A Convenient Liaison

Chapter 1

The rising sun streaming through threadbare curtains told him it was time to leave her bed and go home. She was still sleeping. ‘What a lovely lady’ he thought. She had suffered in her short life but a joy to be with for the two nights each week she provides sexual favour exclusively to him to supplement her meagre income as a waitress and bartender. But last night after their passionate sex, they had talked into the night about her hopes and dreams. He is hatching a plan and needs to know if she can play a vital role in his foreseeable future.

He needed the toilet and then dressed. She awoke. ‘Morning. Are you leaving already?’

Reaching over to kiss her, ‘We had a late night. You need some sleep before your shift. I’ll let myself out. Thanks for a great night. Same time on Thursday?’

‘Sure, but a cuddle now would be nice.’

‘I’m needed in London today, so I must get going. But Friday morning I’ll be happy to oblige.’

As he finished dressing, he could not help but despair at the shabby bedsit this unfortunate lady had to call home. ‘Why has life been so unkind to her’, he thought as he put £30 on her small table. He noticed some sketches. ‘They look like fashion sketches. Are these yours?’

‘Yes. I have dreams one day to be a fashion designer if I can ever get the money together to go to school.’

‘They’re good. When I see you Thursday, I’d like to look at your work.’

‘This could be the missing link in my plan’, he thought. He needed to mould this new data into a credible scenario that would fulfil his needs without taking advantage of her. His trip to London would hopefully enable him to start to put this plan into action.

‘Bye, Clara’ as he let himself out.

As the door latch clicked shut, she curled up in bed. ‘Too early to face another dreary day at work.’

Driving the short distance home to leafy suburbs, he reflected on the misfortune that had beset Clara since the age of fourteen. He had known her at school as a lively, outgoing girl full of fun. She had also babysat him on occasion. Then her mother was diagnosed with a nasty variant of MS disease. Her school days were over as she became a full-time carer for her mum and younger brother. No father to help. He fled as soon as her mother became ill and not heard from since. Nor was there any other family to help as her mother had moved to St. Albans, far away from her family, with her husband who had moved here for work. Her mother finally died three years ago, leaving the lovely 22-year-old Clara with nothing but a severely curtailed education. Her brother had since joined the Navy and rarely visited with her, quickly forgetting the love and care she afforded him during his teenage years ensuring he finished school. She eked out a living at a restaurant bar on meagre earnings, which she supplemented with a few carefully selected clients, but only James spent the night with her. Theirs was a special friendship.

What a contrast to his cosy life. He is just two months short of his nineteenth birthday with a maturity belying his age, and from an extremely comfortable middle-class family. He has a lovely home where both parents have lucrative careers. His mother, Dr Janice Caldwell, senior biochemist, and executive director of a major pharmaceutical company, was prepared to forsake any further siblings in favour of her career, very much leaving him to look out for himself, but with love and affection available when needed. He is currently enjoying a gap year between school and university with a secure place at Cambridge university to read computer sciences, or that’s what he has led everyone to believe. Since the age of fifteen he developed a keen interest in computer graphics, putting his above average skill in mathematics to the test. He generated a graphics engine that could rapidly transform still frames into lifelike animations with near-perfect mobility. A young but prosperous computer gaming company wanted to purchase this engine from him and hire him. He had other plans so, with the help of a reputable London law firm and internationally renowned accountants and auditors, agreed to licence the use of this engine. The income to date is staggering; something he kept to himself as he had more significant engines to develop, seeing a bright future for himself. But he also knew his parents would be extremely disappointed with his change of heart regarding university. Three years at university did not fit with his plans.

His liaison with Clara satisfied his natural sexual urges without the need for a conventional female relationship. He now felt so good with her he wanted her to be part of the next two to three years whilst he developed his business. He wanted an unusual liaison of convenience with her, but it could be good for them both. Time for a chat with his mother.

When he arrived home, both parents had already left for work. As he entered, he encountered Samantha, their housekeeper, known affectionately as Sam, busying herself with her chores. ‘Morning James. Ready for breakfast?’

‘Just need to take a shower and get changed. Say twenty minutes?’

Sam was now used to his Monday and Thursday nights with Clara. It amused her neither parent knew anything about his activities. His mother would surely be deeply concerned her ambitious son would have a relationship with such an unfortunate and older girl known to sell sexual favour. And the thought her son is a client would appal her. It always tickled her she knew James better than his parents and looked forward to the day of realisation by his parents that James had his own plans for his future.

This family amused Sam. They had it all, but they could be three separate individuals. If his parents knew the extent of the computer technology in his bedroom, they would have to ask how he could afford so much. But they never went near his room and were too self-absorbed in their own lives to question why he spent so much time there. She also wondered if they knew anything about the three days each week he spent in London with his ‘friends’. He must generate real income from somewhere, but did they know, or even consider it?

Chapter 2

He was gazing out over the 4th floor balcony of a new apartment block in the trendy part of Wapping in East London. The vista over the river Thames was now a trendy area south of the river. ‘This is ideal for my plan’ he thought, ‘let’s see what deal I can do.’

He had completed his homework on this new development. This is the last apartment for sale. At an asking price of £485,000 for a 3-bed, all ensuite, apartment with a large open plan area living area with a well-planned kitchen and panoramic views over the Thames the price was full but not excessive. The large quarterly service fees of some £4,500 probably inhibited a fuller price. But this service charge included a swimming pool and gym, and 24-hour porterage. The purchase price also included a secure underground parking space. Even at his tender years he knew there was a deal to be done as maintaining a sales office for just one apartment must be expensive. The agent had already offered to cover his Stamp Duty tax, but as a first-time buyer he knew the Government incentive would likely make this tax nominal. There was room for negotiation, especially as he is a cash buyer.

The show apartment was furnished, which would save him the time to furnish until he was better established in London. Speed of occupation was his primary criteria. He needed to be close to his two new collaborators for the next part of his business development plan.

He invited the agent to sit at the dining table with him. ‘Angela, I like the apartment as is. I’m interested to purchase fully furnished so you avoid the expense of clearing out and making good. I’m a cash buyer and can move as fast as you can. I already have a law firm who take care of my business interests, and I have primed them to quickly move to close, and certainly within one week if the paperwork is in order. And whereas you have already offered to cover my Stamp Duty tax, they inform me this is nominal as a first-time buyer. Therefore, what price to agree a purchase in the next five minutes?’

He impressed her. ‘He’s still a teenager but has done his homework. Better get some direction.’ ‘Why don’t you tell me what you have in mind, and I’ll make a call.’

He thought for a moment about how low he could pitch a credible bid. ‘My thoughts are £450,000 with completion as fast as you can deliver the paperwork.’

She paused a moment to consider his offer. ‘That’s probably too low, especially fully furnished, but let me make a call.’ She clicked a speed dial on her phone as she walked to the balcony for some privacy. Her conversation lasted a few minutes before she returned.

‘I’ve spoken to the owner. He informs me the furnishings in this apartment are worth over £15,000 but is amenable to an offer to leave the apartment as is. His counteroffer for a 7-day close is £465,000 and you pay your own Stamp Duty.’

He needed a moment to compose himself. He would have paid £475,000 fully furnished. ‘Okay Angela, I’ll go with that. We have a deal.’ He shook her hand as the traditional acceptance to treat.

He handed her a business card. ‘This is the lawyer who will manage the purchase. He can confirm he has funds on deposit and is ready to expedite the sale. I’ll phone him now to confirm the deal. He clicked his phone to call his lawyer. ‘Good morning, Simon. I’ve agreed a purchase at £465,000 fully furnished to close within seven days, and I pay my Stamp Duty.’ He listened to Simon and then addressed Angela ‘He wants to know if you’re separating out the cost of furnishing.’

‘Good point. I’ll need to ask the owner and then call Simon.’

Simon was good to go. He had over £1 million of royalty funds on deposit for James so knew he could deliver for his young, but very capable client.

‘I want to take some photos to see what furnishings I have, and what I will need to add. Once you have confirmation from Simon, I would like access tomorrow to see what I need to get fully installed as quickly as possible. I would also like the information needed to activate fibre broadband and TV. I want to move in, fully operational, as quickly as possible.’

‘No problem. And thank you for your business. I think I need to follow your career with interest. For one so young, you’re clearly focused on your future. Could I have your autograph to remind me of this day?’

He smiled in amusement. ‘What would you like me to sign?’

He was full of joy as he purchased sandwiches and made his way to Camden to the apartment of his two new collaborators, Javid and Hashem. Their apartment was full of computer technology and reflected the chaotic living style of two young computer geeks. But they are very capable, and busy generating the algorithms he needs for his next generation graphics engine. They were now his junior partners on an earn-in basis and would soon move to new offices in Camden as soon as lease negotiations are complete.

He stays close to them during his days in London whilst not meeting with potential clients to ensure they stay focussed on his requirements. However, the thought of driving in or out of London on a Monday or Friday did not appeal. His computers at home are directly linked to Javid and Hashem so they can work together, even when at home.

Chapter 3

It was Thursday evening after dinner. He found her in her study reading some research paper. ‘Mom, can we have a chat? I need your input on something.’

She put down the research paper on her desk, removed her glasses and put them on top of the paper before turning towards him. ‘Shoot. What can I do for you?’

‘Mom, I want your consent to have a woman stay with me overnight.’

‘You have a girlfriend? Please tell all. Your father and I were getting a little concerned with your general lack of interest in the fairer sex.’

‘This may sound a little weird to you, but I don’t want a steady relationship at this time in my life. But I can assure you I’m a red-blooded heterosexual with all the inherent needs. I want all the benefits of female companionship with none of the baggage. Does this make sense to you?’

‘Sounds like you want a mistress.’

‘Interesting way to put it. And I’ve found a solution, but this is your home, so I want your consent.’

‘What is your solution that requires my approval? You’re 18 years of age. If you want to have a woman stay with you overnight, it’s your concern so long as she causes no problems here.’

‘Thanks mom. Let me explain. But hear me out before you pass judgement.’

‘I’m listening.’

‘Currently I seek my sexual pleasure elsewhere with a woman who knows there is nothing other than sex between us. We meet twice each week when I’m not in London. I spend the night in her shabby bedsit. I pay her because she only engages in sex to help make ends meet. She doesn’t like it but needs must. She’s drawn a short straw in life through no fault of her own, and I’m happy to help her help me. At present I’m not the only client, but the only person who she will allow to stay overnight. We’ve been friends for years. I want to change this situation for her. I want her to myself, and I’m prepared to pay her enough to make this happen. But I don’t want to spend so much time in her bedsit. I want her to come here to stay with me on a regular basis, not least to provide some respite from her miserable life. I want to be right up front with you about this as I have no intention to deceive you or dad.’

‘Who is this woman?’

‘Clara Thompson.’

‘My God. Which pit did you swim in to find her?’

‘Mom, that’s not fair or remotely charitable. You know what happened to a bright, fun loving 14-year-old when her mother became ill. Does she deserve to continue to be abused after the love and care she afforded her mother and brother? She’s a lovely lady, and I value her as a friend and companion. She is forced to play slave for peanuts because she didn’t finish school. She grits her teeth to provide sexual favour to supplement those peanuts just to survive. How can she ever recover with any chance to achieve her potential if no one reaches out to her? I want to help her, and she plays a vital role in my desires without commitment. A little respect and charity will go a long way.’

‘I apologise. You have obviously thought this through. I can’t say I’m fully in favour of what you’re proposing, but I can also understand your desire not to get tangled in a relationship before you start university. I also find your desire to help her interesting. Helps me not to think of her as your hooker. Would she be participating here other than satisfying your needs overnight?’

‘No.’

‘Can you be certain she is fully protected against pregnancy?’

‘She has a coil.’

‘Would she have her own access to this house?’

‘No. She would come with me, and I will see her out.’

‘And she would agree not to sell favour anywhere else?’

‘That would be a conditional part of this relationship.’

‘Can you afford the cost of her commitment to you?’

‘Most certainly.’

‘In respect we’re having this conversation I will agree in principle to this liaison on condition both of you have a full sexual health check with Dr Bryant before you bring her to this house, and after she has agreed to not sell favour to anyone else. I’ll talk to your father, although I don’t anticipate any problem other than her reputation. You have obviously considered this aspect so on your head be it. Does this satisfy your request?’

‘Thanks mom. This means a lot to me. All I need to do now is to convince her of the merits of my plan.’

‘If you’re the only one who stays with her overnight, and she grits her teeth with all other clients, I think the outcome is most certainly in your favour. I just hope you don’t regret your choice.’

‘Mom, she will be my lovely mistress, not my hooker. We’re friends and have been for some years. I value her friendship.’

‘You better go see if she’ll agree to your offer.’

Chapter 4

It was Thursday evening. He collected her from the restaurant as usual at 11pm. When they arrived at her bedsit, she took a quick shower to remove the grime of serving food and drink all evening before engaging in their sexual pleasure. She had taught him over some weeks how to touch and tantalise her body. Their lovemaking became more passionate as they learnt how to please each other. He was the only client with whom she did not insist on a condom, knowing she was his only partner.

They lay together, spent and content. He knew what he needed and knew he was with the person to satisfy his needs. ‘Can I discuss an idea I have as I think it should be good for both of us?’

She turned to him. ‘After all that passion, my ears are the only part of me not singing. What do you have in mind?’

‘I want to change this. I want to change our relationship. I want to make things better for both of us.’

A little apprehensively ‘What do you have in mind?’

‘You don’t enjoy selling sexual favour, and I don’t like you being forced to engage with clients you don’t like. We both have our needs, and we most certainly gel as lovers. As you know, I’m not ready for a typical relationship with the corresponding baggage involved. But I need gratification, and you fulfil this need in spades. Can I ask you how much you make in a typical week from sexual favour?’

‘Between £200 and £300. Why?’

‘What would you say if I was to offer you £300 per week to be my exclusive mistress? You would spend your nights with me at my house and the payment is a retainer, not based on activity. I know you don’t provide favour during your period but under this retainer arrangement I will pay you every week. Even if I’m in London, you’ll be paid. I want you to myself. Wrapped in your arms, I feel at peace with the world. Would you consider such an arrangement with me?’

‘Wow. What an offer. You do know I only take your money because I need it. I love our nights together. In better circumstance I would not consider selling sexual favour to you. You could have it with the pleasure you give me. And you want this to happen at your house. What will your folks think? Can’t imagine they want me there with my nefarious reputation. Far too low.’

‘I’ve already cleared that hurdle with my mother.’

‘What! You’ve already discussed this with your mother. Bet that was an interesting conversation. What did she say?’

‘So long as you agree to be my exclusive partner in sex, and we both undertake a sexual health check with Dr Bryant, we have her blessing.’

‘Can you afford to pay me so much every week? I don’t see you go to work.’

‘I do work in London, and I can happily afford to pay you. Will you be my lovely, sexy mistress?’

‘I’m overwhelmed. You really care for me. I’ll happily be your mistress for as long as you need me. When do I start?’

‘Is now okay? Do you have any appointments which you need to fulfil?’

‘I’ll be happy never to fulfil any appointment again. Fear not, I’m your happy mistress from this moment on.’ She clinched the deal with a longing kiss.

‘Be clear, Clara, we cannot become lovers in the traditional sense. This arrangement is to negate the need for a conventional relationship. I have a business to build, and I have no time for such baggage. You must understand this. If you find Mr Right for yourself, our arrangement will terminate. If you ever have sex with anyone else, our arrangement will most certainly end. And I’ll never cheat on you either. You provide all I need.’

She had a very content smile on her face. ‘How many nights per week will we share your bed?

‘I don’t have any fixed ideas, as we must agree this between us. I spend Tuesday and Wednesday nights in London. I’m open to any other nights, subject to you needing time for your commitments.’

‘If I have Tuesday and Wednesday nights free, you can have all the other nights in the week you want me there.’

‘Done. I’ll warn you some nights I work into the night so we would have our fun, and then I would work while you sleep.’

‘What is your work?’

‘Easier to demonstrate than explain, but what goes on in my bedroom is absolutely secret so you must agree never to speak about what you see.’

‘Sounds very covert. Can’t wait to see. Will I be with you tomorrow evening?’

‘You tell me when to pick you up and I’ll be there.’

‘Can I leave some underwear and clothes with you so I can change in the morning?’

‘Of course. And my shower is big enough for us to shower together to add a little additional spice.’

‘Thank you. What a lovely guy you are. It’ll be fun being your mistress; correction, your lovely exclusive mistress. I love sex with you, and I solve my financial needs. Let’s celebrate with some passion.’

When he opened his eyes, it was light, and he could see her smiling at him. ‘Good morning, James. Did you sleep well?’

‘Very well, my lovely mistress, thank you. Are you in need of the cuddle I promised you on Tuesday morning?’

She snuggled in ‘Yes, please.’

‘I would like to see your design sketches before I leave. Let me see if we have a secret star designer in our midst.’

‘I’ll get them now. But it was just something I developed to occupy my time when my mum was sleeping. Please don’t judge them against professionals. I’d like to go to design school to learn this craft to see if I have the creative talents.’

They sat in bed as he scanned her drawings. ‘You have a good hand for sketching. Not really understanding fashion, I can’t comment on your designs, but you’ve given me an idea for another computer engine. I’ll think it through and then be prepared for me to interrogate you to gain trade related information.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Information such as what are the difference in body sizes between say size 10 and size 12. You’re a size 10. What changes to your body dimensions would require you to up size to size 12?’

‘I don’t know but will find out. Never thought about it before in such detail. What would you do with this information?’

‘Most fashion is designed and made for slim models, probably size 8 or size 10. When such a model struts the catwalk, a woman who is size 14 cannot relate to how this dress will look on her. What about if I could build an engine that would allow this woman to input her size and the engine emulates the dress on her size 14 body? Now she can see how it will look on her. Add mobility to the computer model and information about the weight of the dress material and how it reacts to movement, and we could have a digital catwalk where our digital size 14 model moves to show how this dress looks whilst moving.’

‘Fantastic. And you can build this model?’

‘With enough information about sizes and material, I can’t see why not. I’ll give it some thought.’

He put the drawings back on her table. ‘What times are your shifts today?’

‘Lunch shift starts at 11:30 until 2pm, and my evening shift starts at 5:30 until 11pm. Why?’

He picked up his mobile phone. ‘It’s now 8:45. Let me call Dr Bryant to see if he can fit us in today. He’s our private GP, so we may be lucky.’ He dialled the surgery. ‘Good morning. This is James Caldwell. I have a new girlfriend and my mother has insisted we both have a sex examination. Is this possible today?’ He waited. ‘Yes, 2:30 today? Great. We’ll be there. Thank you.’

‘We can have our first night at my place this evening. My mom only said we had to be examined. Nothing about waiting for the results. You up for your first taste of my bedroom this evening?’

She smiled at him ‘Can’t wait. Can you take a bag home with you with things I’ll need?’

‘No problem.’ Without thinking, ‘How much wardrobe space will you need?’

‘Don’t have much, so very little.’

‘Sorry, what a crass idiot I am. I’ll make amends with a shopping trip for you tomorrow.’

‘You don’t have to do that. We live in different worlds, so don’t worry about an innocent mistake.’

‘Can I please take you shopping tomorrow as part of our new arrangement? Surely I can adorn my lovely mistress as part of my pleasure with her.’

‘If you put it that way, I’ll happily shop with you, but not in this town. But what about a nice cuddle before we each must start our day?’

Their trip to Dr Bryant was tedious and intrusive, but the general opinion, subject to the results of blood tests and swab analysis results which would be back on Monday, was they were both clear of any sexual infections or diseases. He had satisfied his mother’s conditions, so now it was time to prepare for his first night in his own bed with his lovely Clara. After dropping Clara back at her bedsit, he went home to consult with Sam as he would have to make some adjustments to his bachelor style living and add appropriate towels and toiletries to accommodate his mistress.

Chapter 5

It was 11pm. She was clearly happy to see him. They were quickly home, and into his bedroom. When he opened the door for her, she could see a nice queen size bed to her left, but as the door opened further, all she could see was two tables full of computers and other technology with four large flat screens on stands behind the desks. It was an overpowering sight for her. ‘I thought this was a bedroom. Looks more like something from a space centre. You weren’t kidding it would be a shock. What do you do with all this stuff?’

‘Another day. Could I interest you in a shower before we enjoy ourselves?’

‘That would be very welcome. Can we have our first shower together? You can show me how everything works here.’

‘Let’s go. Bathroom is through here.’

Their shower was long and lingering, spending more time wrapped in each other’s arms with the water relentlessly splashing against their bodies. He had already cleansed her body with the love and affection he felt towards her. For her, this shower was something to be savoured. The shower in her bedsit was a grubby cubicle she could just squeeze into, and water, if she’s lucky, would be warm – not hot, otherwise tepid. The shower she now enjoyed was easily large enough for two people and had a variety of shower heads and body sprays engulfing her in lovely warm water. This was heaven to her, and she was in his arms having enjoyed his cleansing her body.

He whispered in her ear, ‘Are we done? Can I dry you and encourage you into my bed?’

She looked at him with an ear-to-ear smile ‘This is so lovely. I’ve never experienced such luxury and care before. Lead me and I’ll follow.’

He switched off the shower, gently removed the excess water from both bodies and led her out before taking a large towel and lovingly towelled her until she was dry. She did the same for him. He then lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bed. They were soon consumed in the love they so enjoyed together.

When she awoke, he was looking at her. She reached for the side of his face. ‘Hello. How long have you been watching me?’

‘No idea. Such a lovely sight in my bed. I think a long cuddle this morning.’

Chapter 6

They were two weeks into their arrangement. James had returned from London on Thursday evening content his new apartment was ready to occupy and planned to move the following