Straightening Affairs - 16. Chapter 16

Michael finally found a way to bring Ryan along without raising any suspicions at home. He’d managed to hide it all in plain sight.

The Head of Implementation worked in a different department with a separate expense reporting structure—a perfect cover. Michael booked Ryan’s ticket on the company card and knew it would be nearly impossible for anyone to trace. The admin would think it’s for the Head of Implementation, and the CEO signed off on expenses without ever asking. He would be in the clear. With the details in place, he dialed Ryan’s number.

“Ryan, it’s me. I’ve got it figured out,” Michael said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

“Oh?” Ryan sounded intrigued. “How’d you pull it off?”

“Don’t worry about the how. Just get packing. We’re headed to New York City,” Michael replied smoothly.

“New York?” Ryan chuckled, and Michael could almost hear his smirk. “So… how many thongs should I pack? I’m guessing we’ll be busy.”

Michael couldn’t help but smile despite himself. “Three nights without interruptions. No dinners, no clients—just the two of us and you probably won’t be needing any clothes.”

Ryan let out a low laugh. “Well, aren’t you full of surprises.” Then, with a teasing edge, he added, “You know, we could make it even more fun. I’ve got some… friends from my time in the city.”

“Oh?” Michael replied cautiously. “What are you getting at?”

“Nothing you haven’t done before. Just a little extra excitement with a few friends of mine. I know how you like to have a good time, and besides sharing is caring.” Ryan’s voice was casual but laced with implication.

Michael hesitated. “Look, it’s risky enough just with the two of us. Adding more people—it’s not exactly safe.”

Ryan’s tone softened, coaxing him. “Hey, just think about it. No pressure. It could be… memorable.” There was a pause, then a hint of something darker in his voice. This wasn’t part of the plan Michael’s mother had drawn up, but Ryan had his own motives, too.

Nathan, Ryan and Sarah

The trip was a few days away, and as much as Michael liked being at home to play the role, he had to go into the office to prepare. He was scheduled to fly out early Wednesday morning and had told Ryan to meet him at the airport. He’d email him his ticket and itinerary ahead of time.

Everything was set. The idea Ryan had floated about bringing some “friends” intrigued Michael. On one hand, it was a risk. But he’d met up with random men on previous trips without issue. What could go wrong?

He texted Ryan with a simple message: Do it. Ryan would know exactly what he meant.

The next morning, Michael left for work a little earlier than usual. He let Sarah know he was heading out, then quietly stepped into the twins’ room, kissing them each before he left.

Sarah woke up around early just as the kids were beginning to stir and the nanny arrived. With Michael gone, the morning felt a little more hectic as she balanced everything on her own. But despite the rush, she felt a quiet contentment knowing Michael would be back soon. It feels like we’re finally a family.

As Sarah finished cleaning up the kitchen after breakfast, the doorbell rang. She went to answer, surprised to see Nathan and Ryan standing on the doorstep.

“Nathan, Ryan? What are you doing here?” Sarah asked, a smile spreading across her face.

Nathan grinned. “What, do we need a reservation to see our big sister? Actually, we came to see the kids! They haven’t seen their uncles in ages.”

“Silly—you don’t need to book anything to see us. Come on in!” She pulled them both into a hug.

Nathan and Ryan followed her into the kitchen, where she started a fresh pot of coffee and brought out some homemade cookies. “I did some baking the other day. Michael’s been home more often, so I’ve had time to experiment in the kitchen.”

Ryan’s jaw tightened at the mention of Michael. Michael was his. He hated playing this game of pretense, but it was all part of the plan.

Nathan and Ryan took turns playing with the kids in the family room while Sarah finished up in the kitchen. The nanny, seeing that the kids were well looked after let Sarah know that she was going to go upstairs to tidy their room and do the laundry.

When coffee was ready, Sarah called for the nanny to take over with the kids so the three of them could sit and chat.

“You didn’t have to go to all this trouble,” Nathan said, taking a cookie. “We just came to see you and the kids.”

“I told her the same thing,” Ryan added, chuckling.

Sarah shook her head. “Nonsense. It’s been a while since I’ve had both my brothers over.” She smiled warmly at them, but Ryan barely managed a forced smile back. Just play along, he told himself.

They made small talk for a while, then Nathan turned to Sarah. “Hey, I heard Michael’s going to New York this week?”

“Yeah,” Sarah replied, a bit surprised. “He’s got a three-day trip. He’ll be back for the weekend, though.”

Ryan leaned forward with a mischievous grin. “You know, you should surprise him. Fly down and make it a romantic weekend. NYC’s practically made for getaways.”

Sarah’s eyebrows rose, considering it. “Oh, I don’t know… I’ve never left the kids for more than a night or two. Just showing up unannounced seems a bit…”

“Oh, come on,” Nathan chimed in. “Ryan’s right—it’s perfect timing! The kids can stay with Mom and Dad, and we can help out too. They’d love spending time with Grandma and Grandpa, right?”

Sarah looked thoughtful, her eyes lighting up. “Well, it would be nice to get away… just the two of us.”

Ryan forced a smile, inwardly seething at the thought of Michael and Sarah getting “quality time” together. But he knew he had to stay on course. Stick to the plan.

“Do it, Sarah,” Ryan urged gently. “Michael’s always jetting off while you hold down the fort. You deserve this.”

“Maybe you’re right,” she said, finally nodding. “But I’m not even sure what hotel he’s at… Wait—I know someone who can find out for me. Janelle! She works at his office, and we’re friends. She’ll know and keep it quiet.”

Ryan’s heart raced as he realized the unexpected bonus of Sarah’s insider connection. This was too good. If Janelle knew the details, she could be a perfect asset. And if the plan went smoothly, Sarah would never know what hit her.

“You had the best idea, guys! I already feel the stress melting away just thinking about it.”

Ryan held his coffee mug up, hiding his smirk. Sarah, you have no idea what’s coming. Everything was falling into place exactly as Michael’s mom had said it would and with a few extra twists that wouldn't leave anything for the imagination. Who Michael was, and what he did on his business trips would be there, for Sarah to see.

Sarah and Janelle

After Nathan and Ryan left, all Sarah could think about was surprising Michael in New York City. The excitement bubbled within her as she imagined a romantic weekend away—a chance to reconnect after months of balancing family life and Michael's demanding work schedule. She could almost see them walking hand in hand through Times Square, catching a Broadway show, or simply enjoying a quiet dinner together.

Sarah wasted no time. She called her old friend Janelle, who worked at Michael’s office, and shared her plan. Janelle was thrilled to help, and within moments, Sarah heard the sound of typing on the other end of the line.

“There it is,” Janelle said. “He’s booked at the Plaza Regency. It’s where most of the execs stay. Fancy place. And there’s a spa! You should totally pamper yourself while you’re there.”

Sarah laughed. “Sounds perfect. Thanks, Janelle. Please, keep this just between us.”

“Of course. I can’t wait to hear how he reacts!”

After hanging up, Sarah called her mom to arrange for the kids to stay over. Her parents were delighted, and Nathan had already mentioned he’d be around to help out. Everything was falling into place effortlessly.

Michael had spent the morning in the office finalizing details for the trip. His meticulous planning ensured there would be no suspicion about Ryan’s presence. He arranged for Ryan’s ticket to be charged to a different department, carefully crafting an excuse that would pass scrutiny if anyone noticed. Ryan would fly with him, but they’d have separate rooms on different floors—a precaution to protect his double life.

Wednesday morning arrived, and Michael left for the airport. As he kissed the twins goodbye, Sarah stood by, smiling at the tender moment. Michael’s heart swelled with pride. His family, his picture-perfect life—it was all intact. And soon, Ryan would be with him, ready to indulge in their secret world.

In the Uber, Michael called Ryan. “All set?”

“Packed and ready,” Ryan replied. “I’ll meet you at the airport.”

When they met at the terminal, Ryan carried only a small bag. “Told you I travel light,” he said with a grin. “Not much room needed when all I’m packing is for the bedroom, condoms, and lube.”

Michael rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his amusement. They made their way through security and settled in the executive lounge before their flight.

“You travel like a king, Mikey,” Ryan said, sipping champagne. “No wonder you like these trips so much.”

“Keep it together,” Michael warned. “We’re here to lay low, remember?”

Ryan smirked. “Sure. I’ll behave. For now.”

The flight landed late in the evening, and they made their way to the Plaza Regency. Ryan’s jaw dropped as they pulled up to the five-star hotel. The grandeur of the lobby, the gleaming chandeliers—it was a world away from anything he’d experienced.

“You like it?” Michael asked.

“Fancy,” Ryan replied, masking his awe. “But we’re not here for the decor.”

At check-in, Michael handed Ryan a key. “You’re in your own room. Different floor. I’ve got to be careful. You're my nephew.”

“Fine,” Ryan said, hiding his disappointment. “But don’t think you’ll escape me for long.”

As Ryan settled into his room, he couldn’t help but marvel at the luxury. The panoramic view of Manhattan sparkled through the floor-to-ceiling windows. But he wasn’t here to admire the scenery. Picking up his phone, he made the call.

“It’s set,” Ryan whispered into the phone. “Everything’s in motion.”

“Good,” came the reply. “Stick to the plan.”

Ryan smirked. He was already one step ahead. Over the next few days, he’d coordinate with his friends to stage a scene Sarah wouldn’t forget. Michael would be caught in the most compromising position imaginable. All he needed to do now was nudge Michael in the right direction, set a few other wheels in motion—and wait for Sarah to arrive.

By the end of the weekend, everything would come crashing down.