Paradise Island

by: Nurture Nature

Chapter Index

Chapter 1

John - American-Caucasian, 34 years old, married, father of 2
Joyce - American-Irish, 30 years old, John's wife
Brenda - 12 years old, John and Joyce's daughter
John Jr. - 10 years old, John and Joyce's son
Alec - American-Caucasian, 51 years old, divorced, father of 3



After returning home from a 4 week trip Alec went down to the gym to restart his workout regimen. He called his friend John earlier that day to remind him to join along.

"John! Good to see you!"

"Hey Alec, how'd everything go?"

"Great! I need to get back into the routine though. I feel like I've rested a little too much." Alec laughed.

"Rested?"

"Well, my time was well spent."

"You make it sound like it was a vacation."

Alec smiled but didn't say anything.

"How do you get to that point, Alec? Things have been really busy here."

"Keep up the hard work. You'll get there."

"So, what, did you happen meet somebody while you were there?"

"Yeah. Yeah, you could say that." Alec grinned.

"Well? Wanna spill it?"

"Maybe later, not right now. Hey John, I've been meaning to ask... remember the wedding reception we went to a few months back?"

"Yeah, Janie and Ed's."

"That was a lot of fun. Remember how much fun the kids had dancing around?"

"Yeah, they were a hoot." John chuckled.

"Who was the long haired brunette?"

"Hmm... You mean Sarah's kid?"

"Is that who she belongs to? Man, she's going to be a looker, don't you think?" Alec smiled, though a bit more serious.

"Yeah, I suppose."

"IF she doesn't pack it on like her mother did. How old is she now?"

"35, 36?"

"Sarah... yeah. I meant her daughter, though."

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe around the same age as Brenda. I'm sure Joyce would know. Why?"

"Just curious. Wow. Time flies. Sometimes it's hard to remember being that age."

"Yeah." John smiled, looking down.

"Wanna get out of here? Let's get a drink."

"Sure. But I have to get home in a couple of hours to finish up some work for tomorrow."

Alec and John walked down to the local bar a few blocks away. It was still early in the evening so the place was pretty empty. Alec picked a table away from the bar, frequently walking up to the bartender to get more drinks. A few beers and martinis later Alec and John were much more relaxed. After talking about their businesses, investments and small talk, Alec shifted the conversation.

"John, about the reception..."

"Yeah?"

"I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable, but... it's just us here."

"Ok...?"

"I kind of noticed your eyes wandering around..."

"How do you mean?"

"When the kids were dancing around. Hey, it's not like we stop looking just because we age."

"I suppose. Yeah, I think she's going to be a looker too."

"Yeah. But she's a looker now. "

"You know you're treading, Alec." John smiled.

"Maybe. But it doesn't change the fact. John, that wasn't the first time I noticed your eyes wondering around. I guess what I'm trying to say is, guys like you, me... we can't just shut it off."

"What's your point, Alec?"

"Hey, we've known each for a long time... over a decade. I think we know each other very well, even if we don't talk about certain things. Can I trust you to keep something between us?"

John took another gulp of his beer. "Sure."

"We've worked all of our lives. We're pretty damned successful. Sometimes it's good to get away and experience the finer things in life. Otherwise, what's the point?"

"Is that what you do when you're away? Hookers?"

"That's not really the word I'd use. But, yeah, when I get away, I do experience the finer things in life."

"So, why are you telling me this, Alec? I'm very happily married. You and I both have kids."

"And we've never shirked our responsibilities. I just think people like us go above and beyond to be successful. We do deserve to play as hard as we work. Is it ok if I go on?"

"I appreciate what you're saying, but really, I'm very happily married to Joyce."

"What if it was guaranteed that nobody would ever find out? John, your eyes do wonder. Look, what I'm talking about isn't just run of the mill hookers. This is an experience that will never present itself again."

"I don't know, Alec. I just don't ever want to do anything that would jeopardize my family."

"Hey, I completely understand. Maybe think about it, and let me know."



Chapter 2



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