The Cruise

Dear reader;

Since the characters have such age differences the Mature category made the most sense, although Loving Wives would come a close second.

I need to thank ErosSir for their editing, beta reading, and advice.

--------

Harry and Carol Bridges were entertaining their son Neil and his friend Jake with a barbecue at their comfortable suburban home.

Neil had moved out after graduation. He was drifting, still looking for gainful employment. His friend Jake didn't have to worry about working for a living; he earned his money the old-fashioned way: he inherited it. Jake's grandfather had been an entrepreneur, and his ancestor's hard work had paid off. When his grandfather passed, Jake's father took over the factory, and it grew into a juggernaut. When Jake's father passed away, Jake inherited the enterprise at the ripe old age of twenty-four.

Jake had no interest nor the business acumen to stay in the manufacturing business, so he sold it off for a tidy sum, just north of one hundred and fifty million dollars. He and Neil had been friends since high school, and they remained best friends today.

Neil tapped his wine glass with a spoon to gather everyone's attention.

"Mom, Dad, Jake and I would like to invite the two of you to join us on our next trip sailing on the Beau Soleil."

Carol whooped out loud.

"Oh my God, yes! That sounds amazing!"

Jake had inherited his father's sailboat, a Beneteau First 31.7. Jake's father named it "Beau Soleil."

Jake and Neil had taken sailing lessons as teens, so they were keen to sail the beautiful boat as often as they could.

Harry was less impressed with the prospect of sailing. He wasn't much of a water guy at all. He took swimming lessons as a child and nearly drowned. He was also prone to motion sickness so he was naturally reluctant.

"Dad, I know you are apprehensive, but trust me, Jake and I are excellent sailors. We'll make sure you're comfortable."

"Maybe this is a trip that your mother should go alone with you two." I'll stay at home and work," he offered.

Carol would have none of it.

"This is a great opportunity for us Harry; it will help us renew our relationship; lighten up. How long will we be sailing?"

"Probably two weeks all in."

Harry grimaced,."I don't think I can take two weeks out of my schedule."

"Dad, you're an accountant. Surely you can take a two-week vacation."

"I'm a forensic accountant, self-employed. I don't do people's taxes. The cases I accept take months to complete, and there is always a waiting list."

"Please, I want both of you to come. It's important to me. We were thinking about departing port the first Saturday of next month." There was a pleading note to Neil's voice.

Carol said, "Of course we will, Neil." She shot Harry a side-eyed dirty look, daring him to object.

Harry just shook his head, realizing that this was not a hill he was willing to die defending, and took another sip of his Heineken.

--------

Harry lost the battle. He and Carol made their way to where Jake's yacht was docked. The Beau Soleil was sleek and impressive. Harry wobbled and stumbled as he stepped onto the deck. It was as if he was already at sea.

Neil and Jake explained that the diesel engine would take them out of port where they would set sail for the Caribbean.

"What about the crew? Where is the crew?" Asked Harry.

Neil answered, "Back in the day, you needed a good sized-crew to sail a boat this size. Today, electric motors and computers do most of the heavy lifting. We have satellite navigation too, so Jake and I can handle all that easily."

"When can I get into my bathing suit?" Carol asked.

"Anytime you want," said Neil.

Jake added, "You can take your top off once we get out of the port." His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Carol blushed, Neil rolled his eyes, and Harry just shook his head.

"Don't roll your eyes at me, Neil. Your Mom's a MILF." Jake enjoyed Carol's blush, which deepened, but as she smiled, remembering her devil-may-care college days.

Once they got past the breakwater, they set the sails and let the wind take them.

--------

There were two cabins on the boat, one for Harry and Carol and one for Neil and Jake.

Harry had always wondered about Neil and Jake. The two had been inseparable since grade school. A tour of the boat showed separate single beds in their cabin, but the boys were always very close.

Carol put on a bikini and slathered herself in sunscreen. She pulled her hair back in a ponytail and went up on deck.

Carol was a young-looking forty-eight year old. She kept fit, and it showed. Harry was also forty-eight, and looked more like fifty-eight. He was slightly overweight, bookish, and never darkened the door of a gym. His face showed stress lines, and wrinkles around his eyes. Donning a pair of long shorts and a golf shirt, he went up on deck.

Since the boys were up at the tiller, Harry started to work his way around to join them. He was just about to turn a corner when he overheard them talking.

"Holy shit, Neil,. I always thought your Mom was fucking gorgeous, but in a bikini, wow!"

"Hey, that's my Mom you're talking about."

"C'mon man, you have to admit, she's a looker."

"She's always been a beautiful woman, Jake. It runs in the family."

"How did she ever get together with your Dad? I mean, they are totally different."

"Yeah, she has a real adventurous streak, and Dad's a bit of a pill at times. He's absolutely brilliant. A savant. You wouldn't want him looking at your books, believe me! He's put more bad guys away than most cops."

"I guess opposites attract."

Harry turned around and went back down to where Carol was sunning herself.

"Are you enjoying yourself, dear?"

"Isn't this boat marvelous? I love it, the sun, the salt air. I could get used to this."

"Not me! I can't walk a straight line with these rough seas."

In truth the seas were unusually calm.

"I took some Dramamine for motion sickness. I hope it doesn't make me too tired." Harry pulled out his trusty ThinkPad and booted it up.

"Don't tell me you brought your laptop?"

"Yeah, I'm working on a file right now that I couldn't leave behind."

"There's no wifi out here."

"No, I don't need it. I've got a secure satellite connection."

"Well, don't waste all your time with your face buried in the computer. We're here to have fun and relax."

"Yes, dear."

Jake came to the bow and was working away at some equipment. He stripped off his shirt, tossing it on the deck.

"Wow, look at Jake. He must spend all day in the gym."

Carol was only half right. Jake spent his mornings in his home gym. He had a workout routine that took all morning. Jake was a work of art, buff with well-defined musculature.

Carol wondered why a rich young man who was as fit and sexy as Jake would remain single. In all the time she'd known him he had never had a steady girl. She echoed her husband's questions about Jake and Neil's relationship. Harry seemed more bothered about it than she was.

"Hey, Mrs. Bridges, you can take your top off now!" Jake called to her.

"It's Carol, and I'm not taking my top off."

"My loss!" Jake grinned and went back to the tiller.

Harry harrumphed, "Would you really take your top off?"

"Only for you, Harry."

"Bullshit, things have been dead between us lately. I haven't seen your tits in close to a year."

"Well, if you would get your nose out of your computer you might just get lucky."

Carol pulled the right cup of her bikini top down to expose her breast. Harry had his attention glued to the spreadsheet in front of him. Carol sighed and put her bikini top back in place.

The first small island that they came to had a lovely bay with calm, warm water. Neil was at the tiller, and Jake was getting dive gear ready. He suspected something had gathered on the boat's keel, and he wanted to clear it. Carol saw him gearing up.

"Are you diving? Can I dive with you?"

"Are you certified?"

"Yes, I've done a fair amount of diving in my youth."

"Sure, have a look in the locker. Help yourself to a tank, mask and fins."

She suited up, and they got in the water. Some seaweed had gathered on the keel. Jake cut it away as she watched him. She hadn't noticed that her thin, white, bikini was meant for sunbathing, not diving. It was unlined and the water had turned the white bikini virtually transparent.

Jake finished removing the seaweed and turned back to face Carol. She appeared to be floating in the water, nearly naked. Jake was a young man, and the sight of a nearly naked woman stirred him. The problem was that he wore a tight, small bathing suit. His erection stretched the fabric, making his condition obvious.

Carol couldn't look away. Jake swam to her, putting his hands on her shoulders. Taking his mouthpiece out he took hers out as well, then kissed her. It was awkward as hell with dive masks on, but they managed.

Back on the surface, they removed their gear. Neither spoke about what happened beneath the waves.

--------

That night Carol and Harry made love for the first time in ages. Harry had been distant for some time, and Carol had become cold, yet that night she was nearly insatiable. Harry wondered what spurred this on, but he wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

After breakfast the next morning they sat out on the deck to sun themselves. In truth, only Carol sunned herself. Harry wore a long-sleeved shirt, knee-length shorts, and a broad-brimmed hat. He intended to stay safe under the blazing, hot sun.

Carol reached around, unfastened her top, and removed it. Harry looked over, shaking his head.

"You're really going to flash your son and his friend with those naked tits of yours?"

"We're at sea, darling. It feels wonderful."

"Better double up on the sunscreen."

Neil came down front and saw his Mom. "Atta girl, Mom. That's the spirit!"

Harry snickered, "I think she's showing off for Jake."

"Neil laughed.

"Jake will appreciate that, believe me! I think he's got a crush on you."

Everyone had a chuckle over that.

"Mom and Dad, there is a reason I wanted you to come sailing with us. There's something I need to tell you."

'Oh shit,' Harry thought, 'he's going to come out.'

"You know I've been wondering what to do with my life. I've made a decision. I will be getting off the boat at the next island. I won't be getting back onboard. I met a woman on the island. I've been with her many times over the last few months. We always stop here for a few days when we sail. I'm going to stay with her. We may marry. We may not, but I want to give us a fair chance."

Harry and Carol were shocked. They both figured Neil was coming out.

"This is a bit of a surprise. How long have you known this woman?" Asked Harry.

"A year and a half. I love her. You will get to meet her tomorrow."

Carol just cried and hugged her son, forgetting that she was topless. She didn't care and neither did he.

Neil explained that Jake would take Harry and Carol on a cruise of the archipelago for the rest of the two weeks.

Carol smiled, Harry frowned, and the day progressed.

--------

Meeting Loni was surreal for Harry and Carol. Loni was dark-haired and had skin the color of coffee, and just a drop or two of cream. She was a sweet girl, barely a woman, although she swore she was twenty.

Neil seemed absolutely bewitched by Loni, and she wouldn't leave his side for the two days that they were there on the tiny island.

Harry, being the practical one, asked how they intended to make a living.

"Fishing, diving for shellfish, selling them at the market. Giving sailing and diving lessons. We can do a little farming too."

"Are you sure about this, Neil?" Carol seemed skeptical.

"Yes, it's what I want."

The goodbyes before setting sail on the Beau Soleil were tear-filled and heartfelt. They waved until they were out of sight.

--------

Once again at sea and in open water, Jake announced that they had two days of sailing to get to their next island. Later that day the wind stilled, and the boat slowed to a near standstill.

"Looks like we lost the wind. I have the diesel engine of course, but I need to save fuel for maneuvering in ports. This boat has a small fuel tank so I need to conserve it. We might as well take some time and relax."

They all moved to the stern of the boat. Jake opened a gate on the railing. He peeled off his shorts and dove into the still water.

Harry had his ever present-laptop with him, so he didn't notice that Jake dove into the water completely naked. Carol hadn't missed a thing.

It is said that women don't get turned on by visual sexual stimuli. However Carol might be the exception to that rule. Seeing Jake's tight, muscular ass and his cock hanging lower than his ass cheeks had flipped a switch inside Carol. Jake transformed from being her son's friend into a fully fledged man in his sexual prime.

Moments later, after cooling off in the still water, he climbed out and stood in front of her reaching behind her for a towel, his swinging cock coming far too close to her face.

"Jesus Christ, Jake, put some fucking clothes on!" Harry shouted.

"I just needed a quick dip. We're at sea, Harry. I'm the captain, and what I say goes. If I want to swim naked, I'll swim naked. Maybe we'll make the rest of the day 'nude day' on the boat."

Harry was disgusted. Yes, Jake was captain but this was indecent.

Carol stood up and took off her bikini top. Then she slipped the bottoms off.

"Okay, captain, nude day it is!"

Harry went apoplectic.

"Fuck this! If you're going to be playing silly bugger games like this then I'm going to the cabin." Harry closed the laptop and marched below deck.

--------

Jake and Carol were relaxing on the deck, au natural.

"I like this nude day idea."

"Me too, Carol. It feels weird calling you by your first name. You may not believe me, but I always had a bit of a crush on you. You were the 'hot Mom' of the neighborhood."

"We're both a lot older."

"You've hardly aged at all, Carol."

"You certainly have, Jake."

"I'm glad you noticed. What is up with Harry?"

"Harry is just being Harry. He's as serious as a heart attack. He doesn't relax. He thinks fun is for losers."

"How did you two ever decide to marry?"

"Opposites attract. I was going through a wild phase at university. I had some close calls and bad experiences, so I decided to get more focused on school. I met Harry, and he helped me become a better student. Things lead to other things, and we fell in love."

"He doesn't seem to show much emotionally, does he?"

"He is very contained. He gets excited when he uncovers fraud. The more craftily hidden the evidence is, the happier he is when he discovers it."

"Each to his own, I suppose."

"It's been a comfortable enough marriage. We still love each other but we are pretty much just coasting these days."

"You deserve better. You deserve raw passion, excitement. You are still a vital and sexy woman."

"Thanks for that kiss by the way, the one underwater. It was a bit awkward, but it was great."

"Would you like another?"

She looked around to see if Harry was around. Not seeing him she responded.

"Yes, very much."

Jake rolled over and kissed her.

Carol felt the thrill of the illicit sensuality of his kiss. Her lips parted and their tongues tangled, probing each other's mouths. She was also thrilled as his hand grasped her left breast and he slowly rolled her nipple. She luxuriated in the sensation until her fear of being discovered overcame her lust for Jake.

"Stop, we can't," she said.

"I don't want to stop."

"Please, no."

Reluctantly, Jake let go of her breast, but not before a playful little pinch on her nipple.

"You are an amazing woman, Carol. We have lots of time left on this sail. There's no need for us to rush."

He stole one more kiss before getting up, putting his shorts back on, and returning to the cockpit.

Carol sighed She was so close to letting Jake take her. This was dangerous. Her marriage was nowhere near strong enough to survive something like this. She dressed and went to the cabin, looking for Harry.

--------

Harry was disgusted with Jake and with Carol. Bare breasts were bad enough, but a bare ass and pussy was beyond the pale. There was something wrong with Carol. This was not like her at all. He recalled her wild period at school and this felt like she was regressing.

He had always thought of Jake as a young boy, Neil's friend. Yet in truth, Jake was now a grown man. A grown man with needs and wants. He was lying next to Carol on the deck over the cabins, both of them naked. That was when his imagination finally kicked in, and he stood up. He was going to look for her when she opened the cabin door.

"You decided to make yourself decent. What were you two doing up there?"

"Soaking up the sun. It's hot when there's no wind. Harry, can you please just relax and go with the flow? I'm enjoying this adventure, and it would really help if you could enjoy it with me."

"By going with the flow, do you mean I should strip down and have a dick-measuring contest with young Jake? I hope not, because I would never come out the winner. If you want to play dangerous games then go ahead. I never asked for this trip. I tried to talk you out of it, but you insisted, so you get what you get."

"You're giving me permission to play?"

"Within reason, understanding that there are limits. If you transgress those limits, there will be consequences. I would prefer that we use this trip to draw closer to each other."

"If I can play then why did you run to the cabin?"

"Because I'm not blind. I could see the two of you were flirting, and when he dangled his cock in front of you and you stripped off, I had to leave. It was fucking disgusting."

"I want to have the freedom to enjoy this trip. If you're going to sit here with your nose stuck in a spreadsheet, then it's going to be impossible for me to have fun. If you bury yourself in your computer how can we grow closer?"

"You want your freedom, then fine, that suits both of us. The next island is larger, if they have an airport. I'll get a flight back home."

"You'd leave me here with Jake?"

"It seems like that is what would make you happiest."

"I'd rather you joined in the fun and stayed but..."

"If this trip is supposed to draw us closer together, to repair some of the lethargy and damage to our marriage, then it is failing miserably.

On one hand I want you to come back home with me tomorrow. On the other hand, maybe it's better I leave so you can get whatever it is you want out of your system."

--------

Jake agreed to change course to get to a larger island which had an airport.

At the last minute, Carol told Harry to book two tickets so she could go home with him.

"No, you stay here and work out whatever it is that crawled up your butt. Come home when you've made some decisions. Just remember that our marriage is a fragile thing right now. There are limits, and you are damn close to breaching them."

He left after giving her a hug and a kiss. She cried as he left for the airport.

Jake now had a problem., Carol was not an experienced sailor. When he and Neil sailed, having two onboard wasn't an issue. Going from point A to point B was no problem. The big issue was the chance of bad weather with too few experienced crew. He felt he had several options. Risk the weather staying fair and continue sailing with Carol, Hire an experienced hand to help, or anchor here, and send Carol home the next day?

He decided to anchor and sleep on it. He'd double-check the forecast and decide in the morning.

The rest of the day was spent diving in the crystal blue water.

Carol had worn the same white bathing suit so Jake was treated to a delightful display of MILF flesh. He marveled at how beautiful she was at twice his age. There seemed to be an almost infinite variety of fish among the reefs. Jake surfaced and came back with a spear gun. He had seen some good-sized Red Snapper, and wanted to prepare one for supper.

The fish was really good. He barbecued it over charcoal and seasoned it perfectly.

After dinner, they sat over the cabin and watched the sun drop ever closer to the horizon.

"What is it that you really want, Jake?"

He knew the answer, but he hesitated to name it. Why was he so afraid, was it fear of rejection? Finally, he decided.

"Carol, when I was ten years old I remember watching you hanging clothes out on the clothesline. You reached up to pin something, standing on your tip toes. The sun shone on your hair, and I swore that you were the most beautiful woman alive. Ever since then I've wanted to be with you. I've spent countless hours with my cock in my hand imagining that I was with you. You know what it is that I want, I want you."

Carol wasn't shocked, she knew he was smitten with her. She just wondered what her best response would be. Should she let him down easy? Maybe give him a kiss and a cuddle? No, he would want more than that.

She reached for his hand, and she brought it up to her mouth kissing it softly.

"You always were a sweet boy, and now you are a man. You have a man's appetite, and I'm afraid that this older woman would only disappoint you. Sometimes, it's better to imagine the experience rather than be disappointed by the reality."

"You could never disappoint me. Carol, I want to make love to you."

"I know, but I am still a married woman."

"He left you here. Do you think he didn't know what I wanted? He knew what would happen, but he still chose to leave. He gave up control of you. He gave you the freedom to choose."

"I do want you, Jake. I just can't make love. I will help you get some relief if you like."

"You would give me a taste of heaven only to leave me wanting? It would only tease me. God, I've never wanted anything as much as I want you right now."

Carol inhaled deeply, then sighed.

"It's inevitable, isn't it? It's going to happen, one way or another."

"If we spend any more nights on this boat, then yes."

"Then take me tonight, Jake."

--------

In the morning, Carol awoke with Jake spooning her, his thick cock wedged against her behind. A wave of regret passed through her. What she had experienced was life-changing. She had reached heights of passion that she never knew existed, yet it had destroyed something too, something irretrievable and essential.

She felt him stir, his cock growing harder, longer, thicker as it rested against her backside. She was still sore from last night. Getting up she walked to the head to pee. Sitting on the small toilet, she felt a tear running down her cheek. That wasn't all she felt. There was also disgust, anger, regret, and shame.

She wasn't disgusted with Harry for leaving. He was simply being honest to his values. He left her behind because he knew she had issues she needed to work out for herself. He had warned her not to destroy their marriage. Had she? Would he forgive?

She also felt no disgust for Jake, he was living out a dream that he had carried with him since his childhood. He had completed that childhood goal. The circle had closed.

She was disgusted with herself. She had betrayed her husband as well as her own standards of morality. She glanced in the mirror and quickly looked away. She saw a broken woman who only bore a vague resemblance to herself, the woman she once was.

She flushed, washed away the sticky remnants of last night, then went back to the cabin.

Jake lay on the bed, the sheet pulled off. He was still naked. His cock was hard, and he was pumping it slowly.

"Just keeping it warm for you, Carol," he said with a broad smile."

"I can't, Jake. I'm sorry, but I just can't. This isn't me. I'm a good wife and a mother. Hell, I spent enough time mothering you along with Neil. What we did last night was amazing, I never knew such erotic delights before last night, but it was wrong. I've broken faith with Harry. I love who he is even when he pisses me off. I love you Jake, but as a virtual son, not as a lover.

We can't undo what we've done. All I can do is accept what we've done and move on with my life. I'm going to fly back home."

Jake paused his pumping for a moment, then started again, pumping furiously. Moments later he groaned loudly and then exploded, his ejaculate shooting up and on to his stomach.

"Just like the old days, you always made me cum hard when I thought about you. If you want to leave, then that's fine. I'll go into town with you. I'll need to pick up someone to crew with me. Thank you, Carol. I can see that this has been hard for you, and I hope it hasn't done any permanent damage. It has allowed me to close a chapter of my life that needed to be finished."

They dressed, and she packed up her belongings. They were quiet on the way to the airport. She paid a pilot to fly her to Jamaica, where she could get a plane home.

They didn't hug, didn't kiss. They just waved to each other as she boarded the plane.

--------

Harry made a to-do list: change the locks on the house, reprogram the garage door, speak to his lawyer, his financial adviser, and his banker.

Since his trade was forensic accounting, he knew all about trails and tracking from his colleagues in the private investigations business. He had left a GPS tracker on the boat. He was surprised to see that the ship remained anchored off the island. It didn't move from that position until the following afternoon, when it headed south, out to open sea. It looked like Jake changed plans. They must have decided to extend their two weeks into something longer, maybe permanent.

Harry redoubled his efforts to move forward with separating their lives.

He couldn't really blame Carol for moving on. She was so different from him. He was so insular, and her so outgoing. Yet, for a while, they really did love each other. The years had dulled that love into a bland companionship. She deserved more.

He methodically executed his to-do list. The separation agreement was now in his hands. The locksmith had come and gone, and their joint accounts separated evenly. As far as Harry was concerned, it was all over but the shouting.

A new case had been waiting for him at home and he was eagerly reading what corporate malfeasance was suspected when he heard a loud knocking at the door.

He used the security camera app to see Carol at the door. He sat for a moment contemplating his next move. He had to open the door, even if it was just to give her the separation papers. Opening the door, he saw a bedraggled and haggard looking Carol. Air travel has a way of doing that to you. He stepped aside and she came inside.

"My key didn't work." She complained.

"I changed the locks."

"Why?"

"Because I made some decisions on the way home. We've moved on from each other, Carol. It's okay. People change. Well, most people change. I rarely do."

"So you locked me out?"

"Maybe it's just symbolic, signifying an end, a changing of the guard."

"I don't want an end, I don't need a changing of the guard. Why do you think I came back here so quickly?"

"Let me guess. You let Jake have his way with you. He fulfilled his childhood dream and you had a chance to prove you could still attract a young, virile, alpha male to your bed, although that was never in doubt. You are now back home to convince me that it is all over, and you want to make amends. You want life as usual. You've had your thrill, now you want to return to normality."

"You have a knack for getting to the meat of things quickly. Yes, I spent that night with Jake on the boat. It was the fulfillment of a longstanding need for him. I can't lie, and say it wasn't enjoyable, because it was. In the morning everything looked different. I left Jake, and began the trip home that morning. It's finished. I was wrong to give in to my desires the way I did. It felt wonderful and naughty but in the cold light of dawn it felt wrong, and a lot like incest. He was like a son to me."

"He was a grown man with a grown man's desires. He encouraged you to break your marriage vows and you did, willingly. That is why I've had my lawyer prepare these separation papers. Face it, Carol, this has been building between us, and it's finally borne fruit."

"It doesn't have to be this way. It was just that one night and it's over. Can't you forgive a foolish old woman who loves you?"

"It wasn't just that night. Our discontent has been building for years. Still, you crossed a line that cannot be uncrossed. I'm afraid that forgiveness is not on the table."

"Please, this isn't right Harry. This can't be the end for us. I'm sorry about crossing that line. Can't we work this out?"

"No, we can't."

"Where will I go?"

"Jake will probably take you sailing again. That worked out well for you not long ago."

"This is crazy."

"Yes, it's completely certifiable. You were always my dependable rock, but it's over."

Harry might seem to be as cold as a North Atlantic iceberg about this business, but that couldn't be further from the truth. He was grieving. He deeply loved and cared for Carol. This was tearing him apart, but he was determined to make this as business-like as possible.

Carol asked to stay in the guest room. Harry suggested that would negate his reasons for changing the locks. This was his house before they were married. The argument went on and on for nearly an hour. In the end, she gathered a few things together before leaving.

--------

With Carol out of the house, Harry turned his attention to Jake. The last thing any right minded person with something to hide wanted was to have Harry Bridges looking into their affairs.

Jake came from wealth, he attended schools, but never worried about getting a job. His financial team was favored by the filthy rich. Jake's legal team was highly reputable. They had to defend several of their client's actions and were damn good at it. Harry thought they were too good. It suggested that they were not above stretching 'best practice' protocols but it would be professionally hidden."

As far as Harry was concerned, Jake deserved a little payback for his participation in breaking up his marriage. If there was any financial malfeasance, Harry would find it and report it to the proper authorities. Until that time, he intended to be a thorn in Jake's ass. He smiled as he thought that turn of phrase appropriate since it was Jake sticking his thorn up Carol's ass that caused this revenge.

His first action was to determine the boat's current location, where they might be heading, and the approximate time of its arrival.

Harry learned the boat was sailing off the coast of Brazil. This suited Harry's purposes perfectly. A quiet word in a two-minute conversation with the Brazilian coast guard about a fictional worker who loaded boxes onto the boat during the night was mentioned. The mere suspicion of smuggling was all it would take to have the boat stopped and searched. Harry knew this was petty, but he needed to feel like he was punishing Jake. The coast guard search might put Jake a day behind schedule. Harry planned to follow up with something worse after a more thorough investigation into Jake's life.

That night Harry had a dream. He and Carol were back onboard Jake's boat. They were at the stern and the sea was calm. Jake dove in naked, as was his custom. Jake climbed into the boat after his swim, he leaned over Carol to get a towel, just as it happened in real life. Jake's penis dangled in front of Carol's face. In the dream, Harry tried to call out but he could not speak. In the dream, Carol took Jake's cock in her mouth. Harry couldn't shout, couldn't move. He couldn't do anything but watch. He awoke gasping for breath, drenched in a cold sweat.

"It was just a dream." He told himself. Yet his own words gave him no peace. It was entirely likely she had performed a similar disgusting act the night he left the boat.

Harry prided himself on being cool and calm, sure of himself, and decisive. Yet, he was uncertain that he had done the right thing in sending Carol away. He still loved her. He recognized that somewhere along the way he stopped seeing her. His blindness to her prevented him from seeing her drifting away from him. He began accepting the fact that his blindness to Carol's changes laid the foundation for her needing affirmation from someone else. Who better than Jake, who she knew almost like a son.

It was a rare thing for Harry Bridges to experience doubt or remorse, but he was feeling it now. It was 3am and he needed to hear her voice. Without considering the time, he called Carol's number.

The phone rang once, twice then she picked up.

"Hello, Harry?" She sounded wide awake.

"Hi Carol, I just wanted to call to see if you're all right. Did you find a place to stay?"

"I'm at the Blue Rocks Hotel. I haven't slept a wink."

"I did. I slept and had a nightmare. We were back on that damned sailboat."

"Was it bad?"

"Horrible! I woke up screaming in a cold sweat."

"This has really affected you hasn't it Harry?"

"Yeah, more than I thought. I'm sorry to call so late, but I wanted to hear your voice and know that you're alright."

"I can't sleep. My eyes are red and swollen from crying. I don't know where to turn or what to do. I feel lost and guilty. I'm furious with myself for being so stupid. I had everything, a decent life and a good husband, and I fucking ruined it!"

"So the short answer to my question is no, you're not alright. I've done some thinking too. I haven't been a great husband. I let my career keep me out of touch with you. You experienced changes that I didn't see, so I didn't respond. I need you to forgive me for that."

"You were always the same. I changed. I moved on without checking in with you. Jake was never a serious threat to our marriage, or at least, I didn't perceive it as such. What happened on the boat seemed inevitable. I should have known. I was as blind as you were, Harry."

"It's good to hear your voice. I feel calmer now. If you're looking for an apartment, I'll text you a contact at the building across the road. Their apartments are nice and decently priced."

"Thanks. When will the separation period end?"

"Nine months, then the divorce can go through."

"So nine months to consider if divorce is the right path for us." Carol commented.

"It's the right path, the only path forward I can see. If it's any consolation, please know that even through my anger and disappointment, I do still love you."

--------

"Well, that escalated quickly." Harry thought as he read online that Jake and a hired crew member were arrested in Brazil. Brazilian authorities had seized the boat. A thorough inspection by Marinha do Brazil, the Brazilian Coast Guard, turned up quantities of drugs and banned firearms on board. Harry was as surprised as anyone at that revelation.

Harry had the utmost respect for the Marinha and the Brazilian justice system. It was likely that he and Carol would be asked questions since they had recently sailed with Jake.

The justice system in Brazil is much the same as it is everywhere. It grinds slowly but surely. Young Jake was considered a flight risk, so bail was not granted. The consulate exhausted all efforts to get a quick release but had failed for six months. Unfortunately, Neil came under their investigation as well. He was arrested and brought to Brazil. Harry's plan to punish Jake had unintended consequences.

Carol was apoplectic, and Harry had tried to calm her down. She was unaware that Neil and Jake were in jail because of his tip-off to the coast guard. The last thing Harry wanted was Carol to discover it was his fault. If she knew, then the cops would likely find Harry's corpse washed up on a shore somewhere.

Harry had a good memory for people with whom he had crossed paths or crossed swords. He had done some work for a firm with a head office in Brazil. He recalled the name of the man to whom he gave his report. He called him, and asked for the name of the government official in charge of prosecuting Neil and Jake's case.

Harry introduced himself as the forensic accountant who secured the evidence for the case. Harry confessed to his complicity in the case.

The man on the other end of the phone listened to Harry's story.

"So your wife fucked this guy who is a friend of your son. You thought you could get a little revenge by causing him a little pain. You fucked up and got him caught for drug and firearms offenses. Your son is now dragged into this. What exactly do you expect me to do about it?"

"You are the only contact I have in the Brazilian legal community. Without the evidence I uncovered for you in your earlier case, you wouldn't have risen to your current position. All I ask is that you have the charges dismissed, or have them found guilty, but of lesser charges, and given time served, release them and let them come home."

"I wish I could help you, but that's way above my pay grade."

"If you can help me I will do a full forensic investigation on a suspect of your choice at no charge, completely pro bono."

There was silence on the end of the line.

"I'll see what can be done."

--------

Less than a week after that phone call, Harry got a phone call from Neil.

"Dad, I got released. I'm still in Brazil. Jake was released too. They withdrew their charges but took Jake's boat. Jake is flying home. He wasn't aware I was arrested too. I don't have any way back to Loni, and I don't have any money. Can you help me?"

"Of course, let me know where you're staying and I'll meet you. We have some things to talk about."

Harry booked a flight, called Carol, who insisted she come to Brazil too. He also called the prosecutor in Brazil and thanked him.

--------

The flight to Brazil was quiet, the ex-partners were feeling awkward. It was difficult to know how to start a reasonable conversation with someone you were at odds with.

Harry thought Carol looked pale, tired, and years older than the six months they'd been apart.

Carol thought Harry looked better than he'd looked in years. He looked handsome, not younger but more vital. She noticed a few more character lines around his eyes. He had lost his beer belly.

"I could have done this alone you know. I could have looked after getting Neil back to Loni. I could have let him know about our separation."

"I wanted to see our son and explain why I did what I did. If you told the story I'd be painted as the villain."

"But you were the villain, my dear. Painting it otherwise would be a lie."

"I'm just saying that I wanted to talk about it with him."

"Fine. Is your lawyer prepared for the divorce process? The separation ends soon."

"I think so. I'm leaving it in his hands. I get too emotional when I try to deal with it."

"Still? We've been separated for months now."

"Yes, I still can't get past the emotions around losing our marriage. Can you honestly tell me you have no emotions about this?"

"I'm getting over them. Do I wish we were still together? Of course, but your actions precluded that from happening."

"It was one night, one stupid, senseless night. I've apologized, I've offered reparations, but you won't consider them."

"That one night with Jake was merely the final scene in a multi-act play. The coldness, the distance, the separation between us were all building up to that one night. That play was a tragedy. The final scene was the straw that broke us completely. Could we have repaired our marriage if you'd just said no to Jake? Possibly. Maybe, even probably, but we'll never know."

Brazil was baking hot, and Harry wasn't dressed for the heat. Carol was calm and cool.

Neil embraced his parents as they met him at the hostel.

They left there to stay in a hotel room that Harry had booked for them.

Once there and settled in, they explained what happened on the boat, their separation, and pending divorce.

Neil had tears in his eyes, but his voice was strong.

"I apologize for my part in that. I knew about Jake's fantasies about you, Mom. He wanted me to invite you on cruises since we started. I kept refusing because I was afraid. Eventually, I agreed, but I insisted Dad come too. I thought that would inhibit Jake. Introducing you two to Loni was a good reason for the cruise together."

"It wasn't your fault, Neil," said Carol. "I could have refused him. I could have gone home with your Dad, but I stayed."

"Dad, can't you forgive Mom?"

"No, son. I wish I could. I love her. If I forgave her, it would be diminishing her act of disrespect, the adultery, the betrayal by the one person I should have been able to trust the most. It is an unforgivable offense. I feel the pain of being without her, but to forgive her I would have to lose any self-respect that I hold. That I cannot do without losing myself."

Harry hired a small plane to take Neil back home to Loni. He purchased airline tickets back home for himself and Carol.

There was one more act to this story. One that none of the actors anticipated.

--------

Harry was in between cases at the moment. In his down-time he was studying various philosophers, and their understanding of forgiveness. It was a concept that he realized he needed to understand better. Was his self image so fragile that maintaining it required a sacrifice?

There was another knock at the door. He checked the security camera and saw who it was. He was tempted not to answer, but curiosity got the better of him.

"Hello, Jake."

"Hello, Mr. Bridges, I mean, Harry. Old habits die hard."

"What can I do for you?"

"Can we talk?

"Sure, why don't you go through the side gate, and I'll meet you on the back patio."

For some reason, the thoughts of inviting Jake inside his home felt wrong. He was reminded of the old folk tales that a vampire couldn't enter a home unless invited, not that Jake was a vampire. Still the thought of hosting him inside his home unnerved him.

Jake and Harry sat at the table on the patio, sipping beers. Jake began.

"Harry, I want to apologize for my actions. I am so sorry. I never wanted to ruin your marriage. Carol and you have been so good to me over the years. I can't believe that I could betray the two of you, and the sanctity of your marriage."

"Lust can make fools of us all, Jake. I wanted to give Carol enough freedom to fully enjoy her vacation, but I warned her of the consequences of crossing the line. She ignored my warning."

"I teased her too much. Forgive me Harry, I wanted her so badly. Now I've destroyed her happy home."

"The home was already hemorrhaging happiness before we sailed."

"If I could turn back time I would not have done what I did."

"Carol told me the same thing. We can't undo the things we've done. We have to accept the consequences of our actions.

I'm not punishing Carol. I might have imagined I was in the beginning."

"Do you love her, Harry?"

"Yes, I'll love her till the day I die."

"Then take her back, reconcile with her. She loves you, and she's broken."

"Do you love her, Jake?"

"Of course I do.

"Then wait till the divorce is final. Marry her. You're rich, and you can give her a good life. She'll forget about me eventually."

"But Harry, she's twice my age."

"Was she too old for you to seduce? Was she too old to suck your cock? Was she too old to take your sperm inside her fertile vagina and her ass? Do you realize that she hadn't gone through menopause yet and that she was still ovulating, old but still young enough to get pregnant?"

Jake's face paled. His mouth opened and closed like a carp left to die on the shore of a river.

"Did she...?"

"She didn't tell me but I have many tools and resources thanks to my career. She had a miscarriage not long after coming home. The most painful thing for me is that we made love only a few days before you fucked her. It could have been my child or yours. She doesn't know that I know."

"Oh my..."

"She is now unable to have children. Not that she would want to at forty-eight. All this is because of your childhood fantasy, and Carol's desire to relive her wild youth."

"Harry, I've been to visit her, she seems lost. She's getting help but the depression keeps coming back."

"Does she want you, Jake?"

"No, she wants you."

"That ship has sailed, if you'll forgive that pun."

"You want nothing to do with her?"

"Once things are settled we may be civil to each other. Why is this so important to you?"

"I want to make sure Carol is okay before I leave. I've decided that Neil and Loni have the right idea. I'm going to move to their island."

"So help me Jake, if you do anything to upset Neil and Loni I'll personally destroy you."

"No worries, I've learned my lesson."

"About the guns and drugs, what was that all about?"

"I had two handguns, a shotgun and a rifle, all legal. I had some weed too. The rest of the weapons were planted."

--------

Carol had been working full-time as a librarian. After the sailing vacation, she cut her hours, working part time. Her frequent bouts of depression were debilitating. Her employers struggled to recognize her as the strong, confident woman whose smile used to light up the place.

Carol was going through therapy, taking antidepressants, but none of it helped. Discovering that she was pregnant made her mood disorder even worse. The guilt of losing the child was just another log on the fire that was destroying her.

Carol's therapist asked her if she could meet with Harry to get a different perspective on the sailing incident. Carol was reluctant, but gave her permission and Harry's contact information.

Harry readily agreed to meet the therapist, opting to meet in Harry's home.

"Thanks for agreeing to speak with me. Carol has given me permission to share her medical condition with you."

"I just hope I can help her."

"Carol swings from moderate depression to profound depression. We can't seem to regulate it with medication. She is struggling to function and will likely lose her job. If her condition doesn't get better soon, I fear that she will need to be admitted to a mental health facility."

"What does she say is the source of this depression?"

"The anxiety over the separation period and then the divorce. She hoped that you would reconcile after the separation. Her miscarriage made it worse. She carries a lot of guilt."

"Does she ever talk about why we separated?"

"Yes, she explained the sailing vacation."

"So the depression is a self-inflicted wound. If she had remained faithful to me, her husband, she would still have her marriage and this home."

"Yes, she realizes that."

"So, tell me about Jake and Carol. Were they having an affair?"

"An affair would mean a series of sexual encounters. Hers was only one night. I wouldn't call it an affair."

"It's hard to believe that a single episode could have such severe consequences."

"She was warned."

"Does the punishment fit the crime?"

"Don't tell me you are into philosophy too

"Doctor, she had sex with a young man half her age. She practically raised him along with our son. She went through every red flag I pointed out to her. Divorce was inevitable."

"You do realize that this is destroying her."

"I can't help that."

"Actually, yes you can."

"You're right, I could roll over and play dead. I could forgive and forget. Who's to say she won't do it again? Face it, the marriage is dead."

"I guess that's your right. But I believe you have the power to help her heal or the power to destroy her. Do you really want to see her institutionalized?"

"No, I don't."

"Then help her."

"I can't."

"Can't or won't?"

"Both."

--------

Harry had the dream again. It was the fifth night in a row. The ship,

Jake's naked swim.,

His swinging cock,.

His own paralysis

Carol takes Jake in her mouth.

Harry woke up screaming.

This recurring dream was driving him mad.

He began a deeper dive into Stoic Philosophy. The deeper he went into the school of thought the more he wondered if these dreams were a punishment for his lack of forgiveness. The philosophy emphasizes that our actions on external influences are one of the few things humanity can control. Could he choose to be forgiving, and if he did, what difference would it make?

These thoughts led him to another practice he would often use, the pro and con chart. That made him realize that there was only path that would bring healing and balance.

Pro

1. I am free start again

2. I maintain my dignity

3. I stand on the high ground

of moral and ethical superiority.

Con

1. I would need to start all over again.

2. It would be be like committing Carol to a mental hospital.

3. Over time I'd feel terrible for keeping the high ground but destroying a woman's life.

4. If I helped her, she might-see it as a sign p how much he real loved here

Considering the dire outcome of Carol's illness, Harry had to remind himself of what Cicero said; "Let the punishment fit the crime." Did Carol's "crime" against him warrant institutionalization? or eventual self harm? Could Harry live with himself if her had the means to stop this craziness?

--------

Carol's appointment with her psychiatrist/therapist was filling her with anxiety. She knew she was close to being admitted to a mental hospital. She had not yet admitted having thoughts about self harm but her therapist knew the steps, and that she was well on her way.

She was shocked when the doctor opened the door and instead of inviting her into the office she guided her into a small conference room.

Harry sat along one side of the table.

"What is this?" She whispered.

"It's okay, Carol. I've asked Harry to join us. He has a proposal."

They sat down. Carol looked like an animal that had been backed into a corner. Harry smiled as warmly as he could, trying to ease her mind.

"Hi Carol, it's good to see you again. It's been a while."

Carol just nodded.

"Harry, why don't you tell Carol why you've joined us?"

"It's hard to know where to begin. I have heard about your health issues and it has affected me. It made me look inward. You know about me and my reading, if I'm not chasing down financial crimes I'm reading philosophy.

The things that I've read have cut me deeply. I have been ungrateful for all the good things our marriage gave us. I've already asked forgiveness for my being blind to so many small and larger things. You often referred to our university experience as me saving you from your wilder self. I see it differently. You were a counterweight to my seriousness. You gave me a sense of lightness, of joy, of seizing the day. I never acknowledged that.

For these past few years I've tried to move on with my life alone. I've failed. I've been plagued by nightmares that I am certain come from my lack of empathy with you.

Forgiveness is a noble attribute in the eyes of most philosophers but it is so very hard for this man to grant.

Your good doctor has explained your situation to me. My initial reply was cold and callous, even to my own ears. It made me dig deeper on forgiveness, and why it is so hard for me. After a great deal of thought I would like to ask you a question. Would you like to move back into the house, and use the guest room?"

Carol squinted her eyes in concentration or suspicion as she listened.

"What does this mean? You divorced me, asked me to leave the house after I begged you to let me stay in the guest room. Why do you want me back there? Do you intend to heap more shame on me?"

"No, I want you near so I can help you heal, and so you can help me heal."

"I'm the one with mental health issues, wallowing in depression. You're just fine."

"No, I'm as damaged as you are. Do you think it's been easy for me living alone after so many years of having you with me?"

"But you admitted that I was practically invisible to you."

"That is part of the damage that I need to heal."

"Doctor, what do you make of this about face? Is this genuine or is he looking for an opportunity to gaslight me?"

The doctor took time to let the emotions in the room cool down.

"Carol, I explained to Harry what your future likely held for you. He has come to me asking if I thought his proposal would help you. I agreed that it could help and could keep you from being institutionalized. This could indeed help, but you have to want it."

"I made a mistake. I gave into my baser instincts and desires for one night. I've apologized, offered to do anything to make amends. He still tossed me out like yesterday's trash. He has known about my situation. Where was he for the past two years? Why now?"

"Because I told him that if you don't have a breakthrough you will be institutionalized. This is not something a man would do to make you suffer more. This is the act of a man who loves you so much that he is able to swallow his pride, and his hurt in order to help you to heal."

The room went silent. Tears flowed from Carol's eyes.

"I don't know what to do. What is it you are offering, Harry?"

"You and me, living in my home. You will have your own room. We can either eat together or alone. We can see if living close together suits us. If you feel it isn't working, you can leave. My hope is that it will give both of us a sense of stability and a base on which to build recovery."

"That's about what I asked for two years ago. Why is that a go now?"

"Back then my hurt was fresh and it burned my soul. I needed you out of the house. Now I am faced with the consequences of losing you to an institution that you might never escape from. I'm offering because I love you, and I want you mentally strong and emotionally healed. I hope to be helpful.

"When could I move in?"

"As soon as you want."

"Okay."

--------

The move-in was easy, because she didn't have a lot to move. The woman who once moved through the house with a sweeping grace, now moved like a frightened child, afraid of shadows and what they might hold.

For the first week or so she stayed mostly in the guest room. She'd make a sandwich and take it to her room to eat alone.

It felt strange to Carol to have Harry in the same house with her but the familiarity of the house helped to calm her.

Harry wanted more interaction with her, but he remained cautious, giving her space. One morning, she came down to the kitchen, sitting with Harry who was enjoying toast, marmalade, and coffee.

"Do you have a cup for me?" She asked.

"Sure, it's some of that new blend I've been wanting. It's wonderful black."

She poured the aromatic brew and sipped it. "Mmmmm, this is good!"

"Have a seat, would you like some toast or maybe some eggs?"

"Just toast and some of that marmalade."

"It's a gorgeous day out there today. Would you like to take a walk after you eat?"

"Okay. What are you working on?"

"A long term project. I'm semi-retired. I've made my fortune, or at least most of it. I've invested far too much time, and energy into it. It cost me far too much. I'm working on gaining back some of what I lost."

"Good for you. I'm working on figuring out who I really am and how I can get back the me that you loved so much. I'm much calmer now that I'm here with you."

"I'm glad. Let's walk the neighborhood."

The days passed and both of them settled into a comfortable rhythm. They grew closer. At their age sex was not out of the question but the burning drive to procreate was muted at best. As muted as it was, it flared to life one evening.

Carol had returned to work at the library. She had a new supervisor, and her old position. Her new boss was overbearing, and he took an unusual interest in Carol. He asked her to stay late one evening to help sort some books. His attempt at seducing her fell flat. She threatened to report him. He threatened to fire her. She told him in no uncertain terms to "shove the job up his ass." She quit and returned home.

She met Harry at the door of the house and she fell into his arms crying. She explained what happened. He comforted her by holding her close. He was rubbing her back when he felt her tighten her embrace. His hands seemed to have a mind of their own reaching down to her lower back and her butt.

Carol moaned, looking up at Harry as she kissed him. That seemed to let the genie out of the bottle, and they ended up in his bed.

It was different. They had endured a hard couple of years, but those years disappeared into the ether as they made passionate love to each other.

When it was over, they both cried tears of relief and joy. They were also tears for the things that had separated them, and the things that bound them together.

They both had suffered, but were healing. Together they faced a renewed relationship, forging a better future together.

-30-