Catering with Benefits (2) - Second Course - 14. DESMOND

While they were on the tour, Thomas received a text from Andy, “Call me when u have time 2 chat”. They spent all morning on the tour, meeting all the household staff, looking at the gardens and tea with Desmond at the garage when they inspected the old gym. Thomas had not spent much time talking to Desmond until they had tea the week before when he was shown the old gym. On this occasion both Thomas and Desmond were more familiar with each other and Desmond was clearly in the mood for a chat.

“Desmond, I’d like to introduce Jared, he’ll be setting up the gym and will be the household personal trainer.”

“Welcome to the house Jared, I hope you enjoy your work here.” said Desmond as he gave Jared a wink and added, “You will need to keep fit to keep up with your other duties.”

“So you know why I’m really here?” asked Jared.

“Of course my man, you are not the first and probably not the last.”

Thomas said “Shall I pour the tea for you Desmond?”

“Thank you Thomas, and by the way I think you have made a good choice this time. He is a fine specimen of manhood and should please the lady. You always did have a good eye for handsome young men.”

“Well thank you Desmond, I didn’t know you took so much interest in Mrs. Ps welfare.”

“I’ve always had her best interests at heart. I wasn’t always the driver here.”

“Oh what did you do before you came here?” asked Jared.

“I did not mean before I came here, I meant I had duties here before I became the driver.”

“Oh, what did you do before?” asked Thomas

“I was the first to have the position Jared now fills.”

“Really?” asked Thomas in shock.

“Do you find that so strange?” asked Desmond.

“Not strange, I’m just surprised I’ve not heard this before, that’s all. How did you start here?”

“Back in those days it was not like now, with you finding studs like this one, it was much more informal and started quite naturally.”

“What do you mean, naturally?”

“Well, I suppose you would call it an affair. We had a relationship outside of her marriage, but it was not open like now. We kept it secret for most of the time. Eventually the secret got out when all the staff found out. I thought there would be trouble when her husband found out, but it was not so. Apparently he was pleased as it took the pressure of him and gave him the freedom to pursue his other interests. I’m sure you know what I mean Jared.”

“Yes Desmond, I understand.”

A surprised Thomas said, “Well, you are a dark horse Desmond, I had no idea. How did the relationship start?”

“I used to be a plumber and was called here on a job. After I finished clearing a blockage, I was naturally very dirty and the lady suggested I have a shower in the pool house before I left. I was hesitant to do so, but she insisted. When I came out of the shower room she was waiting in the pool house with drinks ready. Again I was nervous about staying, but she can be assertive, so I sat down to have a drink with her, and as they say, one thing led to another. I didn’t get to any more house calls that day, but I did get a lot of call-backs to this house over the next few months. We used to meet in the pool house or upstairs. The flat where I live now used to be guest accommodation before the house was extended.”

“So when did you start living here full-time?” asked Thomas.

“When the relationship became known around the household and her husband accepted it then I moved into the flat upstairs and I’ve been there ever since.”

“How long did your relationship last?”

“Nearly three years. It was a real relationship, we loved each other. It is not like now where you guys do this on a professional basis.”

“So why did it end?”

“As I say it was a real loving relationship but because of her position it could not become a full-time relationship; I mean like a married couple. That was what we both wanted but it could not be, so we ended it by mutual agreement and intended to go our own ways in life. The lady said I could stay in the flat for as long as I liked, or until I wanted to leave. I think she enjoyed still having me around and I felt the same. I guess, I just could not let go and stayed around. Eventually she gave me the job of driver to justify still having me around.”

“But you didn’t go out and find someone else.”

“No, I became comfortable here, I see her regularly, even if from afar or in the rear-vision mirror, and that has been enough for me. We still have lunch together occasionally and talk about old times. She drops in here for tea or I drive her to a restaurant and we lunch together. I still love her and I think she feels the same, so we have developed our own way of dealing with that.”

“That is so romantic Desmond, but also very sad.”

“That’s life, or at least that’s my life. There is a class barrier between us. One that neither of us want there, but neither of us can get around.”

“I feel like I’m stepping into your territory.” said Jared.

“Don’t feel like that my man. She and I know both know how things work and we live with that. I wish you well with your work here. Now if you don’t mind I would like to be left alone with my memories. I’ve not spoken about this to anyone before and it has brought up some feelings I’ve not felt for many years.”

“I’m sorry Desmond, I hope we have not caused you pain.”

“No problem gentlemen, I brought up the subject.”

“OK, we’ll let you be, but please feel free to talk about it anytime if you feel the need.”

“Thanks Thomas, I now see why the lady speaks so highly of you. You are indeed a gentleman.”

As they walked away, Jared said “Did you really have no idea about Desmond’s past with Mrs. P?”

“No, not at all, it must have been long before my time here.”

“He must have a difficult life, being so near but can’t have the woman he loves. Why do you think he stays here; it must be so painful?”

“I guess he can’t let go. Sad really, but it’s his decision to lead his life this way.”

“Sounds like they had a beautiful relationship.”

*****

 

 

Surprise!

Bonus chapter - Side Salad 2

Virginia and Desmond - The early days.

Twenty two years ago.

The ute drove through the gates, under the wrought iron letters proclaiming the name Crystalline, and Desmond continued along a gravel drive to the front door.

An attractive woman in a lavender uniform answered the door.

“Good morning madam. I’m Desmond Wilson from ‘On Tap Plumbing’.”

“Thank you for coming so promptly Mr. Wilson.”

“No problem, are you Mrs. Price?”

“No, Mrs Price is the owner. I’m Betty, the maid. I can show you to the problem.”

“Lead the way Betty.” Desmond said airily.

 

After several trips to and from his ute and being watched closely by Betty, Desmond had the problem fixed.

“Betty, I’m all done here, I’ll be off now.”

“That’s good, didn’t take long. I’ve just boiled the kettle, would like a cuppa before you go.?”

“That would be bonza, Betty. Will you join me?”

“Oh why not, I’ve got a bit of spare time till I need to start on lunch.”

“Do you have to cook for many?”

“Not today, there’s only Mrs Price for lunch.”

“She’s the owner of this mansion, is she?”

“Her and her husband, but he’s not here much.”

“Is that because he works away?”

“No, their business is in the city. Well it’s all over the country really, but head office is in Sydney.”

“Must be a big concern, what does he do?”

“You must have heard of Price’ Jewellery, the biggest in Australia.”

“Of course I’ve heard of them. Just didn’t connect the name. No wonder they can afford such a big house. But you said Mr Price isn’t here much.”

“He has an apartment in Potts Point and stays there, rather than drive out here to Castle Hill every day.”

“Oh, I see. So are you the only one working here?”

“On a daily basis, yes. We have a cleaner comes in three days a week for the heavy cleaning and laundry, plus a gardener now and then.”

“Do you live locally Betty?”

“I live in, so I’m on call most of the time, but I have two days off each week.”

“And on your days off, what do you like to do?”

“Catch up with friends and such.”

“Betty, would you like to go out with me some time. You haven’t mentioned a husband or....”

Betty interrupted “Oh no, there’s no one like that in my life.”

“How about Friday night?”

“I’m not sure this week, I just take my days off when I’m not needed.”

“Then could I call you later in the week and see if you’re available.”

“Yes Desmond, that would be fine.”

“Good, thanks for the tea, I’d better be on my way now.”

He started loading his tools into the ute, but did not know he was being watched from a window. As he was tying down he was stopped by a well dressed attractive woman in her late twenties. “Are you the plumber?”

“Yes madam. I’m finished now, I’ll send the invoice later in the week.”

“That’s fine, but you seem to be in a bit of a mess, you should get cleaned up before you leave.”

“Oh, that’s ok madam, I’m used to it.”

“But your next customer might not be too pleased if you show up like that.”

“Maybe your right, may I use the garden hose to clean up?” he asked as he started to unbutton his shirt.

“No don’t do that.”

“Sorry, I just don’t want to get my shirt wet.”

“I have a better idea. If you follow the path around the side of the house, you will see the pool and next to that, the pool house. There is a bathroom in there. Use that.”

“Oh I couldn’t do that.”

“I insist Mr....”

“Wilson madam... Desmond Wilson.”

“Just do as I ask please Mr. Wilson.” She said assertively.

Not wanting to upset a new client, Desmond did as requested. When he came out of the bathroom, the woman was waiting in the pool house with champagne and beer on the bar.

“Oh sorry madam, I didn’t realise you were here. I’ll get on my way immediately.”

“No need to, join me and have a drink before you leave.” As she poured champagne for herself, she asked “Bubbles or beer Desmond.”

“Just a beer will be fine. Mrs Price is it?”

“Yes, but call me Virginia.”

“Well, Virginia, this is very generous of you. I don’t usually get so much attention on my jobs.”

“Desmond, I like to make visitors here feel welcome.”

“So it seems, firstly a cuppa and now a beer.”

“So you’ve already had tea.”

“Yes, Betty was kind enough.”

“Was she indeed.”

“Should she not have? I know I’m just a tradie madam.”

“Not just a tradie, as you say. Tradesmen are the backbone of our economy, keeping the water flowing and the wheels turning, so to speak.”

“That’s very complimentary. Thank you madam.”

“Now enough of this madam talk; you make me feel like the owner of a ...well you know. I said call me Virginia, and here, enjoy your beer.”

Despite Virginia’s best efforts, Desmond was feeling uncomfortable being entertained by an apparently rich woman, whom he had not previously met. He felt they had nothing in common, but tried to make conversation by asking about her garden. However, she seemed more interested in talking about him.

“Tell me Desmond, is there someone special in your life?”

“No mad...er...Virginia.”

“And why is that Desmond, you’re a good looking man and a hard worker is seems.”

“I guess it’s as they say, I haven’t found Miss right yet.”

“Are you sure you’re looking in the right places Desmond?”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, I suspect you may be just looking in pubs and clubs. Am I right?”

“Yes, but I’m not sure what you are getting at.”

“Maybe you should open up more options for yourself. You might find the right woman where you least expect.”

“Maybe, I’ll keep my eyes open then.”

“Good man. Now would you like another beer Desmond?”

“No thanks, I had better get on my way, more blocked drains to clear.”

“Of course. Can you give me your card, so I can call you if we have any more leaks and such here.”

“Here you are, and thank you for the drink and use of the bathroom.”

“My pleasure, maybe I’ll see you again soon.”

A puzzled Desmond left, headed for his next job and didn’t think any more about Mrs. Price until he had a call three days later.

“On Tap plumbing, how can I help.”

“Is that Desmond?” a woman’s voice asked.

“Yes.”

“This is Virginia Price, Desmond. I have a dripping tap and it’s driving me crazy. Do you think you could come today.”

“I’ll see what I can do Mrs Price.”

“I would really appreciate it if you could give me priority.” She said pleadingly.

“Ok, I’ll rearrange my jobs and see you in less than an hour.”

“Excellent Desmond. The leaking tap is in the pool house bathroom. You know where that is, so just go around there. No need to bother the house staff.”

“No problem, be right there.”

 

Desmond was met at the pool house by Virginia, who welcomed him and showed him the dripping tap. He turned the tap on, then off and the dripping stopped.

“There, it’s fixed.”

“You certainly are quick about your work, Desmond.”

“There really was nothing wrong with it, just needed turning off properly.”

“Silly me, but it was smart of you to diagnose the problem so quickly. You really are good at your job. Now, have a drink with me.”

“Oh, not this time. I’ll get away now and there won’t be any charge for today.”

“I wouldn’t hear of it. Your time must be valuable. What is your minimum charge, say one hour?”

“Normally, but in this case...”

“No, one hour it is, so that means I have another fifty minutes of your time.”

“Is there something else that needs attending to madam?”

“There is and please call me Virginia.”

“Well Virginia, what needs my attention?”

“I do Desmond.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Oh, Desmond you’re a man of the world. You know what I mean.”

“I think I do, but it doesn’t seem right. You’re a married woman; an attractive and interesting woman, but married, just the same.”

“Let’s just go with attractive and interesting and forget the married bit. You know, except for the staff, I’m here by myself all day, every day.”

“I’m sorry about that Virginia.”

“Now, beer again or will you help me drink this bottle of Moet. If I drank it all myself, there’s no telling what condition I would be in.”

“As long as you put it that way, maybe I should help you out.”

“Excellent, will you pour? Slowly, mind.”

“It would be my pleasure.”

“I’m pleased you see it that way Desmond. Life doesn’t have to be all work, does it? Everyone needs some time, throughout the day, to enjoy the pleasures of life.”

“That’s a nice philosophy but I’m afraid not all of us have that luxury. Some of us need to keep the wheels turning, as you say.”

“Desmond, am I sensing a little reverse snobbery?”

“Sorry, I didn’t need to be offensive. I just meant some of us have to work for a living.”

“And you think I don’t work for my living. You think I’m in some sort of privileged position?”

“It would seem that way to me. You and your husband are clearly well off and I suppose you don’t need to work in the normal sense.”

“And what do you think I do all day?”

“Well apart from entertaining tradies, I guess you have a big house to run. That must take up some of your time.”

“We have staff for that.”

“So, then it comes down to entertaining tradies.”

“And what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing really, I’m beginning to enjoy it.”

“Oh, good then I’ve achieved something today.”

“You know Virginia, I like you a lot. It’s so refreshing to hear you talk about your life so unashamedly. Not one I’ve been privy to before, but I’m sure it will be fun learning about it.”

“So does that mean we are going to stop playing this tradie versus the rich woman game and both accept what we are here for?”

“I’d like that.”

“Good then pour me another glass, remove your shirt and sit next to me.”

As Desmond poured the wine he asked “Why do you want me to remove my shirt?”

“I want to see if it’s true what they say about tradies and how all that hard work grows muscles.”

As Desmond removed his shirt, Virginia noted “Very nice indeed, and you are a hairy one. I like that. Sit down and let me run my fingers through your chest hair.”

That afternoon, they got through three bottles, called the house for canapés and by dark were very relaxed in each other company. When Desmond stood up to leave he was a bit unsteady on his feet and this prompted Virginia to say “Desmond you can’t drive home in this condition.”

“Oh that’s not a problem, the ute knows the way home, she’ll be apples.”

“Even so, you could be picked up by the police. They’re fierce around here with drunk drivers.”

“So what should I do?”

“Firstly, I’ll call the kitchen and have a meal for us brought down here. Then if that doesn’t sober you up, this sofa converts to a bed, so you just stay the night. Easy?”

“I am starved, so food would be good, then we’ll see.”

 

At sunrise, Betty noticed Desmond’s ute still parked on the gravel driveway of Crystalline. Later in the morning Virginia ordered breakfast for two in the pool house. Desmond woke with a start when the maid knocked on the door. He asked “Where am I? Oh, Virginia, you’re still here. What will your husband say? I had better get away quick smart.”

“Relax, he’s not at home and frankly he doesn’t care. He has his own life to screw up.”

“I’m not sure I understand Virginia.”

“Come in Betty.” She called.

The maid set down the breakfast tray, said nothing to Desmond, nodded to Virginia and left after asking “Will that be all Mrs Price?”

“Thank you Betty.”

“She didn’t seem too happy.” remarked Desmond. “Will she tell your husband?”

“Pour the coffee, and I’ll explain.”

Part - 2

Over the next few months, On Tap Plumbing had many service calls but Desmond didn’t use a single wrench. All his servicing was somewhat more personal and his invoices simply read ‘Urgent servicing rendered’.

What started out as a regular afternoon delight slowly developed into a solid loving relationship. They were both clearly smitten and in love, but in the back of their minds always was the fact that Virginia was married. Desmond knew that no matter how much they loved each other, Virginia would not give up her marriage and the material benefits provided. But Desmond saw this as a unique situation. He understood about her husband’s other interests and that he did not mind what she did sexually, provided it stayed within the house. So, in Desmond’s mind this was not an affair in the normal sense. There was no creeping around behind Virginia’s husband’s back and he was not going to be challenge by him, so why not just enjoy it.

When Virginia became impatient with only having Desmond turn up when it suited him, she offered him residence in the guest accommodation above the garage.

“But why don’t you want to live here. We can then see each other every day, and free rent will be a bonus for you.”

“It does seem a bit strange living on the same property as your husband.”

“Maybe, but he knows, or at least doesn’t care and I love you so much Desmond I want you as near to me as possible.”

“I love you too Virginia and want to be with you.”

“Come with me and I’ll show you the flat above the garage. There is also a gym, my husband had set up, but doesn’t use it any more so you could use that. We need to keep you fit and in good shape. Also, there’s lots of space downstairs for your truck and tools.”

When they arrived at the flat, Desmond noticed it was completely ready, even the bed was made up. “So do you think you would be comfortable here?”

“Who wouldn’t be it’s a perfect bachelor pad.”

“So it’s a deal then, you’ll move in?” she asked.

“Right away, how about we seal the deal by testing out this bed?”

Virginia did not answer verbally, instead, she took Desmond’s hand and lead him into the bathroom. They slowly stripped each other then stepped into the steaming shower. They kissed passionately, then Desmond stepped back and watched the water flowing over Virginia’s breasts and dripping off her nipples. He thought she was indeed a beauty and could not accept that her husband ignored her, although he understood why. When he could resist no longer he licked deeply between her breast, than as he went slowly down onto his knees his tongue traced a path from her breasts to her triangular thatch. He buried his face and slowly his tongue entered Virginia. As he flicked in and out, Virginia leaned back against the steamed glass and surrendered to be being pleasured by her man. When she was close to orgasm she put her hands on his shoulders and gripped so tightly she dug her fingernails into his back as she reached her peak.

Desmond rose, kissed Virginia again and shut off the water. He then lifted her in his strong arms and carried her effortlessly to the bed. He put her down gently, towelled both their bodies then lie down beside his woman.

“Desmond?”

“Yes, my love.”

“I want inside me.”

“I’ve just been inside you.”

“Now, I want you deep inside me, very deep. Fill me up with your manhood.”

He kneeled over her, placed his arms either side of her slim beautiful body and lowered his hips till his penis just kissed her vaginal lips. Desmond heard “ahh” and felt a slight movement of her hips before very slowly drilling into the softness and welcoming warmth. He thrust a few times until he found he could no longer without difficulty. Virginia had clenched her vaginal muscles so tightly he felt trapped...in pleasure. As she clenched and released alternately, he experienced a sensation he had never felt before. No other woman had ever done this to him. It was as if he was experiencing a completely new form of sex.

Desmond could feel his orgasm approaching and knew if he moved at all he would come. He stayed still and just let Virginia pleasure him for as long as he could hold back. Finally he could hold no longer, so when he felt a slight release he partly pulled out, then with just one thrust he had the most satisfying orgasm ever.

When he was released his cock involuntarily withdrew and returned to its flaccid state. Desmond lowered himself on to the bed and lay there completely sated. It felt like the blood that had previously engorged his penis was now flushing through his head so fast it throbbed. But it was a pleasurable, satisfying throb that slowly dissipated and left him exhilarated and relaxed at the same time.

While staring at the ceiling he tentatively asked Virginia “What was that you just did?”

“Did you like it?”

“Are you in some doubt?”

“Not really, have you not had that before?”

“Had it, I didn’t even know it was possible.”

“Now you know, but don’t expect it all the time. It’s just for special occasions.”

“I don’t think my head could take it too often, I thought it was going to explode.”

 

Part - 3

Their relationship lasted three years and finally ended for the very reason that made Desmond doubtful right at the beginning.

“But why... don’t you love me any more Desmond?”

“Of course I still love you. I love you more each day, but this arrangement is not enough for me. I want you wholly. I want you all the time. I want you to be exclusively mine.”

“But I am exclusively yours. There is no other man for me.”

“Virginia, you’re forgetting you have a husband, even if it’s in name only. You have to stay with him and in the marriage. I understand that, but I don’t have to accept it.”

“I can’t give you up. Don’t ask me to do that my love.”

“Virginia, I want you not only as a lover but also as a life companion in all the senses that means. I want to openly take you out and honestly say to people that we are a loving couple. I don’t want to spend my life in the shadows. Somewhere deep down I want to provide for you, not be kept by you. That is not good for a man’s ego.”

“But you’re not kept.”

“What do you call it then, when I live rent free, have all my food and drink provided and issue false invoices for the time I spend here. I rarely take other jobs anymore. Your accountant must think my work is very dodgy if I need to spend so much time here.”

“Our accountant thinks, was he’s paid to think. But that’s irrelevant.”

“Then what is relevant?”

“Our love, that’s all that matters.”

“Then leave your husband for me. Are you prepared to do that?”

“I didn’t think you would ever ask me that Desmond. There’s more to this than you realise.”

“So tell me.”

“Desmond my darling, in my society, marriage is more than just a public statement of a private act. There are other matters such as family wealth, status in society, inter-family agreements, public perception and tradition.”

“You make it sound like you are the royal family, and what do you mean by my society? Obviously that doesn’t include me.”

“Australians might like to think they live in an egalitarian society, but social structure does exist here. It might not be based on inheritance of castles and lordship titles, but it exists just the same.”

“So there we have it, you don’t want to give up the platinum credit cards, BMWs, Double Bay shopping and all the rest of it.”

“That’s very unkind Desmond, but I won’t hold it against you. I actually do understand your situation. I know you love me and want me wholly and I am the same, but it just can’t be, I’m sorry.”

“Let’s not talk any more about this for now. I need to do some serious thinking.”

“I think that’s best. I’ll leave you to think. I love you Desmond. Please believe me.”

“I do Virginia.”