Outside Influence by ClaireHeeley
Indulge in the tantalizing tale of 'Outside Influence'—a steamy erotic story that explores forbidden desires and unexpected encounters. Discover passion and seduction that transcends boundaries. Perfect for those craving an enticing escape into romance and desire!<br/>
“I just don’t get what you have against him, Kate.”
Of course I knew not to react to this. But part of me was a bit beyond caring now. We had been out for an hour and a half and Jodie had talked about her ex pretty much non stop.
“It’s not about what I think, Jode. Yes, I always thought he was a waste of space. But it’s about how he treats you. About how you still let him treat you, I should say.”
My best friend looked down and picked at a bit of fluff stuck to her tights. I had known her for 25 years and I knew that no eye contact meant that she knew I was right. Finally. “It was him who broke up with you, wasn’t it? At Christmas, I might add.” This last bit was maybe a bit much, but I knew that I had to make her see sense.
“Yeah,” she replied, gloomily.
“But you still stand for it. Any time he calls, you fall for it, even six months down the line. And it’s a booty call at the end of the day isn’t it? He makes some big gesture for the two of you to do something together. And then he cancels it if one of his mates makes him a better offer.” Definitely too far. She looked like she might cry and I couldn’t be dealing with that. My dress was new, white with little sleeves. The last thing I wanted was a mascara smudge that I had to get out.
“Come here,” I said, giving her a preemptive hug. “Just delete his number now. Enough’s enough. We’ll do shopping and lunch tomorrow to save you moping about if you’re not seeing him. All that bothers me is that I know you deserve better.”
Her face cracked into a smile and she threw her arms around me. We had known each other since the start of secondary school and that meant that I could get away with being fairly blunt about plenty of things. Besides, I knew that she couldn’t stay looking glum if retail therapy was on offer. Especially just after payday.
I stifled a yawn as I hugged her. We had arranged a night out but now that we were here, I had to admit that I wasn’t really feeling it. Especially knowing that my free day tomorrow had just been eaten away with a fight to get into the busy city as well. Tonight, three of us had meant to go out. Our other friend had shied off at the last minute. Plus, it was chilly and looked like rain. Was it bad to want to call it a night already? We could polish a bottle of wine off at my place instead.
“Kate? Hi! I thought I recognised that voice.”
The sound of my name being called from behind cut our embrace short. I had scanned the outside seating area for familiar faces as we came out and not spotted anyone that I knew. It took me a moment to even figure out who was calling to me. When the salutation was repeated, my eyes honed in on a face in the crowd. Inwardly, I winced a little.
“Hi Nikki,” I replied with a wave. It was my old boss.
“Someone you know?” Jodie said.
“Yes. Obviously?” I love the girl. She’s clever. But she does come out with the dimmest things, sometimes.
“We should go over and say hi,” she said taking another swig from her drink. Jodie is one of those people who are naturally sociable and loves meeting new people. Whereas I wouldn’t be able to shake this feeling that I was ready for my PJ’s now. Besides, there were a few things which I had heard about Nikki which meant that I would always be uncomfortable around her.
Jodie’s face had brightened up with the distraction and I didn’t want her to start dwelling or even talking about Mike again. Besides, I could hardly act like I hadn’t spotted her now. “Okay, sure. You’ll like Nikki. I used to work for her.”
After the briefest, awkwardest of introductions, we were seated at Nikki’s table. I had heard that she had left our old office under a bit of a cloud after I had gone. And my memories of that job weren’t the fondest either, so I wanted to keep this as brief as possible. It had dawned on me as I sat down that Nikki was unaccompanied. She wasn’t dressed up for a full night on the town but looked as demure as ever in a full length floral dress with wedge heels. Her long blonde hair was down and the dark rims of her glasses still meant that she maintained the sharp, managerial edge which I associated her with. It suited her though.
“By the way, Kate’s right my love. As right as she often was in the board room. If you give an ex an inch, he will know it’s on his terms and keep treating you however the hell he wants!”
I bristled. Part of me appreciated the sentiment of the backup, of course. Still, nobody likes to think they have been eavesdropped on, right? Especially when they then go and admit it out loud. Like a moth to a wool sweater though, Jodie was drawn.
“Oh. Have you been in a similar position?”
Nikki gave a wry smile. “Once or twice.” She knew she had an ‘in’ now. “You remind me of myself when I was about your age my love.” As she spoke, the older woman poured us both a glass from the pitcher which she had on her table. This messed with my head a little bit. Was she expecting company? Planning on chugging the full thing by herself? Either was possible, I recalled her as a slightly quirky social bee who certainly enjoyed a tipple.
“You don’t look to much older than me and Kate,” Jodie replied. I winced again, knowing how much she would love the compliment. We were both thirty-two. I had seen something on social media last year about Nikki having a big do for her fiftieth. Although, in fairness, she wore it exceptionally well.
“You’re too kind. And flattery would get you everywhere. But no, you two are sweet, innocent little darlings by comparison. I genuinely think it was let-downs like the ones that you’re describing which helped me to exit the closet, shall we say.”
“Oh gosh, you’re a lesbian?” I had no idea,” Jodie replied. Again, there really were times where I wanted her to get a better filter for these situations.
“We don’t all wear it on a t-shirt. At least not all of the time. But yes, it’s pushing five years now since I went public. Or told the parents, which can be a nice official marker. If one is needed.”
“Oh … ha … Sorry I didn’t mean any-”
“None taken. I am messing with you, my sweet. Katy will tell you. It’s what I do. So, can you give me one good reason, here and now why you let this – what was his name even?”
“Mike,” Jodie replied. I could tell that she was feeling a little washed up already by this maelstrom of a conversation.
“Why you let Mike dictate the rhythm of your life? Why he should get a say in when you are – or aren’t – happy?”
Jodie blushed the brightest of reds. “I – uhh. I guess he shouldn’t?”
“Well that much is obvious dear. He shouldn’t even be a topic of conversation whilst you are out with one of your oldest friends. But that doesn’t answer my question. Why has he been able to have that hold over you?”
“Erm,” she was really squirming now.
“It’s the sex isn’t it?” Nikki sat back and drained the last quarter of her glass as she watched Jodie’s reaction to this.
“What?”
“He’s probably the best you’ve had. And you’re probably worrying that you won’t find anyone who will match him.” I had to admit that whilst I was starting to remember what Nikki was like at her worst when she had had a few drinks, it was amusing watching her put my friend under such a spotlight. With any luck, the awkwardness of a third party calling it out might bleach the guy from her mind and let her move on.