Reflecting back on my life, I now realize the games we play with real lives have no do-overs, and might lead to dire consequences. You can spend a life-time shaping your character and establishing a reputation, to only watch it burst like a soap bubble because of an impulsive action. I've always considered myself to be an intelligent, self-controlled rational man and think we might be on the cusp of a really bad decision.
Here we are, driving in the snow, on our way to meet our long-time acquaintance Gary, at the encouragement of my lovely wife Anne. Oh, I know it is suppose to be a Christmas party, but that is just a ruse. If Anne gets her way, Gary will get to give her a present that she would not unwrap, but unzip.
It seems nothing in my life is usual anymore, since we adopted this new open lifestyle. It has been a real revelation to watch her embrace this hot wife role so enthusiastically, maybe a little too enthusiastically. Even though I am questioning the wisdom of this decision, I really can't blame Anne for any apprehension I might have, because it was me that initially brought up this fantasy.
Gary lost his wife over a year ago to cancer, and it has devastated him. It wasn't just her dying, but the manner of her death that traumatized him so. He was her only caregiver throughout the ordeal, and he had to face her dying a little bit each day. Anne had developed genuine concern for his state of mind and his general withdrawal from our social circle. After seeing him moping around at the Thanksgiving party, and finding out he has not dated in a year, Anne concocted this plan to cure his funk and getting him back in the saddle, so to speak.
A week ago, I had just returned from the store when Anne approached me with a slip of paper.
"What's this?" I asked, setting the groceries on the counter.
"It's Gary Lawson's number. Gary is alone this Christmas since he lost Alma. You must have noticed how sad he was at our thanksgiving party. I want you to give him a call and tell him we want to bring him something special for Christmas. Something guaranteed to cheer him up."
"Hun, we know him, but we don't know him all that well. He's always been kind of aloof. I mean we've known him for how long? About ten years? Do you really know anything about him, and how could you possibly know what would cheer him up?"
"Trust me, I know exactly what he wants and needs. He's a man. The last time I saw Alma, before she got really sick, she was extremely distraught over the thought of Gary being alone. Alma wanted him to remarry, but knew he would withdraw, exactly like he had done. The grapevine says he has not dated for over a year. So I want you to call him. Can you do that for me?"
"Are you talking about what I think you are talking about?"
"Maybe..." She grinned.
"Anne, you're presupposing a lot here. If he refuses, our reputation will be shot to hell. How do you even know if he would want that? Plus, I wouldn't think he is your type. I mean look at him. He's out of shape, balding, and kinda nerdy."
"Do you really think he will refuse me?" She laughed, squeezing her tits together and then added."You're right he's not very hot, but he's also been without sex in over year, and there is a certain amount of charm in that by itself."
"You're sooo bad! I thought after Steve, you were reevaluating this whole swinging scenario. What exactly is it you would like me to say to Gary?"
"Alan, you're clever, you will figure something out, but I want to clarify something. This is different than Steve. Steve was for me, and that will probably never be repeated. This is for Gary, not for me."
"Don't you think a mercy fuck is carrying the tradition of self sacrifice to a whole new level?"
I pulled out my iPhone. At her insistence I punched in his number. Anne watched intently as I pushed send. After four rings, he picked up.
"This is Gary. Please leave a message at the tone, and I will get back to you as soon as possible," the answering machine replied, and Anne looked disappointed.
"Hey Gary! This is Alan Anderson. Pick up if you're there."
After a pause, I heard a rustling of the phone and a breathless reply, "Hi Alan. I'm here."
"Gary, Anne and I thought we would stop by Christmas Eve if you're not busy. Anne has something special she wants to give you."
"Hi Alan. That's really nice of you, but I don't want to put Anne out."
"Don't worry about that. Anne loves to put out." I chuckled.
"Thanks, but I wasn't planning on doing much this Christmas, particularly since Alma passed."
"Gary, I think Anne has just what you need to cheer you up. How's six on Christmas Eve? We will bring everything."
"Six is fine, but I feel bad that I don't have anything to give."
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure Anne will figure out something. See you at six tomorrow."
"Be carful, it is suppose to snow here in the mountains on Christmas Eve. You'll probably need chains."
"Yeah I remember how to get to your place. I have some chains in the garage. Thanks for suggesting it. See Ya around six."
I looked at Anne and asked, "How's that?"
She slugged me in the shoulder and replied, "She likes to put out? You ass!"
"Hey, I couldn't resist it." I laughed and slapped her butt.
*********
I pulled up in Gary's driveway at about ten till six. It was snowing hard and increasing by the minute. We were greeted by Gary standing in the frosted window, dressed in a Santa hat and waving at us. How corny can you get, I thought to myself. Kinda funny though, because Anne was dressed as an elf. I just sat there contemplating what was going to happen next.
"Alan, when we go inside, let me do the talking and follow my lead. Okay?"
"Sure I understand. I'll bring in the food and wine, and you bring... well... the dessert." I winked and she grinned.
"Anne, this whole scenario seems a bit off to me."
"How so?"
"Well, to start with is your sudden concern for Gary's wellbeing. It was not long ago that you couldn't care less about him. Why the change of heart?"
"You're going to laugh at me... but when I saw how devastated he was after Alma died, I thought how I would feel if I lost you. I'd be crushed, like him, walking around in a fog. I have no idea what will happen, but I'm hoping that showing a little compassion is the right thing to. After all, this is Christmas... Let's go in. I'm freezing my bare ass off out here."
As I opened the car door, the icy cold blasted me like Jack Frost was lurking outside, just waiting. The wind and cold stung my cheeks. The snow crunched with every step of Anne's Neiman Marcus designer boots. She should have worn long pants and leggings. As soon as we managed our way to the top step, Gary opened the door and took Anne by the hand, pulling her in.
"Merry Christmas! Welcome, come on in. I have a fire started and hot cider waiting."
"Merry Christmas!" We both said in unison.
"I was worried that you might get stuck in the blizzard. You will have to pardon my lack of decorations, but I did manage to put up the tree. I wasn't planning on company," Gary said sadly. Then he asked, "Can I take your coats?"
I handed him my hooded parka, and Anne slowly unbuttoned her's. I hadn't seen her whole elf outfit yet, and I was waiting with the same anticipation Gary showed. It was a very alluring outfit. All red, trimmed with white fur, with a skirt halfway up her thigh, and her top exposing a maximum amount of cleavage. The high-heel boots added to her otherwise short stature, accentuating her lovely legs.
"Wow! My hot little elf!" I wolf-whistled her, but Gary just stood there gawking.
I carried the box of food into his kitchen. Gary led Anne into the adjacent room, and they sat by the fire and drank cider, while I prepared the Swedish meat balls. I watched Anne showing him her undivided attention as he talked. She was giving him full eye contact, and was touching his arm as a gesture while they talked. Anne was in full flirt mode. I noticed she was fiddling with the back of his Santa hat and then stroked the back of his neck. Anne is like a maestro with men, composing the situation like a score sheet.
I stayed busy fixing my special meatballs and brazing the garlic bread. After a while I looked up and she was whispering in his ear. I think she must have revealed what his gift was as he jerked his head around looking at me with an almost panicked stare, then he looked back at Anne and then back at me. I gave him a nod and thumbs up.
Looking around his house was pleasant and decorated nicely. The high beam ceilings gave it a feel of spaciousness and the traditional style of furniture was warm and inviting. I finished the dinner in the double oven, while watching Anne engage Gary in conversation. I knew her seductive mannerisms well. The way she flipped her hair and bent forward, giving a good view of her ample cleavage could draw any straight man's attention. I had no idea what her plans were, but right now it appeared she was testing the waters.
"I'm going to break open the wine. Who wants a glass?" I asked, pulling out the cork. I handed a glass to each of them. They were both sitting on the floor, leaning against big pillows propped against the couch. He looked at me nervously.