The Trophy Wives Club Read online

  “I guarantee you won’t. Even if by some odd chance you were arrested, it would just be a misdemeanor charge and with Jay Dub’s connections it would quickly be dismissed. You are not listed as owner for your protection.”

  “I didn’t think I would be an owner.”

  “You will definitely have a share of the profits if this takes off like I have planned,” Lindy said.

  Marley nodded, and returned to the task at hand. “What other staff do I need to recruit?”

  “Do you think we will need another fitness trainer?”

  “That probably wouldn’t hurt.”

  “A fitness trainer, three massage therapists, a receptionist/juice bar operator/part time laundry person, and a tennis instructor,” Lindy suggested.

  “I have some ideas about all but the tennis instructor, but I will put some feelers out for that one”

  “I think I can help you with that. There is a woman at the Country Club who I think would be perfect.”

  “Why don’t you see if we can meet with her soon,” Marley suggested.

  “Is tomorrow afternoon good for you?”

  “It can be.”

  “I will give her a call later today and see what she has planned.”

  “I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get hungry,” Marley said. “What would you like for lunch?”

  “Something sinful,” Lindy said.

  “The Varsity,” Marley asked?

  “Oh, that is perfect. Come on and I’ll drive.”

  They returned to the club after gorging themselves on burgers and fries then continued developing their lists. Marley heard the deep rumble of Luna’s bike as she arrived and looked up to Lindy. “I think our fitness trainer has just arrived.”

  “Well by all means let’s go welcome her.”

  When Lindy opened the door to find Luna ready to knock, she gasped softly. Luna’s black hair was pulled into a ponytail and the tank top she wore displayed her beautiful biceps and upper body. Marley could feel the heat ignite as Lindy’s eyes took her in. Stifling a chuckle, she said, “Mrs. Freemont, this is Luna Wolf.”

  “I am so pleased to meet you,” Lindy said unable to hide her southern drawl or the purr disguised in her voice.

  “Likewise, Ma’am,” Luna said with a charming smile.

  “Please come in, Luna,” Marley watched as Lindy’s eyes got a good view of the tight jeans caressing the well-formed cheeks of Luna’s ass. Oh yes, the heat definitely went up another notch or two she thought, as Lindy followed Luna into the room.

  “Would you like some coffee?” Lindy asked.

  “No thank you ma’am, I don’t consume any type of stimulant. I would appreciate a bottle of water if you have one.” Luna placed a small bag on the floor beside her chair.

  “Sit still and I will get it,” Marley left Luna and Lindy sitting at the table. “Luna, why don’t you give Mrs. Freemont a rundown of your experience?”

  Luna easily rattled off her career as a fitness trainer as if she were reading from an imaginary resume placed in front of her eyes.

  “That sounds quite extensive,” Lindy said. “Have you ever started a program from scratch?”

  “No ma’am, but I know exactly what I would buy and how I would set it up.”

  “Would you like to see the area designated for the fitness center?” Marley asked as she handed Luna the bottle of water.

  “Most definitely,” Luna answered.

  “Mrs. Freemont, would you like to do the honors?”

  “Oh Marley, stop with the Mrs. Freemont already and just call me Lindy. You too, Luna,” she rose from the table.

  “Yes, Ma’am,” Marley grinned.

  “Follow me, and I will give you the grand tour.”

  Marley followed behind them as Lindy explained what each of the areas was designed for in the downstairs section.

  “I could set up a premier program with all this space,” Luna voice sounding dreamy.

  “I assume Marley has explained the activities that will be held upstairs?”

  “She assured me that upstairs would be what I would enjoy the most,” Luna smirked.

  “Very well then,” Lindy showed the flats off to Luna who was most impressed with the décor.

  “These places are beautiful,” she said as they approached the stairwell to return downstairs.

  They sat around the table and Lindy looked at Luna. “Does this sound like something you are interested in?”

  “I would have total control over the development and implementation of the fitness program?”

  “Absolutely. Marley and I would also recommend you bringing another full-time instructor on board to assist you.”

  “That would be awesome, and the salary is forty thousand?”

  Lindy smiled at Marley who returned her smile and nodded her head.

  “How about if we sweeten the pot to fifty,” Lindy asked.

  “Sweet Jesus, can I start tomorrow?”

  “Yes, on a part time basis until you work out your notice at your present job. I would like to see a draft proposal of the equipment you would need and pricing as quickly as possible.”

  “I can have that ready by tomorrow. Marley said there may also be a test of other skills during the interview. Is this true?”

  Lindy looked at Marley and gave her a sly smile. “Well, yes, it is Luna. I was just getting to that.”

  “I will continue my work down here,” Marley said.

  Luna rose and picked up the small bag she had brought in with her and followed Lindy up the stairs. Marley tried her best to concentrate on the list she was making but the moans of pleasure echoing down from upstairs inside the empty building made it very difficult. She finally gave up, poured herself another cup of coffee and walked outside to look at the tennis facilities. When she walked back inside, Lindy was walking downstairs with a very satisfied grin on her face, followed by Luna.

  “I guess I will see you tomorrow afternoon,” Luna said. “Give me a call later if you can Marley.”

  “Will do,” Marley said as Luna softly closed the door.

  Lindy was smiling down at Marley. “Girl, she rocked my world,” a rush of heat flamed her face.

  “I take it you approve of the selection then?”

  “I don’t care if she doesn’t know anything about fitness, the way she moves that body was fantastic.”

  “Much better than ten humps and a slump?”

  “Oh, my goodness yes, I think she could have gone on for hours. I can see we will need to invest in some resources for the upstairs.”

  Marley broke out laughing. “I think I would suggest you give each employee a budget for toys and other supplies and let them select their own. I’m sure no one would object if you selected some of your choosing either.”

  Lindy slumped back down to her seat with a giddy smile on her face. Marley knew she would be useless for the rest of the afternoon. “Why don’t you head home and try to make contact with the tennis instructor, and I will meet you back here in the morning?”

  “That sounds like a marvelous idea. Will you be heading home too?”

  “I will shortly, there are a few things I would like to do.”

  “Okay, goodbye then,” Lindy floated out the door.

  “See you tomorrow Boss.”

  Marley took the pad of paper and drew out a rough sketch of the downstairs with each area designated, then began making a list of equipment and supplies that would need to be ordered for each of the areas. When she felt fairly certain she had a good start, she tore off the sheet of paper, and after locking the door behind her started for home.

  She booted up her laptop and remembered Luna’s request to call so she took out her cell and dialed Luna’s number.

  “Hello,” Luna said.

  “Hey Luna, this is Marley, what’s up?”

  “Pinch me so I know I’m not dreaming.”

  “I told you this would be something you would jump at.”

  “You are so r
ight my friend, but I need some help.”

  “What can I do?”

  “I assume you have wireless internet?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “I stopped off and bought a laptop, but I don’t have internet access. Can I come over and use yours?”

  “Only if you bring dinner,” Marley teased.

  “Is Chinese take-out okay with you?”

  “That’s perfect, I’m home now so anytime you’re ready, come on over.”

  “Uh Marley.”

  “Yes Luna?”

  “I need an address sweetheart.”

  “Yes, I guess that would help.” Marley gave her the address.

  “Sweet, I will see you soon,” Luna ended the call.

  †

  Marley went to work researching equipment online and printed out a dozen or more pages of prices that she was reviewing when her doorbell rang.

  Luna stood at the door, a large bag of Chinese food in one hand and a laptop in a box in the other. “Come on in,” Marley said taking the bag of food. “You can take the laptop out and put it by mine while I set out the food.”

  “I’ll be right back,” Luna walked back to the car she had borrowed from one of her room mates. She returned moments later with a six pack of water, a bottle of wine and a small briefcase. “I wasn’t sure what kind of wine you drank so I took a wild guess,” she handed a bottle of red to Marley.

  “This will do perfectly,” Marley inspected the bottle before removing the cork to let the wine breathe. “You can stick those bottles in the fridge and grab us two cold ones to have with dinner.”

  Luna joined Marley at a small breakfast nook and took the plate she was offering. “That smells terrific. Let’s see what you got.” Marley began opening containers and moaned when she saw Sesame Chicken and beef stir fry loaded with vegetables. There were also egg rolls, fried rice, crab Rangoon and of course a handful of fortune cookies. “A bit hungry, were you?” she teased.

  “I have no clue what you like to eat Marley, so I reviewed the menu and ordered several items.”

  “For being clueless, you did very well. Let’s feast, my friend.” Marley began passing containers.

  Marley was amazed at the amount of food Luna consumed. “How do you keep your shape when you eat like that?”

  “Work like a horse, eat like a horse my mama said.” Luna smirked. “Being blessed with a high metabolism doesn’t hurt either.”

  Marley reached for a fortune cookie and handed it to Luna. Luna handed her one as well. “Let’s see what Confucius has in store for us today.”

  “Fortune smiles upon you,” Luna read as Marley opened her cookie and smiled. “Well?”

  “The path to your future has just begun,” Marley read.

  “I’d say we both have become very lucky over the past twenty-four hours. Thanks again for thinking of me.”

  “I can’t think of anyone else I would rather be my partner in crime.”

  “I hope that means you will be my prison bitch if we go down for this,” Luna teased.

  Marley laughed. “No way, you’re going to be mine.”

  “Are we taking a huge risk with this venture?”

  “A risk yes, but I think we are well protected. I will be living in the end flat and I intend to recommend to Lindy that we set the rest of the flats up to look lived in just in case we ever have to answer questions.”

  “That’s not a bad idea. I think some security cameras and an alarm system would be a great help as well.”

  “Duly noted, I think we can shore up the front entrance too, to make it more secure as well. It would at least give us a bit more time in case of a raid.”

  “Do you think that is very likely?”

  “Not really, Lindy has thought this plan out well. The property is outside of the city limits and the County boys are terribly understaffed. As long as we remain discreet, I don’t see any problems.”

  “I hope Lindy will screen these sugar mamas well so they don’t go blabbing about their Sugar Shack. Are you worried about STD’s? If these boys are dipping their wicks into other pots, are we at risk of catching anything?”

  “I don’t think we are at a high risk. The sex between these couples is very infrequent, and I doubt the women would risk an STD for themselves and take precautions. The husbands aren’t the kind to pick someone off the streets. I think if we utilize safety precautions and good sanitation, we minimize our risks even further.”

  “You don’t worry about them bragging to other non-members?”

  “Once they get a taste of you my friend, TWC will become Atlanta’s best.”

  “You are such a smooth talker.”

  “Didn’t you see the smile of complete satisfaction on Lindy’s face today?”

  “She did look pretty content.”

  “Imagine twenty-five of them.”

  “I better have seconds then,” Luna grabbed the container of fried rice.

  “You go right ahead my friend,” Marley walked to the kitchen for a wine glass and poured herself a glass.

  “Me too,” Luna said.

  “What do you mean me too?” Marley raised an eyebrow in surprise. “I didn’t think you ever put alcohol in that temple of a body you have.”

  “I rarely ever do, but this is a special occasion. We have to celebrate. Opportunities like the one we’ve been handed don’t come often.”

  Marley chuckled and poured another glass of wine and carried them to the table where the laptops were set up. “When you finish feeding that beast, come over and I’ll get you set up on the internet and wireless printing.”

  “Cool,” Luna put down the rice container.

  “Do you have any ideas for a second fitness instructor?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do, and also for a receptionist/juice bar/laundry person.”

  “Good, do you think you can make contact with them in the morning and see if they are interested?”

  “Yes, I will and I’m sure they will be. Any idea on salaries, if they ask?”

  “I’d say forty for the fitness instructor and twenty-five for our all-around girl. That may seem high, but she won’t be able to tap into the bonus system like the rest of us.”

  “I think that’s reasonable.”

  “Okay Luna, let’s get you set up so you can start earning your keep.”

  “Yes, Boss, I am at your disposal,” Luna reached into her brief case for a notepad filled with lists and placed it on the table. “First though,” she raised her wine glass. “To our future.”

  Marley picked up her glass and gently tapped it against Luna’s. “To our future,” she repeated and took a sip of wine. “You really did good picking this wine.”

  “Thanks, but I must admit I had help from a cute store clerk.”

  “Send her my compliments when you see her again.”

  They worked until almost midnight and drained a large portion of the bottle of wine. When she could no longer hold her head up, Marley looked at Luna. “I think we should call it a night and get some sleep.”

  “One more page to print and I think I will be all set.”

  Marley took a look at the near empty wine bottle and the goofy grin on Luna’s face. “No driving home for you tonight.”

  “I’m okay to drive,” Luna tried to protest.

  “Oh no you are not, little Miss. I’m not a wine drinker. You are staying here tonight.”

  “Yes, Boss.”

  “You will have to sleep with me, but no hanky panky. We both need a good night’s sleep.”

  “You take all the fun out of it. I have to warn you I can’t sleep in clothes.”

  “That’s okay, believe it or not I have seen a naked woman before.”

  “Lead the way then, Ma’am.”

  “The bedroom is straight through there. I’m going to pick up the kitchen quickly and I’ll join you in just a few.”

  “May I help?”

  “No, my kitchen is not big enough for two, but thanks for offering and f
or a great dinner.”

  “You are most welcome,” Luna headed for the bedroom. She turned around and called out. “Marley”

  “Yes, Luna.”

  Luna reached out and pulled Marley into a hug. “I just wanted to say thank you again for including me in this adventure.”

  “You are very welcome. I think we’ll make an unstoppable team.”

  Luna shot her a cockeyed grin. “Yes, we will, Boss.”

  †

  Luna walked into the bedroom. She removed her clothes and piled them beside the bed. A hug? I should have kissed the woman of my dreams. Luna chastised herself. Probably would have gotten a slap or at least a good talking to. She grinned and found she couldn’t help herself. Her face was always sore from smiling so much whenever she was around Marley. Luna pulled the covers back and slipped into the cool sheets and snuggled into the pillow that smelled like Marley.

  †

  Marley placed the containers of leftover food in the fridge and tossed the empty containers in the trash. She rinsed their dishes, placed them in the dishwasher and replaced the cork in the bottle of wine. Her efforts only took about ten minutes, but when she entered the bedroom, she found Luna fast asleep in her bed, a sweet smile playing across her face. Marley walked into the bathroom, undressed, slipping an oversized t-shirt over her head and brushed her teeth. She turned off the light, and carefully climbed into the bed. She rested her head on the pillow and listened to the soft purring of Luna’s breathing as she turned toward the sound and drifted peacefully to sleep.

  Chapter Four

  Marley woke once during the night to find Luna’s head resting on her shoulder and her arm draped comfortably across her stomach. She smiled to herself and had to admit Luna did have a beautiful body and was tempted for a moment to stroke her hand down the smooth skin of her back. She resisted her desires and closed her eyes to drift back to sleep.

  When she awoke hours later her bed was empty and she could hear Luna moving around her kitchen. She crept from the bed and walked in to find Luna in one of her t-shirts working steadily at the stove. “Something smells good.” She rubbed her sleepy eyes.