To the pub

They went to her place before heading to the pub so she could change and pack an overnight bag. Although Michael was scheduled to drive his younger son and some friends to a birthday event the next day, Erica wanted to spend the night with him.

"And welcome you home," she smiled.

By the time they got to the pub it was about half full, with several people from the office gathered in the area set aside for the fund-raising event. Michael shook a few hands, introduced Erica, and ordered drinks. They found a table with some others and chatted.

About half an hour later, two women came in and perched on stools at a high table on the other side of the pub.

"Oh, oh," Michael muttered. Erica gave him a quizzical look.

"Those two are friends of my ex." He nodded towards the pair of women who were trying to summon a waiter. "Complete bitches, the pair of them."

"Oh," Erica said, apparently considering something. "Why don't you go to the washroom and stop to say hello to them on the way?" She flashed him her most impish smile.

"You have something in that wicked little mind."

"Of course I do. Don't worry, I won't embarrass anyone. Much."

Michael rose, smiling and shaking his head, strolling to the washroom on a route that would take him by the two women. As he neared he did a plausible double take, appearing to notice them.

"Hi there Eileen, Deb," he said, pausing at the table.

"Hi Michael, long time no see," Eileen responded. Deb nodded at him. "Haven't seen much of you lately. We see Celeste, of course. Where are you living now."

"I bought an apartment, over near the hospital. You guys doing well?"

"Good, nothing much new. Girls night out tonight," Deb said, lifting her glass. Michael felt a touch against his back, caught the familiar citrus scent of perfume.

"Hey lover, can I get the car keys? I left my phone in the car." Erica smiled at him, extended the smile to the two women. He handed her the keys, getting a hug and a peck on the lips. He smiled and made introductions.

"Nice to meet you," Erica smiled and nodded at the two women. "Thanks lover, I'll be right back." She gave him another brief hug and kiss before leaving. Deb and Eileen stared after her for a moment before turning back to him.

"So who is that?" Eileen asked archly.

"A friend," Michael answered. "Excuse me, I've got to run. Talk to you later."

When he returned from the washroom Deb and Eileen looked up from their huddled conversation, beckoning him over. Before he took more than a step in their direction Erica was by his side, handing him his keys and stretching her face up to be kissed. This one was warm and soft, far more than a friendly peck.

"Thanks lover," she smiled, taking his hand and leading him past the two women with a tiny wave.

Over the following hour Michael noticed Eileen make two animated cell phone calls, both punctuated with looks at his and Erica's table. His sense of mischief fully alert, he took Erica's hand, turning her away from her conversation with another young woman from the office.

"Let's dance," he said, nodding towards a tiny dance floor near Deb and Eileen. Erica's smile blossomed, and holding his hand she let him lead her.

On the floor she put her hands against his chest, gazed into his face and writhed sinuously against him. Conscious of many eyes on them he smiled at her, encouraging her, reveling in he erotic mischief. He could feel the stares of Deb and Eileen, and saw both of them take surreptitious photos. After two dance he led Erica back to her seat, kissing her before she sat. She resumed her conversation,while lightly resting her hand on his thigh. A few minutes later she turned to him, suggesting they leave.

"And play along. Don't blow it, old man," she whispered. As they got up and he helped her with her coat, Erica's neighbor got up too. Michael knew her by by sight a young woman called Shelly from another department in the office. Erica dawdled a bit until Shelly was ready, then taking Michael's arm started towards the exit.

To his surprise, he found Shelly on his other arm. She smiled at him, a mirror of Erica's mischief. As they neared Deb and Eileen's table, Erica turned and kissed him, stroking his ass.

"Let's hurry, I can't wait to get home," she said breathily. Shelly grinned and pulled herself tighter against him, bumping his hip with hers. Michael smiled, catching the white eyed stares of Deb and Eileen.

In the parking lot Shelly started laughing, almost bending over with hilarity. "That was so much fun, you are just a hoot," she told Erica. "You're sweet too," she told Michael, pecking his cheek before walking away to her own car.

Erica looked up at you and grinned, squeezing your arm. "Now your ex's friends really have something to make phone calls about." She was still giggling softly as they got in the car.