Page 10 of Rather: The Therapist

Silence trailed my words. A heavy, quaking breath left her mouth before she began, again.

“I’m listening,” I urged, removing the garage opener from the wall and rounding my car.

Hesitantly, she began again. This time the confidence she’d exude had diminished. Curiosity piqued with each word. With every dollar in my bank, I’d bet she was contemplating employment or enjoyment.

If her occupation permitted, and she wasn’t afraid of what the night would hold, enjoyment was the latter. Otherwise, it was best she stayed behind the desk. I wasn’t in search of forever. Just for now.

“Needless to say, names are prohibited. Under any circumstances. Never, remove your covering. Under any circumstances. Never request personal information. Never encourage encounters outside of Private Suites. Never move forward if refusal is apparent, mentioned, unclear, or the topic of conversation.

“We are compliant with the law and keep our guests’ safety at the forefront of our operation. We do not take assault claims or cases lightly. We will help prosecute to the fullest extent. Lastly, it all ends in the suite.”

“Nothing passes the threshold. Nothing. What happens inside, stays inside unless it conflicts with the interest or safety of our guests. Do you understand these terms and conditions along with the others in our handbook?”

“I do.”

“Welcome to The Mansion, Mr. Valentine.”

The clicking over the loudspeaker confirmed what I already knew would happen. Ursula rushed off before I had the chance to speak again.

Another day, Ursula. There’s always another day.

Slowly, I entered the suite where I was met with cool, inviting air. The dark decor shifted the mood immediately. The suite was far more spacious than the virtual tour let on. Downstairs was the garage and full-sized kitchen, along with a long hallway that led to a set of stairs encased in glass.

One by one, I climbed each step and reached the second floor fairly quickly. The loft area of the suite was one large room. A bed with new linen was in the center. Because I’d chosen a corner unit, there were two large windows in the suite. One facing the grounds and the other facing the second level of the ballroom, where connections were made.

Exhibitionism.

Instantly reminded of Ursula’s words, I clicked my tongue against my teeth. That wasn’t my jam, but some loved it. Where I stuck my dick and how deep I stuck that motherfucker was between me and the woman I was bathing in.

In addition to the bed, there was a cabinet with additional linen, a table that seated four, an upholstered couch, an ottoman that matched, and a television. Without a doubt, I knew many ditched their homes on a regular basis to live out their wildest dreams in their suite. It was, indeed, a home away from home for some.

Everything needed was on-site. Unfortunately, there was a fourteen-day stay maximum. In any given thirty days, you were only permitted fourteen full days.

336 hours. In total. They couldn’t run consecutively.

I peeled the dinner menu from the wall where it rested in a small basket. There were two more. Breakfast and lunch. Though I’d dined already, not much was eaten. My attention was fixated and didn’t part from my son. His discomfort and lack of ability to complete the new task of chewing steak shortened our visit. The comic relief of an employee and presence of his womb donor ended it.

Four options made the decision easy. I used the tablet provided to begin the request. The timer began almost immediately. I had exactly thirty minutes to return. Dinner would be served.

Twenty. I set a personal timer. That’s all I’d need.

On the console near the door was a pamphlet and a set of keys. Above it, a shelf held the four masks available to choose from.

Pick your poison.

The masquerade masks staring back at me made the choice easier than I’d imagined. I removed the red one, flipped it around, and placed it against my skin. The straps, I tucked behind my ears. The mirror next to the console was one of the four in the loft area alone. A quick glance and I was grabbing the keys from the console and headed out of the door, satisfied with my choice.

Instantly, I was catapulted into another universe. A long figure clashed into me, pressing my right arm against my chest.

“Oh shit. Excuse me. I’m sorry.”

I reserved my words as I took a second to scan the thin frame from head to toe. My response depended on my level of intrigue. I wasn’t very impressed with what I examined. Slowly, I shrugged, wiping away any possible residue from my shoulder in a few swift motions.

She continued on wobbly legs. Either she was anxious to get fucked or had just gotten fucked into oblivion. I was unsure but I didn’t give a damn either way. She was decent, but she wasn’t the woman I was in search of.

I wasn’t exactly sure who she was or exactly what qualities she actually possessed, but I was certain I’d recognize them when I encountered her. I was also certain she was amongst the crowd I scanned from the balcony, though I hadn’t spotted her yet.

Men and women of the same or a higher caliber mingled in the underglow of the lounge below. Laughter was plentiful. Hands roamed. Cheeks swelled with pleasure. Hearts beat with passion. Bodies yearned for satisfaction. Eyes scurried from one mask to the next. Music played softly in the background. And, I descended the long staircase.

---