An Idol with Feet of Clay by RobynG 1778

An Idol With Feet of Clay

William Rogers

I first met Janet Willis and Walter Carmichael when we were all three freshman in high school. Soon we became best friends. We became known as The Three Musketeers, because we were always together. Even in high school we were computer geeks. All three of us loved video games and that was our major recreation both in high school and college. I felt like I won the most games, but Janet and Wally dominated some of the games we played.

When we were sophomores I started dating Janet. I was a little worried that our relationships with Wally might suffer, but it didn't seem to bother any of us. Janet didn't develop much of a figure until we were juniors. At that point her 35C-23-34 figure began to be noticed by male classmates and upper classmen, but Janet remained true to me. We both lost our cherries on the night of our junior year Junior-Senior Prom.

We all three went to the same university and majored in computer science and management information systems. Janet and I became engaged the summer after our sophomore years and were married the week after graduation. Even in college we were inseparable because all three of us were taking the same courses. We even rented a three-bedroom apartment together, although we used the third bedroom as a guest room-study hall. After college we all got jobs with an accounting software production company called Dugan Software, Inc. It was a small company and most employees called the CEO, James Dugan, Jimmy.

The programming staff was only ten professionals divided into Development and Maintenance sections. After a few months when a programmer needed help they would all come to me first, Janet second, and Wally third. It created a little tension with the section supervisors but the bottom line for seekers of help that the three of us were more likely to be of assistance than the section supervisors.

The three of us had been working at Dugan Software for about eighteen months when we were called into a meeting with Jimmy on a Thursday morning almost two weeks before Christmas. Jimmy wanted the three of us to help him close a major deal for the marketing of our software by a major force in the industry, Big Sky Computing.

The four of us were to be the Dugan team, snubbing the two section supervisors. The legendary founder and CEO of Big Sky, Roland Masterson, and his accounting supervisor, Ellen Nichols, were the client representatives. The three of us were in awe of one of the greatest names of the industry. Roland Masterson had started from scratch in college writing gaming programs and selling them retail from his dorm room. By the time he graduated from college he was having seven-figure sales, each year. It seemed that, although the industry was growing rapidly, Big Sky was growing even faster. Now in its twentieth year, Big Sky now had ten-figure annual sales

Our meetings started at ten on a mid-December Friday and continued until the six of us went to lunch. Throughout the meeting, I answered most of the questions and concerns of the Big Sky reps. Janet answered fewer questions but only offered comments on the parts of the software that she was very familiar and Wally followed the same approach but had fewer questions in the areas with which he was most familiar.

At lunch I sat beside Janet and I noticed that Rollie sat on the other side of Janet. On the other side of the table, Elly sat between Wally and Jimmy, which put Jimmy across the table from Rollie. It seemed to me that Jimmy and I were largely shut out of the conversation between Rollie and Janet. It seemed to be about fifty percent about our software and the other fifty percent was flirting between the two of them.

We resumed the meeting after lunch and finished up around three without a firm commitment. Big Sky would represent us with the major retail outlets in the industry. Jimmy invited the Big Sky reps to our Christmas party which was coincidentally that night.

Rollie and Elly seemed to be at loose ends for the hours from the end of our meeting and the start of the Christmas party. Wally suggested that they come workout with us. The three of us knew that we needed more exercise than what we were getting in college so we had taken PE courses. After college, we joined a fitness club and conscientiously worked out at least three times a week. With Jimmy's acquiescence the three of us took off early and agreed to meet Rollie and Elly at four at the fitness club.

We asked for some expert assistance at the club and two trainers joined the five of us for the first thirty or forty minutes. It seemed that most of Janet's and Rollie's interactions were with each other. Interestingly enough, Wally seemed to be trying to flirt with Elly, while she was paying a lot of attention to me. The five of us left the club about five thirty and Janet and I went home to dress for the party.

I asked Janet, "Honey, didn't it seem to you that Rollie was coming on to you?"

She replied, "We were flirting with each other a bit. Jimmie asked me to be nice to him, but I wasn't clear on what he meant by that."

Janet

I had idolized Rollie Masterson since high school. It did seem that he was interested in me. I was somewhat conflicted. I was a married woman. I knew that if anything happened Billy would be unhappy, even angry. On the other hand, Jimmy had asked me to be nice to Rollie without defining 'nice.' It was easy to be 'nice' to Rollie because he was a very attractive man. I enjoyed the flirting and other interactions with him, but I would never cheat on Billy, no matter how nice Rollie was. I didn't see anything wrong with being nice to Rollie so long as it didn't go to far. Besides, that bitch, Elly seemed to be hitting on my Billy.

Billy was right. Rollie was hitting on me. I was lightly flirting with him. Some of his innuendos were more than light. Anyway, it wasn't going anywhere. Just like I knew Elly would be better served by paying some attention to Wally rather than Billy.

Jimmy

Billy was the best systems analyst I had ever seen. I decided that I was going to create a new position of Chief Technology Officer. The CTO would be responsible for the programmers and the programming support staff. They would continue to report to line supervisors, but the line supervisors would now report to the CTO. I decided to hold off until the first where the first task of my CTO would be to hire two or three more programmers. Not only did he deserve promotion, but his wife, Janet, was almost as good an analyst as he was and she was a lot more attractive.

I didn't like leaving the contact with Big Sky in the hands of my programmers, but my wife, Mary, and I wanted this year's Christmas party to be the best ever. I hoped I would be able to spend some productive time with the Big Sky reps at the party, but I also needed to glad hand my many loyal and productive employees.

Rollie

I had to have her. Very soon after I met her I was attracted to her intelligence and personality, in addition to her scintillating. I planned to act as if a liaison between Elly and Billy was a done deal. The clincher would be spending time with one of the industry and leaders and getting a nice all-over tan on a private island in the Gulf.

I discussed my plan with Elly and she agreed to putting some moves on the husband. Elly was the best PA/paramour that a man could ask for. She changed roles quickly and easily. I had no doubt that she would be completely successful in her quest to distract a willing husband from what was happening to his wife.

Elly

It just seemed to me like good fun. I thought Billy was a fine programmer and good-looking as well. It was no punishment to come on to such a handsome man. I knew Rollie was going to make a play for Miss Perfect Programmer and his combination of charm, good looks, and fame was unlikely to fail. He almost always got what he wanted. I'm sure I could dance away with the husband at this shindig or Christmas party or whatever it was that Dugan was providing for its employees.

Billy

Janet and I had thoroughly enjoyed the first Christmas party. I was hoping that the shenanigans from Rollie and Elly would not prevent us from enjoying the second. It was becoming obvious that Rollie had his eye on my loving wife. Elly was supposed to distract me from what Rollie was doing with Janet.

Janet looked fantastic. She had bought a sexy ensemble just for this party. In some ways she had a split personality. She was an excellent programmer/systems analyst, and she had a very sexy model-type body. She epitomized the concept of brains and beauty. Only I knew what a passionate lover she was and I certainly intended to keep it that way.

Normally, I wouldn't be concerned about a party. Janet and I would mingle and then return to each other, then mingling some more, but always going home together. We both liked to dance although I think Janet enjoyed it even more than I did.

The fly in the ointment this year was that Rollie and Elly would be there. I knew I could withstand Elly's proffered charms; usually, I would have no concerns about Janet and whomsoever; however, throughout our meetings with the Big Sky reps Janet had seemed somewhat engaged and even flattered with the massive flirtation campaign being executed by Rollie. I had to think that she might not be completely immune to Rollie's blandishments. She seemed to be off her usual pattern of periodically returning to me and not concentrating on any one of the many guys enjoying her company.

I hoped my worries were for naught, but I felt like the behaviors of Janet, Rollie, and Elly had forewarned me troubled waters might lie ahead. Janet had spared no effort and she looked incredible. Sure I loved her with all my heart, but objectively she was a very beautiful woman. We were both a little quiet on the drive to the party venue. I knew I had a bit of concern that Janet would be tempted by Rollie's easy manner. I hoped Janet's quiet was not due to anticipation of seeing her potential lover at the party.

Once we were there, I began to feel that my concerns were well-founded. We greeted Jimmy and Mary. Then Janet went to find us a place to sit, while I went to the nearest open bar to get our initial drinks. By the time I got back to Janet, she was standing and preparing for her first dance with Rollie. She took a sip and asked if she could dance with Rollie, I had no choice but to acquiesce. By my second sip, Elly was asking me for a dance. I danced two dances with her and returned to our table to wait for Janet's return with Elly tagging along. I got her a drink and returned again to find no Janet. When the fourth number started I decided I needed to know where my wife was. I finally located her and Rollie. It was a slow number and Rollie had each hand on a buttock while she had her hands wrapped around his neck. Their lips were almost touching as they apparently conversed.

I reached their vicinity as the music was on its last chorus. Rollie gave me a smirk. As the music stopped, I stepped in and asked, "Do you mind if I borrow my wife. We haven't danced yet. The next number was a fast number giving us little chance for conversation. I think Janet could tell I wasn't quite in my usual party mode. When the song ended, I took her by the arm and guided her back to our table. Elly was sitting there alone. Janet noting my empty glass suggested that I get myself and Elly refills while she sipped her almost untouched drink. I hurried to the bar and returned with my and Elly's drinks to see Janet returning to the dance floor, arm in arm with Rollie. I decided to sit out one dance and then attempt to retrieve my very popular wife.

Elly said, "You know Rollie and Janet make a nice couple."

I replied, "I noticed that!"

Elly continued, "They're just dancing."

I responded, "Oh, is that all? It looks to me like they're trying to do the horizontal mambo vertically."

She chuckled, "That's a good one! I wouldn't worry if I were you. Janet loves you and will always come back to you."

I said, "In hours, days, weeks, months, or years?"

She took my question seriously, "Billy, the worst case is a couple of days.""

I replied, "Seriously. I thought a night of passion would be enough for both."

She said, "He has done this before. He has an incredible success rate. He usually takes them somewhere exotic for the weekend of a lifetime. Worst case would be early Monday morning, but it'll probably be Sunday afternoon."

I inquired, "You're talking about it like it's a done deal."

She explained, "He's really good. He will do this. He'll make sure you and Janet get full credit when the deal closes Monday. He'll sign it. He always makes sure the husband gets something out of it."

I said, "Thanks, but no thanks. I really don't want any favors from him. We have a great product. If he doesn't want to market it - that's on him!"

Elly was not happy with my response. She went over and talked to Jimmy while Janet and Rollie only danced more intimately. In a few minutes Jimmy came over to me.

He opened with, "Are you enjoying the party?"

I replied, "Actually, not. You see there is this guy trying to put the make on my wife. I'm not enjoying that at all."

Jimmy asked, "Is it really that bad? You can tell that Janet isn't complaining. I'd like to have Big Sky as a marketing agent. They could increase our market penetration dramatically. It would likely result in a major expansion of Dugan, including lots of promotions and pay increases. You would be in line for a much bigger role in management of our software production."

I inquired, "Jimmy, am I hearing that you're willing for my wife to be the key to company expansion by closing the deal on her back. That doesn't sound like the Jimmy Dugan I've been working with for the last few years."

He responded, "Billy, I would never ask Janet to do something like that; however, I am not opposed to reaping the benefits if she wants to enjoy some time with a major business partner."

I said, "Jimmy, it seems to me like choosing sides. I don't think you can be neutral on this. You're either on Rollie's side or my side. Which is it?"

Jimmy explained, "Ok, Billy, I hoped you wouldn't be difficult but maybe I needed a push in the right direction. Having you as an employee, is more important than a good Big Sky marketing deal. I also have to tell you that you'll be getting a good promotion and a pay increase after the first. I also have to state that the promotion will likely mean more, and the pay increase will be larger if we close the deal with Rollie. I can tell you're upset about Rollie's interest in Janet. What do you want me to do?"

I told him, "I hope I am man enough to handle this. All I ask from you is that you don't aid and abet Rollie where Janet is concerned."

He stated, "That's easy enough. I'll be strictly hands off."

I said, "Thanks, Jimmy!" and immediately began looking for the couple that I was trying to break up.

That was not easy. After carefully searching the dance venue, I decided to head for the parking lot, although I didn't think Janet would allow herself to be led out to the parking lot. Wrong! I was still about a hundred feet from the parking lot exit when who should come strolling in but Rollie and Janet. To complicate matters further, Elly grabbed my arm and asked me to dance with her. I told her, "No, so far tonight, I've only had one dance with Janet. We have a lot of catching up to do."

Janet was looking a little less neat than when we arrived at the party. Not messed up as in after sex, but definitely the condition of her hair, lipstick, and makeup suggested a make out session.

I told the pair of them, "I've only had one dance tonight with my wife, I'd like to try to rectify that."

Janet stepped up into my arms. However, there did seem to be a little bit of reluctance. Before I could question her, she asked me, "Have you been enjoying your time with Elly?"

I replied, "Elly is a fine woman, both intelligent and beautiful. However, I'm not in love with her, or even in lust with her. You're the only woman for me."

She continued, "Still, you must find her attractive."

I responded, "Janet, she doesn't hold a candle to you in my world. However, you seem to be somewhat interested in Rollie. What were you doing on the parking lot with him?"

She explained, "He was showing me some of the features of his limo. It really is a fantastic vehicle."

I inquired, "I suspect his private plane is even more tricked out."

She admitted, "It probably is, although it's not his plane. The plane he and Elly flew in on belongs to Big Sky."

I continued interrogating her, "Rollie is Big Sky. Back to the parking lot: Were you more interested in Rollie or his limo?"

She replied, "Of course, I'm more interested in Rollie than his limo. I can't believe you have no interest in a woman as attractive as Elly. She's smart, too."

I explained, "If I were single I would probably be begging for her phone number. However, I'm married to a pretty wonderful woman, and why should I settle for hamburger when I can have steak every night?"

She responded, "You don't think a different kind of steak might be a nice change of pace? Maybe a T-bone instead of a sirloin?"

I said, "Janet, you knew when I married you. I'm a one-woman man. I have always thought you were a one-man woman!"

She told me, "Normally, I might prefer a sirloin to a T-bone, but if the T-bone was cooked perfectly with shrimp, mushrooms and caramelized onions, I might want a taste of the T-bone."

I was beginning to get desperate. I didn't believe she realized what was at stake here. "Janet, I only want you. Elly's a very attractive woman and I'm sure, quite skilled in the bedroom. It's you that I love and I hope you're my woman, my only woman."

It seemed that I wasn't accomplishing what I had hoped. Rollie came over to us. He smiled at Janet, stuck his hand out, inviting her to frolic once more on the dance floor. I was disappointed to see her give him a big smile and offer him her hand, which he quickly took, leading her back to the dance floor. I was stunned. Elly took that opportunity to accost me, saying "It looks like you don't have a partner for this song. Please allow me to fill that gap."

Although challenging I figured that I could dance and think. So I danced the next two dances while trying to figure out my next step. It took one dance to get over my anger at both Rollie and Janet. I figured my anger was about to break ten on a ten-point scale. I wasn't sure if I was angrier at Rollie for tempting her, or Janet for seeming to lean his way. I decided that I would grab Janet and demand that she go home with me. When the music stopped I thanked Elly for the dance and turned toward where I thought Janet and the pompous asshole were.

They weren't there. I then spotted them leaving by the parking lot exit. I hurried after them, but they quickly climbed into Rollie's waiting limo and were gone. By the time I got to my car, their taillights had vanished. I thought they were most likely headed for the airport. But I had no idea which terminal or hangar. There were many hangars and even several civil aviation terminals. I had no idea which one. I tried to catch them by going after them with my car, but I never caught sight of the rather distinctive limo taillights.

I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what I could do. I called Wally. He told me that Jimmy was looking for me. I called Jimmy. Jimmy wanted me to come back and talk to him and Wally. I considered them both to be my friends although I was a little uncertain about Jimmy. Wally, Jimmy, and Elly were waiting for me. My thoughts were, "Oh, shit!" I was afraid that Elly had not only turned Jimmy but possibly Wally, as well. No, not Wally. That was paranoia. The four of us sat on the steps between the parking lot and the party venue.

An Idol with Feet of Clay

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