

“How much time do we have before we go over the edge?”

“Two - three months.”

 Lila thought for a moment. What the hell. Why not? I can’t believe I’m thinking this, but it might even be fun. Our marriage is already falling apart.

She came around the desk and put her hand on Jake’s shoulder. She spoke carefully, measuring her words. She didn’t like to lie to Jake and rarely did.  “I think I can help. I have some bonus money accrued that hasn’t been paid. I told my boss to keep it in the safe for a rainy day. And she’s been talking about a new job with more responsibilities, which will mean higher pay and bonuses. I didn’t tell you because she asked me to talk it over with you. I wanted to surprise you. I guess this is the right time to bring it up. The good news is it will make a difference in our income. The bad news is I’ll have to do some over night and weekend travel…trade shows, like that. Would that bother you?”

            He looked at her as if seeing her in a new light. “Lila, are you kidding? I’m not crazy about your being gone - especially on weekends. I’ll miss you, but if it means an increase in income, I’m all for it.”

“So, can I tell my boss you’re okay with it?”

“Sure. Just don’t forget to check in once in awhile.”

Lila went downstairs and fixed herself a bagel and juice while Jake continued to wrestle with the bills. Sipping her coffee at the breakfast bar, Lila congratulated herself. She wasn’t proud of lying like a trooper but what the hell, it worked. She smiled introspectively as she mentally prepared herself to make the phone call. As the plan unfolded in her head, she slipped back in time...  

The dorm room was shrouded in darkness. An early morning storm was blowing through the campus. Rain thrummed on the windows, sending shivers through Lila. She lay warm and satiated, half asleep beside her roomie, Cybil Bedford. How it had happened?  How had she – a committed heterosexual - come to end up in bed with her best girlfriend? But then did it even matter?

It had started innocently. She’d begun to share her secrets and fantasies with Cybil and then Cybil had begun to hold her hand while they walked to classes. By the time they were sophomores, Cybil had become the aggressor. She was openly kissing Lila on her mouth and she made no secret of her desire to get Lila out of her bra and panties and into bed. She had even dared to kiss Lila in the cafeteria, which had embarrassed Lila much to the amusement of the other girls who’d applauded Cybil’s bold display of affection.

Lila had come to know Cybil’s mother Sherry Bedford who occasionally visited the campus. The older woman had endeared herself to Lila in a maternal sort of way. Lila thought she was a fascinating woman; very wealthy and puzzlingly secretive about her work. When Lila asked Cybil about it, Cybil had smiled and said she mustn’t ask. At the end of their junior year, Cybil coerced Lila into bed for the first time and explained how her mother made her wealth.

Lila couldn’t believe Sherry Bedford was a Madame! It helped her get past the fact her best friend was making love to her and she was enjoying it as much as Cybil was. Without a trace of embarrassment, Cybil slipped two fingers into Lila and played with her while she explained her mother ran an upscale call girl service. A one night stand would cost a customer - or “john” as Cybil called them - a thousand or more dollars a night. Just as Lila sailed through her first climax, Cybil confessed she worked for her mother during the summer months. At Lila’s second orgasm, Cybil asked Lila if she might be interested in working the summer before their senior year.

Even though she was as high as a kite, Lila was shocked by the question.  No way, Jose! Cybil continued to arouse on her. While poor Lila could nothing but writhe and gasp for breath, Cybil reminded her it was easy money to cover her student loans. All she had to do was spread her legs like she was doing now and make noises like she was climaxing. She had the body for it - all tits and ass. Besides, it was a different kind of trip being fucked by a stranger for money.   

Lila was so weak she couldn’t refuse. At first, meeting the johns had been awkward, but she’d quickly learned Cybil was right. She really didn’t have to do anything. All these guys wanted to do was to get off on her. Wham bam, thank you, ma’am! Some even fucked her tits. There was one guy who just lay beside her and sucked her breasts until he came. She’d made enough money that summer to pay off her student loans and ensure she was debt free when she and Cybil graduated. After graduation, Cybil moved to a job in Los Angeles. They still communicated, but they both knew it was different now.

Lila dug through her dresser drawers to see if she still had Sherry Bedford’s address and phone number. When she had the scrap of paper in her hand, she hesitated. Should she make the call to Cybil’s mother?  Migod, was she crazy? What would Cybil think if she found out? But then that was in the past. What if it leaked out? What if Sherry said she didn’t want her to come back? Her hand was shaking when she picked up the phone.

Sherry was ecstatic. She was beside herself at the prospect of Lila returning to her stable.

“Lila, the last time Cybil and I saw you and Jake was at your wedding. Does he have any idea you worked for me while you were in college?”

“Of course not,” Lila snapped and instantly regretted it. She felt like she was talking to her own mother. “I’m sorry, Sherry. That was out of line.”

“You needn’t apologize. I understand. You’re frightened. It’s not an easy thing to come back. Are you sure you want to do this? I know you need the money and all, but…”

“Yes, Ma’am. I really need to do this.”

“Do you mind if I tell Cybil?”

“I’d rather you not - let’s wait awhile.”  

“I respect your decision and will keep it to myself.” Sherry began to laugh. “I can’t help it, Lila. It’s really happening. My biggest producer is coming back. Some of my customers still ask for you.”

“Really?”

“Really. A body like yours doesn’t get forgotten in three years. Are you still as big-busted as you were?”

Lila blushed at the frank nature of the question. “I’m bigger now.”

“Omigod, that’s wonderful. My customers will be delighted. With a face and a body like yours you could work seven days a week.”

Lila felt herself growing strangely giddy. “Stop it, Sherry. You know that flattery will get you everywhere. Now, about the money…”

“If you work an entire weekend, you’ll make three - four grand plus generous tips.” Lila drew in her breath. She had no idea. “It’s supply and demand, young lady. You are going to be in great demand.” Lila laughed impulsively. She was getting high on the anticipation.

“So, when do you want to go to work?” 

“I can start this coming weekend. Call me at work.” She gave Sherry the phone number. “Just don’t leave any voice mails!”

“Sweetie, you know me better than that.” 

Lila quickly found out things had changed. Call girling wasn’t like it had been when she was younger, single, and in college. Being married and perhaps a little wiser now seemed to have cast her in a different light and made it more difficult to submit. She had to remind herself it was strictly a business arrangement. She was doing this to earn money - nothing more. As soon as she’d made enough she’d be gone. At the same time, she was surprised to feel the old vicarious thrill and rush coming back.

 She had to do some damn good acting to hide her nervousness from her first john. He was tall and well built with cropped salt and pepper hair. She saw through him when he made sure she knew he was a CEO even before he took off his fifty dollar tie. He was clearly pleased with her, but he displayed no passion nor did he seem to give a damn this two-hour show was costing him fifteen hundred bucks. Aside from brutally fucking her twice, he displayed little interest in her as a person. Nevertheless, Lila did her best to please him. She hoped she’d never reach the point where she’d simply become a robotic fucking machine. She consoled herself with the fact her first john with his out-sized ego was just that - a faceless john nothing more than a piece of meat with a big dick. And in the end he left her a huge tip, which she later realized was nothing but another manifestation of his condescending ego. 

The next john owned a construction company. He was a big bear of a guy with wavy hair and a big nose. From the very start, he regaled her with stories of his climb from dump truck driver to owner of the largest construction firm in the state. At least, she thought, he wasn’t a monumental egomaniac like the previous john. He actually seemed to appreciate her. He loved her plump breasts and was crazy about her long legs. He even asked her if she’d mind him doing some ‘muff diving’. Taken back by the frankness of his question (she had never heard that term before) she decided she didn’t mind. As quickly as he’d settled his bulk onto her Lila found herself wanting to take his massive joint into her mouth. When she did, she was rewarded for her efforts with his eager mouth between her thighs, which aroused and delighted her. Jake had never done this to her. She found it immensely gratifying to have a man’s mouth between her legs. His gentleness and expertise at pleasuring her surprised her.

She’d always had to fake her orgasms with the johns she’d had in college. Sometimes she faked it with Jake, too. But this guy was so good she didn’t have to fake it. She found herself lifting her hips into his yawning mouth and darting tongue. She actually came along with him. As he filled her mouth with his jetting spasms, she cried out and laughed in delight at his muffled giggling. He reminded Lila of an exuberant little boy. And as it turned out he was a big tipper. On Monday morning as she drove home she was exhausted but elated at what she’d done. It had been a financially successful and very interesting weekend.  

The next several weeks flew by in a blur of men in all shapes and sizes. Had she been asked to describe them, other than the truck driver now owner of his own company she would not have been able to distinguish one from another. The money was flowing in, Sherry was pleased with her, and she was becoming less uncomfortable and feeling less guilty about her weekend employment.

Sherry paid Lila with cash, which she kept hidden along with her tips in a fireproof box in the basement of her home. She did not tell Jake her weekend earnings were closing in on the twenty-five thousand dollar target. When he asked her how she was doing with her new job, she told him not to worry. She was working on some big sales that would change everything. He didn’t press her.

That same week, Sherry called Lila about a new john.  He was kind of kinky, Sherry warned, but he paid the top rate and he wouldn’t hurt her. Lila went to the hotel not feeling terribly assured about this guy. As it turned out, he’d laid her out on the bed and gave her what he thought was a good belting on her bare bottom. Lila was surprised at how little it hurt. She had to admit it was kinky, but fun and kind of a turn on, too. The best part was afterwards when he fucked her boobs. She much preferred that over the spanking.

The following week set Lila back on her heels. Sherry called to say she had a jane - a female client - for her. At first, Lila declined, saying she was no longer into that sort of thing. She tried to explain her youthful infatuation and fling with Sherry’s daughter had ended when they graduated from college. Sherry didn’t press the matter except to say the woman was highly respected in the community and was looking for someone with Lila’s looks and temperament. She went on to say the other girls liked this woman. None of them would turn her away. Given the fact she was only in the game for the money, Lila finally shrugged and relented.

When she opened the hotel door that following Saturday night she didn’t expect to find this stunning woman in the door way. The jane had flaming red hair worn up in an expensive ‘do. She was looking at Lila with the greenest eyes Lila had ever seen. She wore stiletto heels and a silk designer suit that Lila guessed must have cost her thousands. She was wide-hipped and big-busted and as far as Lila was concerned drop-dead gorgeous.

The woman smiled confidently at Lila and presented her card. She introduced herself as Lynn Helmsworth. The woman radiated confidence and power. With nothing being said, Lila tacitly understood Ms. Helmsworth never apologized for anything. Lila was grateful now she’d been curious enough to do her homework. She knew quite a bit about Ms. Lynn Helmsworth. But then, who didn’t? The woman was frequently mentioned on local TV news and newspaper. Lila had never expected to meet Ms. Helmsworth - especially under these circumstances. She was a few years older than Lila, but her demeanor made her seem more like an aunt. She had never married, came from old money, and had expanded her family’s fortune through shrewd investments in real estate and hotels, one of which they were presently in.

Lynn Helmsworth stepped into the suite and glanced around. Lila was sure she was checking to see if the suite was up to her standards. Lila assumed the housekeeper would hear about it if the state of the suite didn’t satisfy her. When Lynn transferred her green-eyed gaze back to Lila her look sent shivers through Lila.

“Well, aren’t you the pretty one. I’ll bet you have more talent than the last girl I bought from Sherry.”

“I do my best, Ms. Helmsworth. I promise you that.”

“We’ll see. Sherry highly recommended you - couldn’t say enough good things. I’m an old hand at this so you must relax and not be so formal. Did you know I own this hotel? Some of my employees call me ‘The Bitch’, a term which I happen to like. But you mustn’t let that bother you. None of it is true. I’m not going to bite you. I won’t tie you to the bed nor do I keep a whip in my purse.”

Lila felt her nerves beginning to unwind. “Thank you, Ms. Helmsworth.”

“Please, call me Lynn.” She reached out then and caressed Lila’s cheek with the backs of her long fingers. “Sherry understated you. You really are a beauty.” She took Lila’s chin in her hand, inclined her head, and softly kissed Lila on her mouth. Swept up in the heat of the moment, Lila was so taken by the bold assuming warmth of the woman’s lips she nearly fainted. Lynn Helmsworth seemed not to notice.

“Look, it’s been a long week. I want you to undress me and then we’re going to take a long hot shower. There’s nothing like getting acquainted when there’s nothing to hide. And then I’m taking you to bed. I want to see what lies beneath that beauty.”

Lila’s hands were shaking as she slipped Lynn’s patent leather heels from her nylon-clad feet and then removed her jacket. She could have pinched herself. Was she really doing this or was it some kind of a trance…a crazy dream? Whatever it was, it was driving her crazy. Trapped in the august presence of this dominant woman who smelled deliciously of expensive cologne, Lila was awed but not afraid of this woman. Her underwear was European; beautifully stitched and fabulously expensive. Her hand sewn demi-bra barely contained the fullness of her breasts. Her gossamer garter belt matched the misty hue of her nylons. She had fabulous legs so firm and fleshy they felt like silk in Lila’s hands as she rolled her client’s nylons down her legs. All the while, Lila prayed she might catch a glimpse of Lynn’s pussy. She didn’t dare look for fear Lynn might catch her.

After Lynn had gone into the bathroom and the shower was running, Lila stripped and joined her. Lynn’s eyebrows rose when Lila stepped into the over-sized glass shower enclosure.  Lila was shaking, but she could see Lynn liked what she saw. That counted for something. She felt a little better.

Lynn handed her a tube of body wash. While Lila tentatively palmed the slippery liquid over Lynn’s body, Lynn began to kiss her. She hefted Lila’s breasts in her hands and fondled them. One of her hands slipped between Lila’s thighs. Lynn’s touch was electrifying. Lila had never experienced such profound pleasure.

“Migod, where have you been, girl? On your knees and get busy!”

Lila obediently knelt in the streaming shower. She lathered Lynn’s hips and buttocks then gently planted her face into the apex of Lynn’s thighs. She boldly nuzzled and kissed the plump fleshy mound of Lynn’s Mons Venus. The woman was magical. She’d never been this aroused. Nor had she ever wanted a woman as much as she did this moment. The pulsing hot shower, Jake, everything was forgotten as she opened her mouth and sucked the soft lips of Lynn’s pussy between her lips. Lynn shivered and spread her thighs while she pressed the back of Lila’s head deeper, encouraging Lila to extend her tongue and run it deep. The rest of that evening became a dizzying swirl of unadulterated passion Lila would never forget.  

Lynn maintained a benevolent state of control. She took complete charge, pleasuring herself and encouraging Lila to explore every voluptuous peak and valley of her body. Lila had forgotten - or had she repressed - the luscious scent, sweetness, and sensuous touch of another woman’s body. As she played with Lynn’s heavy breasts and succulent nipples she was reminded of Cybil and how she’d begged Cybil to consume her. That same feeling, that same sense of abject submission, overcame her and she fought to stifle an ecstatic scream of pleasure and relief.

Lynn understood and was pleased. Lila was so busy nursing at her great breasts, it never occurred to Lila her own breasts were equally large and firm. Lila would fit perfectly into her order of things. She could hardly wait to introduce Lila to the younger male and female members of her managerial staff. She smiled joyfully as she deftly turned Lila end for end and pressed her face deep between her thighs and into her raging wetness. It was obvious Lila’s husband had never brought her to this level of pure ecstasy.

Lila had assumed her Sapphic days ended at college graduation and were now behind her. Lynn was altering that assumption, coaxing her unmet needs to the surface where they would no longer be denied. She was a prisoner now of her feelings. She had to capitulate, accept, and savor the experience. As she approached the precipice of no return she was terrified, but she could sense Lynn’s love, her care and control, and it facilitated her letting go. Jake had been absent too long and he’d never brought to her to the brink. Her bedroom toys and the men who’d paid to fuck her had not been able to satisfy her needs. All those men had done was preen their feathers and strut their machismo and sometimes were even rough with her. Her awkward gropings with Sherry’s daughter Cybil were nothing compared to what this beautiful take-charge woman was doing to her tonight. Lynn Helmsworth was everything Jake and the others were not. She was gentle, patient, and as warm and soft as lamb’s wool. Lynn had become her world. The absolute marvelous beauty of it all was Lynn actually understood her.

Lila realized and accepted Lynn had been in control the entire time as she led Lila through one shimmering orgasm after another; each passage was different and added another facet to her experience. Drained and exhausted, the two women lay unmoving and staring up at the darkened ceiling. Lynn took Lila’s hand in hers. She tenderly insinuated herself into Lila’s life and background. When she was through with what turned out to be a thorough interrogation, she gave Lila a long kiss.

 “I made an investment tonight. One of the best I’ve ever made. I’ll never doubt Sherry again.  I want you to come to work for me.”

Lila was speechless. Was Lynn serious? Finally, she dared to whisper, “Lynn, are you teasing me? Please don’t do that.”

Lynn laughed softly and shook her head. “I’m not teasing, Lila. I never joke about business. I want you to work for me. I need a hotel manager and you are perfect for the job.”  

When Lynn told her the salary and perks, Lila was stunned again by the amount. “But you don’t know me.”

Lynn laughed. “Oh, yes I do, Lila. I know all about you and your husband. You see, Sherry and I are old friends. Did you really think I’d not check you out?”

As Lila for the first time saw Lynn’s emerging business persona, it made her hesitate. She knew the job was a once in a life time offer. She’d never have to do this ever again. But could she completely submit herself and work for this imposing woman? Deep down, she already knew the answer, but she couldn’t express it. “This is happening too fast. Can I have some time to think it over?”

“Of course, ma cheri. Understand the job will be demanding and there’ll be working weekends - mostly at my place. I’ll never get in the way of your husband, but you must understand there are strings attached.”

Lila blushed like a school girl. The woman was stunning. She genuinely liked her. Was she understating her word choice? She could feel the subtle infatuation stealing over her, blurring and confounding her relationship with Jake. “I-I understand what you’re saying, Lynn. I just need to think it over.”

“You have my card, darling. I want you to call me only when you are absolutely sure you want the job and everything that goes with it.”

            After Lynn had dressed and left the suite Lila lay on the bed in a complete daze. What a night! Lynn had never really fucked her, but she felt like she’d been screwed a thousand times. She’d certainly had that many climaxes. She had no idea what to do with her whirlpool of feelings except to simply bask in them before they settled.

Sherry called on Monday to see how things had gone. When Sherry asked about her “appointment” with Lynn Helmsworth, Lila was still radiant and it showed. She spoke effusively of Lynn, but did not mention her rising infatuation or the job offer.  She wasn’t ready yet to discuss those things with anyone.

“I’ve got a new customer for you. I have not dealt with him before, but I have checked his references and he’s okay. He goes under the name of John Smith.” They both laughed at that. He’ll meet you Saturday night at the Helmsworth Lake View hotel.”

“Geez,” Lila said. “Lynn Helmsworth must own every damn hotel in this town!”

On Saturday evening Lila was at the hotel early. She’d dressed in patent leather heels, new indigo designer jeans, and a knit cotton top that was stretched taut over the fulsome curves and rising outlines of her braless breasts. She was staring out the window at the skyline when the john knocked softly. At least he’s not pounding the door down like some of those other bozos, she thought, as she crossed the room with her breasts bobbing and jiggling. When she opened the door she could not have been more shocked.

Her husband was standing in the hallway with a big smile on his face. The smile disappeared when he saw her.

“Jake! What are you doing here?” As quickly as she said it, she realized how silly she sounded. It wasn’t just a matter of what he was doing here, but also what she was doing here.

Trapped in her shocked expression, Jake had no option but to face her anger and embarrassment. His awkward half-smile and anticipation were slowly replaced with unconvincing regret.

“So this is where your bonus money is coming from?”

His question broke the tension. Lila nodded. “Don’t talk to me like that, Jake! You are a conniving sonuvabitch and a bastard. We are both guilty of adultery. But at least I’m doing it strictly for the money. I feel less soiled than you. You might as well come in. We’ve paid for the room.”

Lila ordered up a bottle of brandy. Several drinks helped melt the icy chasm between them. Faced with the stark reality of their lives, for the first time since before they’d married, they began to talk openly. Jake admitted their finances had gone to hell because of his philandering and his gambling. He shamefully explained to her his compulsion to gamble and hire prostitutes. He promised her he’d do whatever to stop womanizing and gambling.

“I don’t want a divorce, Lila. I love you whether you choose to believe that or not.”

 Lila finally realized what Jake had become; a miserably addicted lost soul. Though his addictions and his actions repelled her, she understood and actually felt sorry for him. At the same time, she absolutely knew she had her own life and career to consider. Right there in the hotel room, she made up her mind.

“I’m not a quitter, Jake, but I am leaving you and I’m going to divorce you. We were both out of line. I see no way for us to keep our marriage intact. This is my last night as a call girl. You alone will have to get your gambling under control. As for your womanizing, that is far more hurtful. I cannot - will not - take you back. Together, we are poison. We are hurting each other more than we are helping each other. And I’m afraid I no longer love you.”

Jake stared at her. “Lila, are you sure? I for one sure as hell don’t want our marriage to end like this-”

“You brought it on us, Jake.”

“How did you get into this racket?”

Lila gave him a rueful smile. “It’s a long story, Jake. Some day I’ll explain it.”

“I’m really sorry,” he whispered.  

“You should be. On the bright side, it’s best for both of us.’

“So what will you…do?”

“Lynn Helmsworth has offered me a job. Do you know of her?”

“Are you kidding?” Jake gasped. ”She’s big-time, a powerful woman. Migod, I am impressed. How did you manage that? Are you going to take the job?”

 “Yes. I’ll be managing one of her hotels.” Lila paused. “I won’t be asking for alimony, Jake. I’m entitled, but I won’t.”

Jake listened intently.

“Look, you know as well as I your gambling has to stop. It’s going to kill you - not to mention your whoring. But it’s all in your hands. Lynn wants me to move in with her and I think I will. Until I move out, it’s separate bedrooms. Those are my terms.”

“God, I’m so sorry, Lila.” Lila could see the tears glistening in his eyes. He still didn’t know about her earnings. She might as well give him a day brightener.  

“I’ve accrued over twenty-four thousand dollars. Ironically, your payment tonight would have pushed us over twenty-five grand.

“Twenty-four grand?”

“It’s no lie, Jake.  And I’m not giving it you. You’d gamble and whore it away and then I’d have to take a kitchen knife and cut your nuts off. No, I’m sending it directly to the credit card companies.”

He gave her a sheepish look. “Gamblers Anonymous, here I come. Can I ask how you managed it?”

“No, Jake, you cannot.”

She got up from her chair. “I’ve had enough of hotel rooms.  Let’s go somewhere and you can buy me dinner. It’s the least you can do while we talk about the future.”

The next morning, Lila called Lynn Helmsworth. “I’ll take the job!”

            “Lila, that’s wonderful. I’ve been waiting for your call. You won’t regret this. Can you work this weekend? Would Jake mind? I have some pressing issues.”

“It doesn’t matter what Jake thinks. He’s a big boy. He’ll figure out something to do this weekend.”

“I see. Lila, you are my kind of girl. Oh, and by the way, welcome to my world.”