2
White clouds move into a myriad of shapes as I watch them through the eight-foot windows of Zena’s yacht. One minute a lion, the next a train engine, and then into something phallic, and I smile. Leave it to me to find X-rated amusement in a simple game. “I see you grinning,” Val says from across the giant mahogany coffee table, polished to such a shine I see my reflection. “You have to share.” I look at her from where I recline on the splendidly soft white leather of the couch. I like Val. She is old money and has control over vast amounts of real estate in what used to be the Soviet Union. I believe she might own an entire country even but would never inquire. We never do. Of course, Val is not her real name either. We never use our given names. Just part of the security in place to keep the club anonymous. There are too many devices built for eavesdropping from ridiculously long distances. Even with the wind off Lake Michigan today, which blows quite hard for a sunny day in mid-July, we can’t be too careful. So, I am Madison. It was my great-grandmother's maiden name, and I always liked the sound of it. I mean, if I get to pick a name, I might as well select something I enjoy.
Before I answer Val, Lila joins us with a handsome young waiter in tow. As she takes a seat with her usual grace, the young man with the tray hands out drinks. They are fruity looking but with a hint of green, and I can’t make out what Lila concocted for us this morning. Wary, I accept mine with a nod of thanks to the waiter. I have no qualms about Zena's staff knowing I am there. They are carefully vetted, all sign ironclad nondisclosure agreements, and no cell phones allowed onboard. Not even my own, which is mildly annoying, since I run my media empire from it, but a break for a few hours is welcome too. Once the man leaves, and we are alone, Lila raises an eyebrow. “What did I miss?” she asks, and Val nods in my direction.
“Asking what she is grinning about,” she explains. “While looking absently out the window. At clouds.”
I know I’m not going to get out of answering so I shrug. “One of my favorite toys, all right?” A fleeting thought of last night’s guest straddling me on the bed crosses my mind. My watching as she took me inside her inch by inch. I throb as the delicious memory plays over me.
Clearly not noticing my erotic reverie, Lila immediately leans forward to look out the window at the sky. “Is it gone?” she asks with the playful humor I enjoy in her company. It's incredible actually, how we all act like ordinary people when in each other's presence. I imagine our assistants, employees, and other minions would not even recognize us. Letting out a deep breath, I relax and sip my drink. This has the feel of a great visit. A wash of something unpleasant passes over my tongue, and I swallow with regret as I put the glass on the coaster.
“Dear God, what the fuck is that?”
Lila laughs as she adjusts the flowing folds of her colorful skirt. “An old family secret,” she replies, a twinkle in her eye. “Rejuvenates the spirit.” I shake my head. Considering how vibrant Lila is, especially at her age, I have to believe the potion works. I’m still not drinking the stuff. I raise my hand to signal the young man standing at attention, ready to jump to any request, across the expanse of the recreation room. As he reaches me, I point at the foul beverage.
“Find me a Bloody Mary and get this sludge away from me.” While the waiter complies, Lila laughs so hard she shakes. Val has joined in by now, and I find myself grinning.
“I see I am late to the party,” comes a deep, sensual voice from behind me, thick with a Middle Eastern accent. Zena has arrived. Glancing her way, I take in the serious countenance on her face and am not surprised. Zena is the most paranoid of the lot of us. Considering the price she will pay if her sexuality is ever confirmed, I appreciate her concerns. Still, we all try to help her relax when it is safe to do so. Today, she should be especially satisfied with security. After all, this is her yacht, in the middle of a giant lake, with discreet, yet fully armed security onboard.
“You haven’t missed a thing,” Val assures her. “Come sit. Lila has a special drink for us.” Zena walks with her usual confidence to join us.
“I'm not drinking that green shit if that's what you mean,” she says. “She tried it on me before you arrived. If it were anyone else, I'd have cried poison.” At this, Zena actually smiles and sits in the chair that makes up the edge of our rectangle. Everyone who was able to come is now here. It is a small number, only a third of our members, but we are an elite group and breaking away for even a day, or two is not easy. Empires could rise and fall in a day or two.
My drink arrives, as does one for Zena, the staff obviously knowing her morning beverage of choice and exactly where she is at every second. When we are alone again, I raise mine toward the others. “To good fortune for us all.” The other three join in the toast, and as we tip glasses at each other, I notice Zena is looking me over. “What?” I ask after taking a drink, already knowing the answer. I hoped the woman forgot, but of course, she wouldn't. Not only is Zena not one to ever forget anything, but this is too great an opportunity to gloat to let pass.
“You know what,” Zena answers, her black eyes holding me in a stare. “You lost. And to think, you could have picked the women’s World Cup instead of a stupid boat race.” She laughs softly and as much as I hate losing at anything, seeing her even slight merriment is worth it. Zena does not laugh often. I shake my head in mock disgust and hope the price of my defeat is not too high.
“So, what do you want?” I ask. We never wager money, after all, what would be the point? Instead, we bet tasks. “Or can we go double or nothing?” I know Zena has a soft spot for sports bets and there is always something. Unfortunately, she shakes her dark-haired head.
“No. I have something I want from you.” I see Lila and Val glance at each other. Clearly, they are in on this as well, and I know it must be something especially mischievous. Cursing myself for making a poor choice thinking the US Sailing team could win the damn Ocean Race, I await my fate. Zena tilts her head, her eyes studying my face. “I need you to stop making headlines. Stop fucking everything and settle down.”
Nothing could have shocked me more. None of us are “settled down” necessarily, and although the other three are significantly more discreet in their sexual relationships, I am not alone in having lovers. “Why?” is all I can muster, I am so surprised. Zena nods, and I see the others are doing so as well.
“You’re too out,” Lila explains, her voice gentle. In a way, the compassion in her tone brings home the meaning of the words more than any shout. “You put us all at risk.” I know my companions today are all closeted to some degree or another, but to think anything I do with my personal life impacts them never crossed my mind.
“You’re just so American,” Val adds. “Everything has to be a show.” Again, I can’t take offense as I know she means no disrespect. I’m well aware of America’s reputation, especially with our latest administration.
Leaning back into the cushions, I shake my head. “I’m sorry. Truly. But there isn’t anyone in my life to fit that bill.”
“Surely there is a woman you can pick and step away from the limelight?” Lila asks, and I continue to shake my head.