(a/n: (revised 6/18/18 & 1/24/19)
I have been given the request for many weeks by two regulars who wanted a short Frank and Callie/Iola story with a bit of heat to it. But please do Not assume that will transpire as it seems. In my world of writing, I can not simply make it a pretty picture. That would be kind of dull. This work is set in the future from where my original FF entry, When the Night Comes Falling From the Sky is. While there are storylines which are based from the original, they do not necessarily dictate what their lives have turned into over ten years later.
I did this at the personal request of a couple people who asked nicely. Well, they each asked for something different, but I will try to merge the elements without them overlapping. This work Will at times be borderline rated M (mostly the first couple chapters), so if thats not your thing, maybe scroll past the parts that may make you uncomfortable. When I first put this one out, there seemed to be an interpretation, by some, that this would be some chance romantic fling between F&C. There are many ways to interpret that. So please do not expect something...predictable. Or that it is the main focus of the story (since it isn't) I am sorry if I took this in another direction that may have been unexpected by some. This story pushes the envelope with the open relationships between certain characters. It is not the traditional.
Some readers have felt the story is out of place, while others apparently enjoy it quite a bit. I am happy to accept your feedback, for better or worse if you want to leave a review. Or as some like to do they can private message me.
-1-
Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Callie Morton dropped her bag next the check in desk of the Borgata Hotel. She was alone for once in some time. Cal had flown in on a short trip from Long Island MacArthur Airport where she had taken the train from East Hampton that morning and caught a plane at MacArthur. Callie felt worn out from the travel. But she was happy she would be seeing her best friend, and sister in law for the first time in over six months.
She was going to meet Iola who was coming to Atlantic City with her husband Joe for a convention of some kind. What that really amounted to was table time for Joe. Gambling wasn't exactly a legal thing in Bayport. At least she thought it wasn't. She hadn't lived there in ten years when she, Chet and their first daughter moved to East Hampton, New York. Chet had allowed his early investment portfolio to ride at the hands of those who had, apparently, knew what they were doing. She remembered back when they had received the huge reward for the returned Tiffany jewels. Then the subsequent investment Chet had made with part of it at the advice of Mr. Rabinowitz, CEO of Tiffany and Company. The end result eleven years later was a net worth of over thirty million dollars.
Callie checked in. The clerk summoned a bellhop, but Callie declined the bellboy's assistance in helping with her single bag. She looked at the kid. He must have been nineteen or twenty. She handed him a $50 bill.
"Here ya go. Save yourself the trip. Stay away from the tables, kid." She said, then removed her Gucci sunglasses. She looked at the young bellman. "You got a girlfriend, kid?" She asked. The young man gave a half smile and nodded. Callie turned her head slightly. "She like nice things?" The young man gestured with his hands.
"When we can afford them." He said looking at Callie. She nodded and raised an eyebrow to him. She handed him her Gucci glasses.
"Give her these and I'm sure you will notice that her skills as a fellatrix improve dramatically. See ya, kid." She said and walked away. The young man held a $50 bill in one hand and a $1,000 pair of sunglasses in the other hand and stood there somewhat incredulous, watching the shapely older blond woman in the black dress disappear into an elevator.
Callie rode silently in the elevator alone and reached the 23rd floor. She exited the car when the doors slid open. She located room 2307 in short order and took her key card out. She entered the extensively decorated suite with it's fine art and imported leather furniture. She walked to the table by the triple wide full length window and tossed her bag on the floor then set her purse on the table. She studied the Kate Spade bag for a moment with a somber expression.
"Maybe you were right, Kate." She said to herself, looking around the environment and all of its excess. "Didn't buy happiness, did it girl?"
She took out her phone and hit Iola's number. She set the phone on speakerphone mode and set it on the bar and went to the task of putting some ice in a glass. The phone rang and a voice came over the speaker.
"Hey, girl. You here yet?" her friend asked. Callie, who was pouring herself a tall glass of Irish whiskey looked down at the phone.
"Just got in. What are you up to?" She asked.
"Just having a bite. Finishing up. Joe is at the tables, I'm sure." Callie grunted knowingly.
"Big surprise. Why don't you come up? I will make you a drink." She said.
"Sounds good. It's been a while, girl. What room?" She asked.
"2307." She said.
"Ok, give me about ten or so to finish up. See you in a bit." She said.
"K. See ya soon." Callie said and pressed the disconnect button. She took her drink and took a good size gulp. She sighed. She thought she had better call and check on the kids, and yeah, her husband.
She picked up the phone and dialed home and held it up to her ear. A moment later her husband answered.
"Hey. I got here….. yeah. Flight was ok, as far as flights go. Just not crazy about them. You know that…. So how is Madeleine? Huh?... Yeah, Chet….12 year-olds tend to develop attitudes. How is Carly and Ellie?... Yeah, Chet, The easy ones…. Jesus. You aren't letting the sitter do it all solo. She is only 22….. And by the way, the sitter is there to watch our kids, and not make you a martini. Yeah, I know. But after four martinis you get stupid, hun. Remember Cindy?... Yeah, Chet, our old sitter. And she is our old sitter because after she put the kids to bed you asked her for a lap dance. I'm not sure what was dumber Chet, the fact that you asked her to do that while I was in the house, or that she was dumb enough to give you one…. Yeah…. I know, you are sorry. Just keep it in your pants, ok? ….. What? I know…. I am sorry about saying that. I know as you say, I am cold. Look, I am working on it. I think it's good we are having a couple days apart. And I agree, we should work on it. We will. Ok. Yeah, kiss the kids…. I love you, too… ok hun. Talk later. Bye." She said and hung up.
The troubles between Callie and Chet had been going on for a while. Kind of that lull that hits many relationships at the ten-year or so mark. And seems to get worse when money is used as a crutch and a substitute for things more meaningful.
Callie sighed and took a drink. A moment later a knock on the door was heard. Callie smiled and rushed to the door. She smiled and swung the door open. Before her was a petite woman with dark long hair. Dressed in a short sage green cocktail dress which showed most of her very fit 34-year-old legs.
"Cal!" She screamed and stepped forward and embraced her friend in a hug. "Been way too long, girl!" She said. Callie smiled upon seeing her friend and gestured for her to come in.
"It has been too long. And speaking of long, your hair is halfway down your back now! Looks great." She said. "Come in and sit down." Iola smiled at her.
"You are looking great yourself." She said looking over her friend in her black dress that conformed quite well to her figure. "How are the girls?" She asked. Callie smiled.
"Great. But definitely they are keeping me busy. Maddie has started developing attitude according to Chet in our phone conversation." She said and rolled her eyes. Iola smiled.
"My niece with an attitude? Well the younger two don't have that going on yet, but Maddie started showing attitude years ago!" She said. Callie brought her a drink and handed it to her.
"Well, Chet has enjoyed some immunity to that for quite some time. But now the kid is getting to the point where the material over compensation doesn't keep her a sweet and angelic child to him. He is getting a dose of reality." She said taking a drink. "But I shall digress since I was also in on a number of those ten thousand dollar birthday parties." She said. Iola smiled to her friend sympathetically.
"None of us are perfect parents, girl." She said. Callie nodded and then looked over to her.
"Yeah, Joe Jr. is a little saint. I love that kid!" She said making reference to Iola's six year old son. "you and Joe have done pretty good with him." Iola grinned.
"That little guy is momma's little man. He is sweet. I mean after his two year old period, I felt pretty lucky that things seem to fit into place. But we have our issues girl." She said.
Callie stood up and walked to the bar and poured another drink.
"So, what's Joe doing? Winning or losing? Hell, not like he is going to tell you." She said. Iola nodded.
"Blackjack if I am not mistaken." She said. "he will be fine for several hours. But he knows his limit. At least I hope so. But I think he will be kept in pretty good check." She said looking sideways for a moment. Callie raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I doubt the casino personnel are going to tell him when to stop. They will just bomb him with liquor serving bimbos who will pat him on the back and tell him what a great player he is." She said. Iola turned her head slightly, seeming hesitant to broach the subject.
"Oh, I think he will be kept in line." Iola said without elaborating. Callie looked down at her. Iola was avoiding eye contact. Callie sat down next to her.
"Ok, what's up?" She asked. "You seem to be meandering around something." She prompted with a look. Iola sighed deeply. She looked at Callie's half empty glass.
"You might want to top that off." She started. Callie held up both hands in impatient gesture since Iola was still dancing around something. Iola looked down for a moment. She then took a drink of her own and looked sternly at Callie.
"Well, Joe isn't alone…." She started. "He is with someone who will keep him from spending our child's college fund." She said, the averted her eyes once again. Callie took on a deadpan look.
"Dear God! Frank is here? Is that what you are saying?" She asked with wide eyes and furrowed brow. Iola nodded slowly.
"Uhm, yeah. He is." Callie went to the bar and refilled her glass. She turned back to Iola.
"That was pretty underhanded. You know that?" She said. Iola looked wide eyes.
"Oh, Cal. Please know that I didn't know until earlier today when Joe asked him to tag along. I had no idea he was coming! I swear." She said holding her hand across her chest. Callie looked at her and nodded. She knew her friend wouldn't have deceived her.
"Ok, I understand. But God, I haven't seen him in seven years! Did he bring his wife?" Iola shook her head.
"Uhm, no. They are taking a break. I think that's the word that he used." She said. Callie pursed her lips.
"Well I guess I know how that goes." She said. "Has he asked about me?" Iola raised her eyes in an innocent gesture.
"He has made inquiry, yes." Iola said. Callie sighed.
"Peachy." She said. She took a seat at the table and ran her finger along the rim of her glass. Her eyes shifted up to Iola who was looking at her cautiously.
"Lot of water under the bridge." Iola said softly. Callie nodded slowly.
"Yep." She said and inhaled deeply. "But I suppose I should be nice and not overreact. It's just, well you know…" She said. Iola knew well, but didn't feel it her place to open up old wounds.
"Well, just thought it best you knew, I guess. I mean if we are going to be here the weekend, chances are you were probably going to run into him. So, I am glad you got it out of me." She said. She looked over to Callie. The drink had made her warm. She held the glass up near her face to feel the coolness from the ice. "I've missed you." She said quietly. Callie turned her gaze to her friend.
"I've missed you, a lot." She said. There was a tense moment as they looked at each other. Thoughts racing through their minds. There had been many reasons for the visit.
The silence was broken by Iola's phone beeping an alert. She looked down at it.
"What do you know, Joe took a break and was wondering where I was. Making sure I haven't gone and got myself distracted with any stranger, I guess." She said with a half smile. Callie raised her eyebrows.
"Well, you haven't….yet." She said. Iola was continuing to text.
"I told him I was with you and we were chatting. He wants to come say hi. I hope that was alright. Even though I am sure it's a reason to check up on me on one of his rare detours from the tables." She said. Callie looked apprehensive.
"Is he bringing his financial advisor with him?" She asked. Iola shrugged.
"He didn't say, but one might assume the possibility is good." Callie sighed.
"Well, at least give Joe a heads up that they should make it brief. I've not even unpacked and I don't know…. Good lord, girl. You know what I mean. Just make sure he knows to make it a hi and bye kind of thing. I need to slowly get into the idea of seeing Frank again, much less carrying on a long conversation. Just small steps. You know…". She said. Iola had already been texting.
"Already ahead of you girl." She said. Callie took another sip of her drink and looked in the mirror.
"God, I look like shit!" She said. Iola rolled her eyes.
"Hmm," She said looking at her friend. "first time I ever wanted to roll around in shit." Callie turned her head to her and gave a smirk.
"Oh my. Saying such things when your husband is in route. You know how he feels about that." She said. Iola nodded soberly.
"Yeah, I know. It was the reason we don't live together anymore and you moved. One thing I can say for Chet, is that at least he was supportive." She said putting her glass down. Callie furrowed her brow and gave her a look.
"Well, that and he also liked to watch us and…". Iola held up her hand.
"Don't say any more, girl." She said shaking head with embarrassment as she had pictured the image that Callie was recalling.
A moment later a knock on the door sounded. Callie, feeling a bit buzzed from the alcohol blinked repeatedly at Iola and gave a curt smile.
"You opened the can of worms, girl. You can open the door." She said gesturing for Iola to get the door. Iola nodded and stood up and approached the door. She looked over her shoulder at Callie before opening it. Callie took a breath a gave a futile nod. Iola answered the door and two men in their mid 30s were in the doorway. One dark haired and one with lighter hair. Joe smiled.
"Hey baby!" He said and leaned in and gave Iola a kiss. Iola forced a smile and noticed the beer bottle in his hand.
"Hey Joe." She said looking down at the bottle. "Compliments of the house, no doubt?" Joe gave an animated smile.
"How did you guess, babe?" He said and took a drink. A moment later he looked over to the darker haired man.
"Frank…Frank… don't be shy, bro. I told you who is in there." He said. Frank Hardy stepped forward and nodded to Iola. The group walked into the large suite and towards the bar where Callie was standing. Callie looked at Frank and couldn't help but take on a half comical smile. She suppressed a giggle and looked away. Frank, somewhat uncomfortable smiled.
"Hey Cal." He said. "You are looking, like great…" he said, searching for words. Callie looked slowly back at him.
"Uhm, hey Frank. You are looking, uh, like Paul Ryan!" she said and started giggling hysterically. Iola shook her head a bit and smiled to Frank.
"You missed happy hour up here as you might have surmised." She said referring to Callie's obvious alcohol intake. Frank shrugged and force a grin.
"It's ok. I actually think that Paul Ryan is a handsome guy. I will take it as a compliment." He said. Callie took a breath a looked at Frank.
"I am sorry, Frank. It was just the Paul Ryan haircut and you have kind of grown to look a bit like him. Again, I am sorry. I mean that." She said. Callie had been a bit shocked at how Frank had changed over 7 years. But then thought to herself that she had no doubt changed as well. Frank nodded.
"It's ok, Cal. I mean it has been over 7 years." He said.
"Damn!" Joe said with a slight slur. "Really that long, bro?" He asked.
Callie took another sip and looked to them.
"Uhm, well it was good to see you two. But, I uhm, have not even unpacked yet. Can maybe Iola and I meet you guys a little later on downstairs?" Frank nodded, feeling that it might be wise to give Callie some space to recover herself. Iola gestured to Frank.
"Get some coffee in him before you let him near a table again, right?" She said with an annoyed look at her husband who was clearly half in the bag. Frank nodded.
"Yeah, sure Iola." He said taking his brother's arm. He looked back over to Callie.
"So, I will see you downstairs later on?" He asked. Callie sighed slowly. Perhaps more loudly that she was aware, then nodded.
"Uhm, sure. Yeah, I can uh, see that happening." She said with a tone of caution in her voice. Frank nodded and gave her a smile and a casual wave.
"Ok… till then." He turned and addressed his brother. "Come on, let me buy you a drink. A nice hot one." He said and led Joe out of the room. When the door closed, Iola turned to Callie.
"Uhm, that wasn't so, uhm, bad." She said. Callie nodded and looked from one side to the other.
"I guess not… though…." She started and then looked down to the ground.
"Though what?" Iola asked. Callie sighed.
"I actually think Paul Ryan is kind of handsome in a way." She admitted. Iola's eyebrows perked up.
"Oh really?" She started. "So, what am I?" she said as she slowly edged herself closer to her friend and rested her hands on Callie's hips. Callie furrowed her brow and pursed her lips.
"Uhm….horny?" she said with a smile.