The Affair, Part 5

    This story contains adult language and themes. If such language and themes
offend you, please do not read further. Copyright 1997 by SSTORYMAN. All
rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce this story in any form and
for any purpose as long as this notice is reproduced and no financial
remuneration is received by the person reproducing it.

    THE AFFAIR


    5. More Than One in the Trap.

    "Anne, I have a strange call on your line." Robin stood in Anne's doorway
on Wednesday afternoon. She looked pale.

    Anne looked up. Robin had interrupted her concentration on an OSHA report.
"Who is it?"

    "She says her name is Sherry Crawford. She says it's important!"

    Anne gasped. Sherry Crawford! Why in hell was she calling? Could she
possibly know ...? Anne didn't know which thing to fear most. That her
daughter was smoking in her condo or that Anne was fucking her husband?

    "Okay," Anne gulped. "I'll take it." She picked up the phone.

    A cheerful voice began speaking. "Anne? This is Sherry Crawford. Do you
remember me? I'm John's wife."

    Anne swallowed hard. Sherry didn't sound upset. She sounded pleasant.

    Sherry went on. "I'm sorry to call you at work. But I don't have your home
number. I'd like to ask a favor. I'm worried about John. I know you and he are
friends, and you work together on matters for your company. Is there any
chance you and I could get together to talk. Woman to woman? Sometime soon?"

    Anne hardly knew what to say. "Sure," she stammered. "I guess so. What's
on your mind?"

    "I'd rather not discuss it over the phone," Sherry replied. She seemed
embarrassed. "Perhaps you'd allow me to buy you a drink after work tonight.
There's this little place near my home where John and I sometimes go.
Robinson's?"

    It doesn't sound like an ambush. I may as well, Anne quickly decided.
"Okay, sure. I know Robinson's. I live close to Robinson's. I can meet you
after work. I had a meeting at the office, but it canceled. What time is good
for you?"

    "How about six?" Sherry answered. "John's not coming home for dinner
tonight. Some big deal he's working on. You know how that is."

    Sure I do, Anne thought to herself.

    "Yeah, that would be fine, Sherry. I'll see you around six at Robinson's."

    Anne had met Sherry once before. At a party for Williams & Connors'
clients. She seemed friendly. This would be interesting, she thought as she
hung up.

    Robin appeared in the door again. "What did she want?" she asked. "Does
she know about ...?"

    "I don't think so. She didn't sound upset with me. I think she's worried
about something else."

    Robin still looked white as a sheet. "God, I hope you're not busted,
Anne."

    "Don't worry. If I am, I am. I'm a big girl. I can handle Sherry Crawford.
It won't be the first time I've had to face the significant other of someone
I've been sleeping with." She smiled at Robin. "That sounds terrible, doesn't
it?"

    Robin sighed and grinned. "No, it doesn't. I've been there and done that,
too. It's just that it's usually not pleasant. That's all."

    "No, you're right. If that's what's up, it won't be pleasant. But she's
the one who fucked up. She's lost him. If I pick him up because she's a bitch,
it's not my fault, is it?"

    Robin smiled. "I guess not. You're very brave, Anne."

    Anne returned to her OSHA report. She still felt bad about how she'd
treated Robin yesterday. I should apologize, she told herself. I blew up
unnecessarily about the thing with Julie. She sighed. Anne hated apologizing.
But she needed to let Robin know she wasn't still mad. Robin was too valuable
to let problems develop in their relationship.

   
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    Robin shook her head as she walked to her desk. Anne had nerves of steel.
Robin would be terrified meeting with the wife of some guy she was boffing.
Anne was so calm. But maybe the wife doesn't want know about the affair.

    Upon hearing another ring, Robin picked up the phone again. It was her own
line this time, instead of Anne's. "This is Robin Sullivan," she said
politely.

    "Hi, Robin. This is Judy Johnson. From Johnson & Myers. How are you? Is
this a good time to talk?"

    Robin looked around furtively. "Yeah, I guess." She didn't like taking
calls like this at work. But Anne was in her office. No one was nearby. It was
probably safe.

    "Lisa Robinson told me about your interest in our firm. I'd like to talk
with you. As soon as possible. We have two openings we're looking to fill with
experienced legal secretaries. Would you be able to stop by our offices after
work tonight? I'd love to interview and test you as soon as possible. If
you're still interested."

    God, that was quick! Robin thought. "Sure," she replied. "I could come
tonight. I updated my resume yesterday after talking to Lisa. I can bring a
copy."

    "That'd be great, Robin. From what Lisa told me, you've got the right mix
of experience and skills we're looking for." She paused. "You're aware that we
permit smoking in our offices? I trust it's not a problem to work with people
who smoke?"

    Robin smiled. "No, Judy. It's no problem. I'm aware of your smoking
policy. It's a refreshing change. You see, I smoke, too. I've talked to Lisa
about it. I also know Bonnie Robertson and Heather Summer. To tell the truth,
the fact that your firm permits smoking on the job is one of the main reasons
I'm interested in interviewing."

    The voice on the other end of the line cheered up noticeably. "That's
great, Robin. I'll be honest. We get lots of applications from experienced
legal secretaries. We never have trouble filling our openings. Lots of girls
in the marketplace would love to work where they can smoke. But Lisa says you
are an excellent secretary. What time can you come by? I'm happy to stay late
to meet with you, today if possible."

    Robin thought. "How about six o'clock? I can leave here a little after
five thirty and be at your office before six."

    "That would be wonderful, Robin. I'll look forward to seeing you then."

   
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    Anne arrived early at Robinson's. It was a few minutes before six. She lit
a cigarette and took a big drag. It felt good.

    Anne was rarely early for an appointment, but this one was different. Anne
wanted a table in the bar's smoking area. She knew Sherry Robinson wouldn't
choose to sit there if she arrived first. Second, Anne wanted a cigarette
before Sherry showed up. She knew that smoking helped her stay calm. Her
nerves needed all the help they could get for this meeting.

    While she sat smoking, Anne saw a tall, well-dressed brunette walk into
the bar. She recognized Sherry and waved to her. Then she realized she was
still smoking. Shit! She'd intended to finish her cigarette before Sherry
arrived! Oh, well. Couldn't be helped now. Anyway, it was probably better if
Sherry know she smoked. Anne smiled in response to her self-realization. Yeah,
that's right. I'm a smoker now.

    "Hi, Anne," greeted Sherry with a smile. Anne put her cigarette down in
the ashtray and shook Sherry's hand. Sherry sat across from her at the table.
"Thank you so much for meeting me tonight."

    "No problem," Anne replied, picking up her cigarette again. "What's up?"

    Sherry looked at the waitress approaching the table. "I'll have a glass of
red wine," she announced. The waitress nodded and returned to the bar.

    Sherry settled herself. She glanced noticeably at the cigarette between
Anne's fingers, but said nothing about it. She seemed nervous, but polite,
prim and proper.

    "Anne, I'm worried about John. I talked to a couple of his long-time
partners about this; they seem reluctant to talk. So instead I decided to talk
with another woman who knows him. Someone who'd understand from a female
perspective." She smiled. "John speaks so highly of you, Anne. He respects you
as a colleague and a friend. I enjoyed meeting you last summer at the Williams
& Connors party. I'm glad you're willing to meet with me."

    Taking a final hit on her cigarette, Anne began crushing it out. "I'm
happy to talk with you, Sherry. What's up?" She exhaled the smoke off to the
right, away from Sherry.

    "Anne, I'll be candid. I'm afraid John is having an affair."

    Anne's fingers froze in the ashtray. "Why, why do you think so?"

    Sherry looked embarrassed. "Things have not been going well at home
between us. We've had a lot of conflict the last few years. Ever since he ...
ever since he started smoking," she finished reluctantly.

    Anne smiled sweetly. "I know John isn't happy. He doesn't talk much about
it. But you're right. I can tell."

    Sherry nodded. "Well, over the last month or so he's been working longer
hours than ever before. And he's even more distant. Both from me and from our
girls. We have two daughters," she explained. "Beth is 15 and Grace is 13."

    "Yes, I know. They're lovely girls," Anne acknowledged.

    A look of surprise registered on Sherry's face. "I've seen pictures of
them," Anne quickly added. "In John's office."

    "Oh, of course. Well, thank you," Sherry smiled. "They are good girls.
Anyway, I talked with two of John's partners whom I've known for years. I
asked them whether there's another woman. They acted like I was crazy. But I
need to know." She leaned closer across the table. "I love him very much,
Anne. I need to know what to do. I don't want to lose him."

    "Sometimes people just grow apart, Sherry. There's not always much that
can be done. But I have to tell you, I'd be surprised if John felt comfortable
enough with our friendship to tell me he's having an affair with someone. I
mean, we're friends, but I doubt he'd tell me about that." A carefully told
lie. She hadn't actually denied anything. Everything she said was technically
true.

    Sherry smiled. "I know that," she admitted. "I guess I'm desperete. That's
all. The reason I sought you out was to find out if there's anything I can do.
You're a woman. You understand my predicament. And you know John very well."

    Much better than you think, lady! Anne thought while she nodded in
agreement.

    "I really didn't expect he'd admit to you he was having an affair. I
suspected for a long time that he was having an affair with his former
secretary. But as far as I can tell she's gone. Left town. His current
secretary is an older lady. I'm not worried about her. But I have wondered
about his paralegal, Bonnie."

    Anne raised her eyebrows. Bonnie was cute and she smoked. Could John be
boffing his paralegal, too? "Not sure," she said aloud. "He hasn't said
anything that leads me to believe he's fooling around with anyone at work."

    Sherry seemed relieved. "What about his state of mind? You don't have to
tell me this. But has he said anything about leaving me? Even in passing?
Kidding? Discussions about hiring a divorce attorney? Anything like that?"

    Anne wanted another cigarette but decided against it. Instead she took a
deep breath and just looked across the table. Much to her own surprise, she
felt sorry for this woman. Sherry was in her mid to late thirties and very
lovely, much better looking than Anne remembered. It was evident she was
worried about losing John. And for good reason. But inexplicably there began
to arise within Anne's heart an emotion which was ordinarily alien to her
natural instincts. Pity. Sherry was her rival. But she felt strangely sorry
for her right now.

    "Sherry, I've never been accused of beating around the bush. I'm always
blunt with people. Do you want me to tell you the truth?"

    "I'm a big girl, Anne. I can take it. What is it?"

    Anne took another deep breath. Here goes nothing.

    "Sherry, I think John still loves you. He certainly cares about you and
the girls. He'd never do anything to hurt the girls. But he's admitted he's
going to see a divorce lawyer. He's talked about a trial separation."

    Sherry looked devastated. "God! I thought so," she mumbled.

    "There's more," Anne went on. "I think I know why it's happening. There
are always two sides to every story. But I think you've fucked this thing up
yourself, Sherry. Based on what I know. From what I've heard and inferred from
things John has said."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Just this," Anne continued. "John is a smoker. It's very important to
him. Smoking isn't just something he does. Being a smoker is an integral part
of who he is. I know you've been unhappy about that." She paused to await a
reaction.

    Sherry looked uncomfortable, surprised. "He's talked about that with you?"

    Anne nodded. She needed a quick explanation why. "Well, sure. You know, I
smoke, too," she offered. "That kind of thing comes up naturally when you're
talking with other smokers."

    Sherry nodded. "Oh, of course," she smiled. "I understand."

    "So you've fucked up, Sherry. Excuse my language. But you have. You've
nagged him about it, you've criticized him for it, you've forced him to smoke
in the basement. You won't let him smoke in his own house, for Christ's sake!
You've made him feel rejected. Not just because of what he does. Because of
who he is."

    "But it's bad for him," Sherry replied in her own defense. "And it's a
terrible example for our girls!"

    "So what? He's an adult. Doesn't he have a right to make that decision for
himself? John's a good man, Sherry. You're about to lose him. If I were you,
I'd do anything in my power to keep him. Anything at all?"

    "What are you suggesting, Anne?" she asked slowly.

    God, I can't believe I'm going to tell her this, Anne thought in
disbelief. I must be crazy! But she felt sorry for the woman sitting across
from her.

    "If I were you, Sherry, I'd take up smoking. Right now. I think it would
solve about 90% of your problems."

    "You've got to kidding," Sherry stammered. "I could never do that!"

    Anne shrugged. "Okay, it's your choice. But listen to the truth. Sooner or
later you'll probably lose John to some other woman. Someone who accepts him
the way he is. Probably someone who smokes like he does, someone who'll join
him enthusiastically in partaking in this little vice he so much enjoys. You
may have already lost him because of him." She paused for effect. "Smoking may
be bad for your health, Sherry. But it'd be damn good for your marriage!"

    Her companion looked like she'd been hit with a missile. "Pardon me, Anne.
I have to visit the ladies room."

    Sherry hurriedly left the table. Anne took another deep breath. Damn! She
waited several minutes, but Sherry remained in the ladies room. Anne decided
it was time for another cigarette. Why not? Hell, she needed one. Taking one
from her pack, Anne lit up and inhaled a chestful of smoke. It felt both
refreshing and relaxing as it soaked into her lungs. Yeah, nicotine give me
strength! Anne smiled. She took another long, pleasurable drag. She slowly
exhaled through her nostrils and saw Sherry returning to the table.

    "I'm so sorry, Anne," she apologized nervously. "I had to get up and clear
my head. I know you're right. Everything you said is true. I have screwed
things up. But I'm not sure whether anything can be done. To use your term,
Anne, I guess I'm fucked!"

    Anne exhaled a cloud of smoke into the air. "Not if you're willing to do
something about it, Sherry. Just learn to smoke. Hell, it's not hard. I assure
you of that! It would be a show of good faith. It would make John think long
and hard about leaving you. Whether or not there's another woman!" she added.

    "Do you really think it's that easy?"

    "I do," Anne admitted. "I really do. If I were you I wouldn't tell him
you're going to do it. I'd just do it. Show him you're serious before you talk
about it. Find a friend who smokes and ask her to teach you. If you want to
save your marriage, that is."

    Sherry looked across the table. "I don't have any friends who smoke. I
don't know anyone who smokes." She paused. "That's not exactly true. My
daughter Beth does."

    Anne almost choked in the middle of an exhale. "She does?" she gasped.

    Sherry nodded. "I've known for some time. Kids think their parents are
stupid, but we're not. It's been going on for several months. I haven't said
anything to Beth or to John because I didn't want to make it an issue. I was
afraid if I confronted her, or if I said anything to Beth, she'd run to John.
It would force him to take sides and would make things worse between us. But
maybe Beth would be willing to help me." She smiled. "I was furious that she
was smoking. But maybe she'd help me if I told her I wanted to learn, too."

    Anne gulped. "Are you sure Beth is smoking, Sherry?"

    "Positive. I smell it on her clothes. I think Grace may be experimenting
with smoking, too. I'm not sure about that." She shook her head. "But you
think if I tried smoking John would react positively?"

    "No doubt about it. You may think he's crazy, but smoking is important to
him. It's a big issue. If you become a smoker, you'll compete with your rival
on an even playing field for the first time." She smiled. "If there is a
rival, that is. You'll probably win, too. I don't think he really wants to
leave you, Sherry."

    "It's nice to hear you say that. But God, I've never even considered such
a thing!" She grinned. "John's not going to be home tonight and Grace is at a
play rehearsal until nine. If I left now, I'd have a couple hours alone with
Beth. Maybe I could start tonight."

    Anne shrugged her shoulders. "That would be my recommendation, dear."

   
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    Anne walked into her condo with a strange sense of satisfaction. But why
had she done it? Why was she helping Sherry?

    There were a couple reasons. Strange as it seemed, she liked Sherry. She
felt sorry for her. Anyway, John still loved her. She wasn't a bad person. She
just didn't understand the strength of his fetish. Anne had seen it in action.
If Sherry were willing to learn, Anne believed her initiation as a smoker
would save the marriage.

    More importantly, it was the right thing to do because she cared for John.
She wasn't sure she loved him. But she did like him. And she didn't just want
him in her bed. She wanted what was best for him. Perhaps for the first time
in her life, Anne wanted to do what was best for someone other than herself.
For someone she cared about. If it worked out, he'd be happier. Happier than
he'd be with Anne. Anne knew herself. She wasn't going to settle down with
John even if he wanted to. She wasn't ready. She'd fuck him for awhile but
eventually get bored. And then she'd dump him. John would move on to someone
else, having lost Sherry. He deserved better. There was a chance for that to
happen. With Sherry as a smoker.

    Finally, Anne knew what it would mean to Beth if her parents stayed
together. And probably to Grace, too, although she'd never met the younger
daughter. Beth would want her mother and father together and happy. This would
keep them together. It might also mean Beth could smoke, too. She smiled. Beth
would love that. But it wasn't the most important thing. The most important
thing was helping John.

    Anne sighed. Of course, he might leave Sherry anyway. Smoke or no smoke.
Anne liked her chances if that happened. But then she and Sherry would be
competing on equal ground. In this case, Anne preferred it that way. Usually
she liked to use her leverage. But not here. She wanted John in her bed
because he wanted to be there. Not just because she smoked and his wife
didn't.

    She poured a glass of wine. She opened her briefcase. Lots of work to do
tonight, she sighed. She got her cigarettes from her purse. She smiled. "Ah,
my new friends," she laughed. "Won't you join me?"

   
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    "You did WHAT?" Robin exclaimed. It was late Thursday morning. Anne had
just told Robin about her meeting with Sherry the night before.

    "That's it. I told her how to compete with whoever that other woman is,"
Anne said with a smile. "I think she's going to do it. I think she is going to
try smoking. And she may just wind up saving her marriage."

    "But God, why did you do that?" Robin wanted to know. "You're screwing
yourself, Anne."

    Anne just shrugged. "I don't know why," she admitted. She pulled her blond
hair away and made a face. "I felt sorry for her, I guess. I know she and John
love each other. It'd be better for the kids, too, if they stay together.
Anyway, she'll enjoy smoking, if she tries it." She gave Robin a knowing wink.
Everybody who seriously tries it, likes it.

    "But what the hell? Anne, I thought you were so hot for this guy?" Robin
asked in disbelief. "I thought you wanted to keep fucking him? You said you
had a great time together the other night! You said you were going to get what
you wanted and you didn't give a shit who got hurt in the process. What
happened to your attitude?"

    "I don't know," Anne admitted. "I really don't. Maybe I'm getting soft in
my old age or something," she smiled.

    Without admitting it, Anne was thinking about Beth, too; about how much
this would mean to her. And how much she'd enjoy smoking with her mother and
father if Sherry took her advice. I am getting soft, she sighed.

    Suddenly the phone rang. "Well, time to work, Robin," she concluded.
"We'll see what happens. I'll let you know." She picked up her phone as Robin
left.

    Robin shook her head in disbelief as she returned to her desk. She thought
about running downstairs for a quick smoke break. Her nicotine craving was
increasing. She'd been unable to take a break this morning. Her phone was
ringing. She picked it up while getting her cigarettes from the desk drawer.

    "Hello, this is Robin Sullivan."

    "Robin, this is Judy Johnson from Johnson & Myers," said a cheerful voice.
"I'm following up on your interview last night. Can we talk now?"

    "Uh, yeah, I guess so," Robin answered. She looked around. Anne was busy.
It was clear. Robin would've preferred Judy not call here. She'd said so last
night. Why was she calling her today? It had been less than 24 hours since her
interview.

    The answer came quickly. "Robin, you scored extremely well in the testing
last night. Your skills are excellent. I was also impressed with your
interview."

    Robin smiled. So was she. It was the first time in her life she smoked
throughout a job interview. Judy'd suggested it, for both their sakes, and so
she smoked with her. It was pretty cool.

    "Anyway, Robin, first thing this morning I checked your references. I
talked with two prior employers. Most firms only give name, rank and serial
number when asked for a reference. But not in your case. Both of 'em
volunteered very nice things about you."

    "Thanks, Judy. That's nice to know." Boy, that was fast, Robin thought.

    "I'm pleased to offer you a position as a legal secretary at Johnson &
Myers." She quoted a salary which was quite generous. Robin knew the benefit
package was competitive. "So, what do you say?"

    "Gosh, Judy, I don't know. Wow! I'd like to think about it."

    "That would be fine. We're looking to fill a couple spots, so I don't need
to know right away. But in fairness to our other candidates, I'd like your
decision before the end of the day on Friday. Is that okay?"

    It was already Thursday morning. Friday was tomorrow. Wow! Robin hadn't
expected things to move this fast. She'd have to decide. They must really want
me, she mused. It was very flattering.

    "I'll think about it tonight and call you tomorrow, Judy," Robin
announced. After hanging up, Robin realized her head was spinning. She grabbed
her cigarettes and went downstairs to the storeroom for her smoke break. One
or two other girls were in the room smoking, but Robin decided to sit by
herself so she could think while she smoked.

    She tapped out a cigarette from her pack of Marlboro Light 100's. Lighting
up, she took a cheek hollowing double drag and reviewed the pros and cons as
the smoke filled her lungs. God, it felt good!

    First, the negatives. I like Anne, she thought. I mean, as a person and
maybe even a friend. I like working with her. Having a boss who smokes is
great, and it looks like Anne isn't going to quit! She smiled as she took
another drag and inhaled again. Of course, she thought, everybody at Johnson &
Myers smokes. The money there is a little better, and the benefits about the
same. The unknown factor was whether Anne's fury about Robin's indiscretion
telling Julie Russell about her affair would be a continuing problem in their
professional and personal relationship. Anne hadn't said anything more about
it since it happened. Robin was convinced it was still a problem.

    She tapped some ashes into the ashtray. As she took another cheek
hollowing drag and inhaled, Robin dreamed about how good it would be to be
able to smoke at her desk at work! And Lisa, Heather and Bonnie were there.
She'd made few friends at GTS. But she had several good friends at Johnson &
Myers.

    As she finished her cigarette, Robin was pretty sure. She'd sleep on it,
but tomorrow she'd call Judy Johnson and accept the offer. She'd tell Anne and
give two weeks notice. Damn! That would be the hardest part. But maybe it
would work for the best. It wasn't as if she'd ever have to see Anne again.
The last thought both relieved and saddened Robin.

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