Kate 3xploring the Deep End ♐
Isat at the conference table, feeling silly.
I was sitting next to this handsome man that I knew nothing about.
Everyone took their seats around the table, causing my insecurities about being one of the first to sit to fade away.
I could feel Leo’s glances in my direction, here or there, then the boss stood at the front of the room and started the meeting.
“Welcome, everyone, this beautiful Friday.” Henry, the practice manager, started talking.
“We only have one topic for today’s meeting.
It is time we actually get that commercial done and running!
” Everyone cheered as he raised his arms in the air.
Henry is such a sweet man. It's hard not to feel the excitement from him.
“This is going to be great for the business,” Henry’s wife, Henrietta (yes, I know) said.
“We’ve been talking about getting some more exposure for the business, and some local ads are just going to make sure all of our schedules are filled.
” The group nodded. I wondered if this would be a big company fight about who would get into the ads or if we would all have a part.
Henry hushed everyone, “I’d like to introduce Leo.” He motioned towards the handsome man I had sat next to; Leo stood up and walked to the head of the room. The man moved with strength and a swagger like he knew he was hot shit.
”Hey, everyone,” he had a severe look. “I’ve been producing commercials for the last decade, and I have the utmost confidence that this will be a great opportunity for your office.
My understanding is you blah blah blah, yada yada.
” Leo was a professional in his field; I didn’t know what the hell he was talking about.
I didn’t care either. Leo could have been a star himself, so handsome and muscular like a svelte Marky Mark.
Wait… Marky Mark is svelte. So maybe a more mature Marky Mark?
“Hey, so this is great to hear,” one of the male therapists interrupted, “but can you perhaps, possibly, maybe, I don’t know, tell us who is going to be in the ad?” Getting a small chuckle from the crowd.
Leo was cool as a cucumber, “here’s the thing, boss. I haven’t decided. We are looking at some different options; one that came to my attention is that you have some semi-famous clients. It’s not necessarily about you, but who comes to see you.”
I knew what was coming next. Fucking Eric the Irishman (I mean, yes, I am fucking him) was the topic of this conversation.
I smiled nervously as everyone else at the table knew this, too.
Leo continued explaining how the production schedule would go and said he would be meeting with a couple of our patients and the therapists of their choice to discuss the commercial.
Once everyone agreed, there would be a short shooting schedule, and bam, our company would be out there for everyone to see in live, recorded action.
The rest of the day was packed with patients, notes, etc.
The standard for a medical office. I didn’t have time to talk to Leo again; I was somewhat happy because he intimidated me as if a panther had just decided to have a conversation with you.
I don’t scare, and I don’t back down, but there was something about him that seemed dangerous.
Was it in his eyes? Could it be the way he looked at me like he’d feast on me and leave my bones in a pile?
That idea was wild. I don’t want to be left in a pile.
I had a great evening with Vincent; we watched some nerdy stuff, cuddled, and talked about the weekend. I checked my messages as I walked to the bathroom.
”Hey, is this Kate?”
”Perhaps. New Phone, who dis?” I rolled my eyes at my silliness.
”This is Leo. I wanted to discuss the commercial with you. You’re going to be the star. All we need is Eric to sign on as well.” The text came back quickly; he knew it was my number.
“Are you sure? There are at least five other therapists that are going to be disappointed.”
“Oh, they are going to be pissed. I know what sells. I’m not here to be everyone’s friend.” He snapped back.
“I have to work with them, though. Can they be extras at least?” I was concerned I would start getting treated like crap; adults are not always grown-up.
”I don’t know. Not my concern.” He was not listening to my apprehension, or it didn’t seem that way.
“Ok,” Was all I cared to send back.
”Kate - meet me for a drink to discuss. Tomorrow night I can pick you up. Send me your address.”
”Let me check with my husband. On Saturdays we usually have plans.”
”Your husband is not invited.” He made it clear.
I had to think for a moment. I stood in the hallway and glanced back at the living room, thinking of Vinny and our marriage.
I loved that Italian meatball back there.
Then I thought of Eric; I wondered if he was tired of me.
Was he tired of me already? Was he out there on the road with other women?
Of course he was, he’s a damn MLB player.
I struggled for a moment, leaning against the wall. I brought my hand to my forehead, slapping myself back to reality. “OK - here’s my address. 17820 North Van Bush Rd etc.”
”See you at 7. Wear a skirt. No panties.” The text came in, and I reread it three times. Shaking my head. Wondering to myself, “Who is this guy?”
A few moments later, I returned to the living room with Vincent. I flopped next to him and put my head on his shoulder. He squeezed me in with one arm while we resumed watching TV together.
“How about we go check out that new Emma Stone movie this weekend?” Vinny asked me as we kept watching.
”Sure, could we go on Sunday or to an early show tomorrow?” I asked him as I leaned in and rubbed his chest.
”Yeah, why not. You have plans for Saturday night that I don’t know about, or are you just trying to avoid crowds?” He asked with a grin, not expecting the bomb I was about to drop.
A guilty grin on my lips; luckily, we were not facing each other, “I told you about the commercial, right? The producer guy, Leo, wants to meet and talk about it tomorrow evening. He said he would pick me up at 7.”
Vincent took a moment to digest, “You mean this random guy, that you barely met today, wants to take my wife out on a Saturday night to discuss potentially starring in his commercial about her physical therapy office?” As he asked the question, his expression became increasingly confused about the entire situation.
I nodded. “Yep pretty much.”
He glanced at me. Then back to the TV. Then back to me, he said, “Are you putting off pheromones that you are a horny girl or what?” He laughed at me and playfully pushed me, so I flopped the other way on the couch.
“Hey! I barely saw the guy, but I didn’t expect he would want me to star in the ad.” My voice was higher as I wasn’t sure how Vincent was reacting. Could he be furious this time?
“Babe, babe, babe.” He smiled at me before jumping on me. He held me down and tickled me, and I tickled him back. We started playfully kissing each other. The silly moment turned into making love. Right there on the couch.
Vinny may not be hung like Eric, but his skills were still impressive. He always made me orgasm at least once.
After our lovemaking, we lay on the couch; we touched each other everywhere. “OK babe,” he started to ask, “What’s up with this guy? Is he going to try to sleep with you?”
I thought for a moment, letting the memory of his last message return to me after the romp with my husband.
“Yes, he’s definitely going to try to have sex with me.
He told me to wear a skirt with no paaannties.
” As the last word escaped my mouth, I could feel the absurdity in my throat.
The embarrassment made me pull a cushion from the floor and put it over my face.
”Babe. My life. My lover. The future mother of my children.
” Vinny pulled the cushion off of my face.
“Do you think you want to explore this ‘open’ situation a bit more?” I told him that Eric was adamant that we accepted that we were in an open relationship (yes, I have moments that won’t be captured in these tales).
”Yes. I never ever dated someone like him. He’s like a grown-up bad boy, and I am pretty sure he might just eat me for dinner, in an excellent way, if you know what I mean.” My response was probably a little too fast.
He knew what I meant. He looked up a little.
There was some frustration on his face and a smile.
“OK babe. I don’t know if we can make a habit out of this, but I am up for it.
I want you to explore what you like more.
Just as long as you are mine and I am yours.
” Vincent knew exactly what to say to make me feel secure in us.
“You are MINE, and I am YOURS,” I said with emphasis as I pulled him down into a deep kiss.
The next day flew by. Vincent and I slept in, had a lovely brunch, and hung out at home.
I took a hot shower to get ready for my date; waiting around for Leo was odd.
This wasn’t like Eric. I knew Eric for at least a year.
How was my spastic ass going to pull this off?
I was shocked when I didn’t slip on panties before the date.
I walked down the stairs and into the entryway at 7:10 because that’s what you do.
”Hey there she is.” Vinny said as I appeared. “Leo and I were just chatting about what he has planned for tonight.”
“Yes we were.” Leo looked me up and down. A slight grin on his face. “See this is why you’re going to be the star of the ad.”
“Oh staaaahp!” I protested as the two of them were checking me out. Vinny pulled me over to kiss me on the cheek. Causing me to flinch as I glanced over at Leo. He only grinned more as Vincent’s lips left my cheek.
“I look forward to hearing all about how the commercial is going to go. You two have some fun while you are out there, too.” Vinny said and shook his head as he realized he was telling his wife to have “fun” with another man.