DOUBLE LIFE

Episode 2

The Birthday Gift

Embouchure & VV

Artcover: Kseniya Apresian

Copyright: BERLINABLE

Berlinable invites you to leave all your fears behind and dive into a world where sex is a tool for self-empowerment.

Our mission is to change the world - one soul at a time.

When people accept their own sexuality, they build a more tolerant society.

Words to inspire, to encourage, to transform.

Open your mind and free your deepest desires.

All rights reserved. It is not permitted to copy, distribute or otherwise publish the content of this eBook without the express permission of the publisher. Subject to changes, typographical errors and spelling errors. The plot and the characters in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to dead or living people or public figures is not intended and are purely coincidental.

The Birthday Gift

I've figured out where she's taking me for dinner. I scoped it out for, well, I have my reasons... It's a swanky place in Portland, right near the downtown district. Close enough to feel urban, yet far enough from the city center to avoid the traffic and the extortionate cost of parking. COVID-19 still ravages the community, so dine-in is allowed, but in very limited numbers. I've also made another reservation for another couple at the same time. A reservation that my wife is blissfully unaware of.

Upon arriving, I speak with the host in private and inform him that some friends of mine are having a special night out. They'd really like the same table they had last time they were here. I point to the one and slyly hand off a $50 bill; a tip to make sure it happens. The host responds with a smile and a slight nod of his head. An unspoken recognition of what can only be described as a bribe. I’m surprised with how comfortable I am with doing this. Then again, over the past few months I’ve done things I never imagined most men get to do. Especially married ones. The ease with which the handoff occurred makes me wonder how often similar situations take place here. I suppose the crowds that tend to partake in this level of fine dining would certainly have the secrets and affluence to warrant bribing the staff here and there.

I return to my table and take the seat across the small booth from my wife. She looks lovely this evening in her modest navy blue dress. She even styled her hair differently for me tonight - in an attempt to make my birthday dinner special. Her way to try to spice things up between us. But my mind wanders tonight, and I can’t help but to wonder what she is wearing right now. The one who truly occupies my thoughts. A pang of guilt briefly crosses my mind. The love I have for my wife remains, but no matter how many times I try, I can’t get her to understand that a new hairstyle isn’t what I crave in my sex life.