His Firm Hand Read Free Page A

position. I think I’ll go see our pro after the round today.” Paul picked randomly at his scrambled eggs.
    Dave leaned in closer. “Come on. I don’t think your golf game is the issue. What else is on your mind?”
    “My patient load is heavy right now with the economy the way it is. There are a lot of worried people out there, and having someone to talk with outside the family eases their concerns. It’s gratifying when I can help folks through some of the tough times. And Michele just started back to school. We even—” The waiter interrupted by refilling their coffee cups.
    “Thanks, Ray,” Dave said before returning his attention to Paul. “You know our wholesaler food business is down right now. People aren’t eating out as much, and my customers are cutting back on their orders. So the success in your practice is the inverse to my sales chart.”
    “Dave, it’ll get better.”
    “I’m not worried. Your twenty-dollar contribution every week continues to put bacon on the table,” Dave joked as he took a sip of his coffee. “Weren’t you about to tell me something about Michele before Ray came over to the table?”
    “Just out of curiosity, have you and Marsha ever spiced up your marriage with a little role play?” Paul wiped his mouth as Dave choked on his coffee. “It’s pretty natural, my friend,” Paul said, patting him on the back. “I’ve recommended it in a few of my couples therapy sessions. It has the ability to relieve some sexual tension and can be a lot of fun.”
    “Why in the hell are you bringing this up now? Geez—are you trying to throw off my game today?” Dave asked in between coughs.
    “Relax, I’m more curious than devious.”
    Dave looked around the grill room to see who else might be within earshot. “If you must know, we did enjoy that kind of thing before the kids were born. Sometimes, Marsha would dress for the part in costume. Is that what you’re talking about?” he asked in a hushed tone.
    Paul nodded and smiled.
    “Sure, we’ve indulged from time to time, but it’s been quite a while. Jesus, what’s up with you today? This isn’t exactly the kind of conversation we usually have before a round of golf.”
    Paul waited for Ray to clear the table. “Dave, are you aware of the kind of relationship Michele and I agreed to before we were married?”
    “Have you met my wife?” he asked facetiously. “Of course, Marsha has filled me in on all the details.” Dave leaned in close to speak quietly. “I don’t think that way of life could exist in my household. But to each their own, I always say.”
    “Honestly, we’ve both been so busy—our lifestyle faded out. So to liven things up, we’ve decided to revive it and add a new dimension.”
    Dave put up his hand. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to swing. I couldn’t handle the stories.”
    Paul laughed. “No, we’re not into that. Have you ever heard of age-play?”
    “Yes, I’m familiar. Why?”
    “We’ve decided that Michele is going to play the part of a teenager during the week.”
    “And I assume you’ll be the daddy?”
    He nodded.
    “Hey, if you think this is going to liven up your marriage, then who am I to argue?” He chuckled and elbowed his friend. “And if Michele needs any tips on how to be bratty, she can call any of the women in my family. We can set up a hotline,” he joked.
    Paul knew before he started the conversation that Dave would be supportive—good friends always were. Quickly, he peered at the clock on the wall. “I guess it’s time for my weekly thrashing, Dave. Shall I pay in advance?”
     
    * * *
     
    “Michele!” Marsha Kurls exclaimed in a loud voice. “It isn’t like you to be on time, missy. Should I be worried?” she asked, hugging her young friend in the middle of their favorite diner.
    Michele laughed as she squeezed her friend tightly. “No worries. I just wanted plenty of time to visit with my best buddy, that’s all.”
    Marsha shook a