The Penny Chapter 4

4

Michael Sterling sat in his study mulling over the papers he brought home from work. Ann was in the bedroom preparing for her lunch date. He pushed the papers aside and sat at his desk daydreaming. He pondered the fact that the name of the girl Ann had met was so close to that of the dark-haired woman he was with the night before.
"No," he thought, "Charla is not Carla, they aren't the same."
He had thrown the paper with Carla's number on it in the wastebasket and was determined to leave the rest of the memory there as well. It actually made him angry to think that he loved Ann so much yet he could be lured so easily to another. It was all just a bad dream he would never have again. He went back into the kitchen for a drink of water. As he opened the fridge Ann walked into the room.
"You're looking awfully good to go to lunch with a woman. Is there something you would like to tell me?"
"You know," she replied, "if I had that tendency would your fantasy be fulfilled."
"I'm not that kind of guy but I could learn," he said.
She laughed and said, "Pervert."
"Yes, but I'm your pervert," he replied.
She walked by him and gave him a little swat to the butt.
"What was that, primer for tonight?"
"No, that's just because you're so naughty."
Michael pulled her close and kissed her. He looked into her eyes and said, "I love you Ann."
Ann smiled brightly and said, "I love you too."
The café was bright and open. The glass ceiling beamed with sunlight and the hanging plants must have cost a fortune. Waiters with neatly pressed white shirts, black vests and trousers carrying trays scurried back and forth. The aroma of lunch had never smelled so good. Which in a way is sad because you know both women will order salad.
Charla was at the door when Ann arrived. Charla spoke first.
"This is an occasion, two women both on time. We should have champagne."
Ann replied, "Yes, but only one bottle it's not even noon yet."
They both giggled to each other as the maitre'd approached.
"Will it be the two of you today?" he asked.
Charla answered, "Yes."
"It will be only a moment and you will be seated," he said.
It is common in a fine restaurant to seat the most beautiful people in the window area so people passing by will see them, and be lured in. Although in this café business was something that was not lacking. As they reached the table by the window two servers appeared at the chairs and pulled them back to seat the women. Ann cast a glance at Charla as if to say she could live like this.
The waiter followed with menus and suggested the specials of the day then left them to decide.
"So do you come here often?" Ann asked.
"Once or twice a week," Charla replied.
Ann could not imagine how expensive that was.
"So what is it you do for the children's charity?" Ann asked.
Charla replied instantly, "I try to tie up loose ends mostly."
"That can be a pain," Ann replied.
"Yes, it can eat up your time," Charla said, "speaking of eating what are you thinking of having?"
"I was thinking of a salad but" Charla interrupted by grabbing a waiter's arm.
"Excuse me; bring us your best bottle of champagne."
"Yes, right away," he said.
"You weren’t kidding about the champagne."
"You only live once," Charla said with a slight devilish smile.
Ann was enjoying Charla's company; she had few friends she would actually socialize with. She had numerous acquaintances but that was all they were. She forgot how much she missed the “girl to girl” thing and Charla had her with the lipstick in the bathroom episode.
"Your shoes are wonderful," Ann remarked.
"Clothes are my passion."
"So are you married?" Charla asked.
"Yes."
"Any children?"
"No, we are too busy to take on that responsibility," Ann replied.
"What does your husband do?"
"He imports for large commercial chains."
"Talk about headaches," Charla replied, "too much stress for me."
As they talked Ann looked out the window and noticed an unusual car parked in front of the café.
"What kind of car is that?" she asked.
"That's a Mercedes," Charla replied.
"Oh, it's really cute."
"Thank you," Charla said, "after lunch I'll put the top down and we can go for a ride."
Ann was a little surprised but she replied, “Now that would be great."
"Where does she get all her money?" crossed Ann’s mind.
Something about Charla didn’t settle right with Ann. Charla’s personality didn't go with the amount of wealth it would take to live as she did. She either just inherited it or she was extremely used to wealth; the latter struck Ann as true.
A second bottle of champagne came and lunch progressed. Ann was having a great time and it seemed as if Charla was too. They talked mostly about the things that didn’t interest men and it seemed to fill a need both of them had lacked for a while.
The bill came for lunch and Charla immediately grabbed it.
"You have to at least let me pay for half of it," Ann said.
"Not a chance," Charla replied, "This one is on me."
Ann was a little uneasy as if her mother was footing the bill but she let Charla have her way. This was the moment when Ann realized that Charla could be very controlling. It was a part of Charla's personality and Ann would accept this as no big deal.
The wind cut over the windshield and if it weren’t for the scarf Charla had offered Ann could only imagine what her hair would end up like. The ride was invigorating. The country side was gorgeous and the openness of the convertible enhanced the fresh air and feeling of motion as the overhanging trees passed above them.
Charla stopped the car abruptly and said, "You drive."
"No, that's okay; I'm fine," Ann replied.
"Well then I guess we'll just sit here until you do."
Ann thought that was rather assertive but she really did want to drive.
Charla said, "Come on switch with me."
Charla started to climb over the shifter and Ann said, "What are you doing?"
"I'm not getting out," Charla said, "just slide under me."
Ann was uncomfortable but she found herself laughing as she slid under Charla and settled into the driver's seat. The car moved on as Ann found herself immersed into the thrill of driving the little car. Ann had never dreamed of driving a car for the fun of it but she could not help noticing that she felt like part of the little car as she drove.
Charla slide her arm over the back of Ann's seat and she leaned towards Ann saying, "Well, what do you think?"
Ann grinned and replied, "I love this car."