Dinner and conversation

"So tell me, Dave, what's really on your mind?" Jackie asks from across the table.

Over the last couple of hours you've been making conversation with her on what you realized half-way in feels very much like a date. Before coming down from her office, she had changed out of her business attire and into a dress that felt a little more warm and inviting. She had insisted on having her driver take you both to the restaurant and that your car would be safe in the parking garage here. You protested at first, but then acquiesced when her driver rolled up in a limousine. The ride to the restaurant was short but very comfortable in the limo's fine leather seats. There was even a mini-bar! Jackie's eyes were on you the whole time, enjoying the look on your face as you were clearly not used to this level of luxury. When you asked her where she was taking you, she just smiled and said, "You'll see when we get there." She had to practically pick your jaw up off the floor when Kevin, her driver, let you two out in front of the most expensive restaurant in town.

"This is an old favorite of Greg's and mine," she had told you.

"Greg... that's your husband, right," you asked awkwardly. She simply nodded as if casually talking about her husband while out with another man was perfectly normal. "Don't you worry about him. He's on the same trip as Suzy," she added, sensing your unease.

While sharing an exquisite dinner and bottle of wine that probably cost more than your last mortgage payment, the two of you had talked about work, family, hobbies, likes, dislikes, and anything else you can imagine to get to know someone on the surface-level. That's when you began to realize what this was. This woman, your wife's married boss and mother of five with a grandchild on the way, brought you here for a first date. Now, with the plates and glasses cleared and a steaming cup of after-dinner coffee in your hands, it was finally time to have a real conversation.

You swallow, not sure exactly how to put your thoughts into words. "well, you've told me how happy you are in your marriage to Greg and also how much you care for my wife Suzy, so... and I know this sounds out of line especially coming form me, but..."

"Why would I fuck her husband and then take him out on a date?" Jackie asked bluntly, smirk in place.

"Well... yes," you answer, a little stunned by her directness.

"I imagine it's the same reason why you fucked your wife's boss, and perhaps also the reason why you took your work colleague out for drinks last night and then went back to her apartment,"

Your face turns beat-red. "How did you...? Wait... Ivy!"

"That new receptionist is full of surprises, isn't she? Don't worry, dear, and don't be angry with her. She was mortified when she realized she let your secret slip, but I promise you she didn't tell anyone else. Anyway, my point is this; do you love your wife?"

"Of course I do," you answer, wondering where she is going with this.

"Do you love me?"

"Well, no, I don't."

"But you fucked me, and given the chance I'm willing to bet you would do it again,"

"Yes, I did, and I would," you admit honestly.

"To me sex and love are two different things. Love is a deep, meaningful feeling two people have one another. It can lead to sex, but sex is not the be-all, end-all destination for love. Sex is pure, animalistic attraction. The desire to just fuck and be fucked. To take physical satisfaction. To see the look in your lover's eyes and know you're the one inspiring that passion. I love Greg. He's the love of my life, and God forbid if he were to pass away, I would have no intentions of remarrying. I also love sex. I firmly believe the idea of restricting one's self to just one partner is both unrealistic and unhealthy." When she finishes her serious tone once more turns playful. "Can I assume you feel similarly?"

You take a moment to take that all in before speaking. "I admit I probably don't have it as well thought out as you do, but that is very similar to how I feel. I love Suzy. I couldn't picture myself married to anyone else. It's just... I've never really believed in monogamy either."

"And that's fine. That's how it should be," she says reassuringly, reaching across the table to give your hand a firm but gentle squeeze. It does help you feel a bit better. without letting go, she leans forward over the table and motions for you to do the same so she can speak more softly.

"Sweetie, if it makes you feel better I'll let let you in on a little secret."

"What is it," you ask, matching her almost conspiratorial tone.

She looks around from one side to the other before meeting your gaze again and smiles broadly. "I'll tell you on the way to my place."