by Hawke, Jessa
“I’m sure she must have been prettier than me.”
“Maybe.” A wistful smile lifted Samuel’s face. “Her cheeks were full and she had the kindest eyes you can imagine. Just looking at her made you want to smile. ”
“Sounds like she made you complete. How long were you married?”
“I knew her my whole life. Childhood sweethearts that lived on the same street. Marriage seemed like the natural step to take.”
“At least you have loved.”
“I have.” Samuel’s eyes shimmered with tears. He took out a hanky from his trouser pocket before wiping his nose. “I know it must be strange to watch a man cry. It’s an unusual therapy for me, I admit. But it certainly helps me.”
“I feel honored to help.”
“And you. What brought you to... you know. This life?”
Janice rolled her eyes then shook her head. “I came to Newtown for love. Travelled all the way here from Philadelphia.”
“That’s the East coast. It must have cost you a fortune.”
“It did, that’s why I’m here... to earn enough money so I can return.”
Samuel asked, “But what about your man? How did your love turn sour?”
“He has another woman.”
“The heartless bastard... who could be better than you?”
“Well he believes he’s found one.” Janice wanted to turn the conversation away from her own heartache. “Why do you pay to talk to the likes of me? Surely you can find someone to talk to, who want charge you for talking.” Janice shrugged. “Save you a fortune.”
“It feels good to talk to people I don’t really know. Plus women are more understanding and less likely to judge me. Men just tend to think that I’m weak.”
The knock on the door signaled the end of Samuel’s time. He stood from the bed, gave a shy bow towards Janice. “Thank you for your time.”
“You’re more than welcome. I... I hope all my clients are as kind as you.”
“I fear that will not be the case.”
“It scares me to think of what I will go through in order to get back to Philadelphia. All I wanted was to find love... and all I found is this degrading existence.”
Samuel took his jacket from the stand. “Janice.”
“Yes.”
“I have a son of seventeen years.”
“You don’t look old enough.”
“He is shy and retreating.” Samuel placed his bowler hat on his head. “One might say he takes after his father.”
“Not such a bad thing if he did.”
“How about I take you to meet him tomorrow?”
“You’re matching your son with a hooker? Surely you want better for him.”
“I don’t view you as one. You told me I was your first client. Don’t tell me that was a lie, now?”
Janice nodded. “That is true.” She then rubbed her fingers down the back of her neck. “But by all accounts I’m going to be on my feet... or rather my back, until daybreak.”
“Right... Can I speak to Maggie on your behalf?”
“Depends what you will speak to her about?”
Samuel lifted his wallet from out of his trouser pocket. “I wish to buy you out of any contract you have with her.”
“Why?”
“I have need for a new maid. Plus that way you will remain a fit for my son.”
“I’m not sure if Maggie will agree.”
“Maggie will have no choice in the matter.” Samuel fingered through the notes. “Just the scent of banknotes makes her weak at the knees.”
“That’s mighty kind. But it will take me an eternity to get back to Philadelphia on a domestic maid’s salary.”
“I won’t be paying you a maid’s wage.”
“A whore’s wage?”
Samuel tapped the wallet up and down on his hand. “I will pay for your travel back to Philadelphia in a month’s time. You don’t need to worry about that. In the meantime, I just want you to give my son a fair chance.”
“But what if we’re not a good match?”
“You’ll still get your ticket if that’s what you mean. You have my word on that.”
“Although that’s a striking outfit you’ve got yourself.” Samuel opened the door. “Before we leave, I would like you to dress a little more appropriate, first. You understand?”
“Yes.” Janice broke into a large smile. “Right away.”
~
Inside the grandest house she had ever set foot in, Janice wiped the damp cloth over the kitchen worktop. She heard the sound of footsteps in behind her, and then turned around. A tall and handsome man shyly spun about to walk back out. “Joshua?”
“Hi.... sorry, you must be the maid. Father has told me about you.”
“I am. I have been looking forward to see you... but our paths haven’t crossed for the last three days. I was beginning to think your father had lied to me.”
“I’ve been busy.”
Janice smiled. “What are you looking for? Can I help you with anything?”
“Something I can take out for lunch... I’m going out into the field today.”
“Into the field? There’s nothing but desert around here.”
“It’s an expression we use in science... it just means I’m working outdoors.”
Janice opened the cupboard, and then took out a jar of marmalade. “Oh... so you’re a scientist?”
“Yes.”
“What type of scientist?”
“Geologist.”
Janice began spreading the marmalade on a slice of brown bread. She paused for a moment while she slipped into thought. “Ge... ology. Rocks and stuff, right?”
“It is one of the Earth sciences... if that’s what you mean.”
“OK. You must be very clever.”
Joshua felt himself blush. “Passionate more than anything.”
“About rocks?”
“There’s lots of different types though. I have a collection to show you.... if you don’t believe me.”
“Don’t worry.” Janice chuckled as she passed him his sandwiches wrapped in cloth. “I believe you.”
~
Samuel knocked on the door of Joshua’s bedroom before entering. He sat on the bed with his son sat at his desk while writing notes into a ledger. “I was given two tickets for the barn dance from Ms. Peggy. You know I can’t dance for toffee... so I thought I’d give them to you. Maybe you could think of someone to take along with you, Joshua.”
“Not really; it’s not a good use of my time. I have some shale deposits that need testing.”
“Joshua... I know those samples can wait.”
“Even if I wanted to go.... I have no one to go with.” Joshua noticed Samuel silently gesturing towards Janice’s bedroom. Taking the hint, Joshua stood from his chair and snatched the ticket from Samuel’s hand. “If this is a ruse for getting me out of the house... it’s doomed to failure, Father.”
“Why?”
“First she’s a maid.”
Samuel shrugged. “So? At least she works.”
“Secondly, I’m not, well she’s far from my type.”
“Just give her a chance... you never know unless you try.”
~
A fiddle band played on a stage made of wooden crates while a host of merry dancers went through their routines under the roof of the barn. Sat at a small round table, Janice sipped from her glass of lemonade opposite Joshua who necked a shot of scotch. “There’s all night to go, Joshua.” She smiled, “No need to rush.”
“You’re not the first woman father has tried to set me up with. Probably won’t be the last, either.”
Janice felt hurt. “It’s natural for a father to want his son to settle down with a woman.”
“It may be natural, but it doesn’t make it right.”
“Why isn’t it right?”
Joshua groaned while shaking his head. “It just isn’t.”
“I don’t know why it wouldn’t be.”
&
nbsp; “I already have someone.”
“What?” Janice felt surprised. “Then why not tell your father... it will stop him worrying.”
“I can’t. Because he will never accept him.”
Janice felt shocked, almost disbelieving. “Did you just say... did you just say him?”
“No.”
“You did... you said. Oh Joshua.”
Leaning across the table, Joshua’s tone sounded threatening. “If a word of this gets out, I’ll be ruined. You hear... ruined. God Forbid, they’ll burn me at the stake.”
“Who is this... love of yours?”
“An artist I met at college. He has just moved to Florence in Italy last month.”
“Oh.” Janice smiled. “Then you must go with him.”
“I intend to, as soon as my contract expires at the end of the year. I’ll then be in Italy within a month.”
Janice raised her eyebrows at the thought of Samuel. “What about your father?”
“I’m sure that’s one reason why he wants me to settle down. So I stay with him here.... in this shit hole.”
“That’s sad.”
Joshua peered down towards the table while hanging his head. “I know it is. I don’t want to be harsh either.” His shoulders then slumped. “But one must always follow his heard and be true to himself.”
“I understand what you’re saying. But still. There has to be a better way.”
“Daniel... my, you know. Anyway, he tells me it’s safer over there. That people tend to is more accepting for the likes of us. Up to a point anyway.”
“Have you told your father?”
“No.”
“You can’t just leave him without saying a word.”
Joshua scowled. “I know. I know, but... it’s hard.” He then rested his chin on his hand. “I don’t really know how to say.”
“Maybe Samuel should concentrate on find himself someone rather than you.”
“Exactly. That’s what I always tell him. But he instead spends his money at Maggie’s.”
Janice felt cold ice travel her spine. “Maggie’s?”
“It’s a whorehouse.... in Newtown. He thinks that I don’t know about it. But I’ve seen him leaving more than once.”
“He doesn’t look the type.”
Joshua face screwed up as if he had sucked a lemon. “I was disgusted when I found out. Lost a lot respect for him after that.”
“It might not be what you think.”
“You don’t visit a whorehouse just to talk.”
“You....” Janice sighed. “Joshua, promise me that you’ll tell you father long before you leave him.”
“I will. I don’t know how... but I know I have too.”
“Good.” Janice stood from her chair, and then offered Joshua her hand. “Now kindly offer this woman a dance.”
“My feet are quicker than most, Are you sure you can keep up?”
Janice chuckled as she linked her arm Joshua’s. “I’ll do my best.”
~
Joshua stepped into the living room where he found Samuel studying the newspaper in the morning light which shone through the window. “Father.”
“Yes, Joshua.”
“There is something I’ve been meaning to tell you for quite some time now. It’s just I’ve been thinking on how best to tell you.”
Samuel lowered the paper, just enough for his eyes to peer over the parapet. “Go on.”
“I’m moving out.”
“When?”
“Once my contract is finished.”
“That’s...” Samuel silently counted.
“January.”
“Blow me down.” The newspaper rustled as Samuel lowered it onto his lap. “Where to?”
“Italy.”
“Italy?”
“Italy... as in Europe.”
Samuel wiped his hand across his face. “I know where Italy is, son.”
“I’m going to live in Florence. You OK?”
“Fine.” Samuel climbed from his chair. “I’m proud of you son, and respect any decisions you make.”
“Thanks.”
Samuel placed a hand on Joshua’s shoulder. “I don’t agree with all of your life choices. Some of them are beyond my comprehension... and always will be. But, you’re as much a part of your mother, as you are of me. And as such, I’ll always love you. No matter what you do.”
“Thanks. It means a lot to hear such words.”
~
Even though she was still in sight, Samuel felt his heart already pining for Janice. As he handed her the tickets his fingers did not want to let it go. Once his eyes met hers, they pleaded for her not to leave, yet his lips spoke the words he knew she wanted to hear. “See, as good as my word. One ticket east - all the way to Philadelphia.”
“Thank you.”
“Two good byes in one week.”
Janice felt awkward. “Sorry, Samuel.”
“A lonely old man. Happens to us all at some point or other.”
“You’re not old.”
“I feel it.” Samuel did his best to smile. “Despite this heat, winter is in my bones.”
“I do feel pretty lousy.”
“Don’t do.”
Janice wore a sympathetic smile. “Promise to write to me.”
“Of course I will.... only if you promise to reply.”
“I’m good as my word, Samuel.”
“I know. I don’t doubt it.” Samuel gushed, “It’s just, it was nice to have you around... a man can be glutton for that type of company.”
“Thank you.”
“What will you be going back to?”
“Back to my parents... as a spinster.”
Samuel noticed the dejection written on Janice’s face. “Does that bother you?”
“A bit... I never planned on going back as a failure... not that I’ve ever tasted much success.”
“Would you want to stay with me?”
“I...” Janice turned to face the train as it rounded the corner on the final run into the station.
“Only give me an honest answer, Janice. It’s fine if you don’t want to.”
“Just... You left it so late.”
“I know I’m much older... twice your age almost. But... I think you’re a mighty fine woman. I would respect you and love you until the last.”
Janice peered down at the ticket in her hand. “What are you going to do with this ticket if I chose to stay?”
“Rip it up.”
“It’s cost you a fortune.”
“I’d be too happy to worry about a damn ticket.”
“Then I say yes.” Janice chuckled and jumped into Samuel’s arms where she wished to remain. Forever.
THE END
What They Desire
Chapter 1 Space Age
This is the opportunity of a lifetime, for me. I’ve been invited to a recruitment seminar at one of the biggest High Tech companies in the world, and I’m freaking out with excitement. I’ve already had a telephone interview and a face to face meeting at a local office, but now, here I am at the futuristic building stood in the huge hall and surrounded by my fellow interviewees, every single one of us under thirty. Competition for a position is fierce, there are nearly fifty prospective candidates and I can’t help but wonder as to exactly how many vacancies they have. Still, I have a fully paid expenses induction week at one their research labs, as a creative marketing analyst. I swear, if I get this job, it’ll set me up for life. I’m here for a week, staying in their in-house accommodation, it’s a truly amazing experience and one I’ve been really looking forward too.
So, how did I manage to secure such a life changing opportunity? Well I’m a blogger, and a successful one at that, with millions of hits a week. I write erotic fantasy, from a woman’s point of view, and most of my readers seem to love it, so much so that my inbox is full of complementary email messages from women all over the world. Even a few men thank me for liberating them and improving their sex lives.
It seems the company was impressed, although what a High Tech company would want with the services of an erotic author I’ve no idea, but I hope to find out soon.
We’ve been told to take ourselves on a tour of the base, go anywhere and everywhere. Be as inquisitive as we like. Jokingly, they said if there’s anywhere out of bounds, we won’t find it, but I think they were quite serious. I do believe there are hidden places in this research lab. Of course there’s nothing nefarious I’m sure, but this company creates a lot of fantasy games and I think it’s a highly secretive business, industrial sabotage must be a problem for them.
I intend on trying every door I discover, so I can know all their secrets and hopefully that will give me an advantage over my competitors.
* * *
“You are watching that girl on monitor 3?” Zaiden asked of one of the guardians who act as security.
“Yes sir, she’s certainly the most curious out of this group,” he replied.
“Yeah, that’s my thinking too, let’s bring her to the attention of the group leaders, I need to know more about her. I like a girl who thinks for herself and isn’t afraid to go forth. I think I’d like to keep this one on board a bit longer.”
Guardians, leaders, minions, it all adds to the fantasy of the place and was just all a part of the enjoyment of this successful company. Everything was taken lightly. People who were clever certainly had many opportunities here. People who took things slowly were left alone to do what they do best, there were no quotas or targets, just inspirational ideas. Despite the seemingly loose regime, more work was completed successfully within this company than any other corporate company in the world. Staffs were allowed to work to their strengths, and that made them far more productive than trying to reach impossible deadlines
* * *
I have the main interview tomorrow on day 2. Today was about doing whatever we wanted. This place is like a giant playground and you get to play anywhere. I don’t stop in any of the rooms where there are lectures or videos playing, I want to keep moving and discover all there is to be found. I haven’t been much of a team player so have not yet gotten to know any of my fellow interviewees. I’m not interested in joining in on role play, this company challenges my brain and I’m interested in satiating my knowledge of what’s going on. I know places like this are probably looking for team players, but I have to be honest, I’m a loner, that’s how I succeed. I do things my way, not how others demand of me.
