THE WOMAN IN RED

Strangers Until Morning

Saturday Night — A Celebration for One

Natalie Brooks looked at her phone and sighed.

SORRY, NAT! SOMETHING CAME UP. I FEEL TERRIBLE. RAIN CHECK NEXT WEEKEND?

Her old school friend Jennifer had canceled.

They hadn't seen each other in nearly three years, and Natalie had been looking forward to a proper reunion. Dinner, drinks, gossip, and perhaps a little dancing.

Instead, she was sitting alone at the bar of the luxurious Carlton Grand Hotel, wearing a beautiful little black dress and a pair of expensive new heels.

"Wonderful," she muttered.

She typed a reply.

NO PROBLEM. NEXT WEEKEND IT IS.

At twenty-eight, Natalie had plenty to celebrate.

She had recently moved to Chicago after accepting the best job offer of her life. On Monday morning, she would begin her new position as executive secretary to the head of a major international corporation.

The salary was excellent, the opportunities even better, and she had every intention of making a success of it.

Unfortunately, her new apartment was still full of cardboard boxes.

She had spent most of Saturday unpacking and had looked forward to an evening away from the mess.

Now she was wondering whether to finish her wine and go home.

Then a woman in red entered the lounge.

And Natalie's evening changed completely.

A Woman Who Always Got What She Wanted

Vivian Harrington was forty-five, extraordinarily beautiful, and very good at recognizing an opportunity.

She was even better at creating one.

She had spent years cultivating a comfortable double life.

To the world, she was Mrs. Vivian Harrington, elegant wife of a wealthy and successful businessman.

On certain evenings, however, she became someone else.

Victoria.

An attractive widow who traveled frequently, enjoyed expensive hotels, and had a particular weakness for younger women.

Victoria had no husband, no obligations, and no intention of explaining herself.

Vivian had learned long ago that confidence was considerably more attractive than hesitation.

She never approached a woman wondering whether she might be successful.

She approached because she had already seen enough to believe the attraction would be mutual.

And the young blonde sitting alone at the bar was particularly promising.

Beautiful legs. Lovely face. Elegant black dress.

And a disappointed expression.

Vivian smiled.

Well, darling, perhaps we can do something about that.

She walked directly toward Natalie.

"You're far too beautiful to be sitting here looking so miserable."

Natalie looked up, startled.

"Excuse me?"

"I said you're beautiful. And miserable. I can probably do something about the second."

Natalie laughed despite herself.

"Can you?"

"I'm quite certain."

Vivian extended her hand.

"Victoria."

"Natalie."

"Lovely name. Now, Natalie, I'm going to sit beside you, buy you another drink, and find out why such a gorgeous woman is spending Saturday evening alone."

Natalie raised an eyebrow.

"You're rather confident."

"Would you prefer nervous?"

"No."

"Good. Neither would I."

Vivian settled onto the neighboring stool.

"And before you ask, I'm forty-five, widowed, unattached, and very interested in women. Particularly beautiful blonde women who look as though they need cheering up."

Natalie stared at her.

Then she laughed.

"Good heavens! Do you always introduce yourself like that?"

"Only when I see something I want."

"And what do you want?"

Vivian looked directly into her eyes.

"Your company tonight. Preferably until breakfast tomorrow."

Natalie nearly dropped her glass.

"Well!"

"Too direct?"

"Not at all. Just..."

"Unexpected?"

"Very."

Vivian smiled.

"Then perhaps Saturday is looking up already."

Natalie studied the extraordinary woman sitting beside her.

The perfectly arranged auburn hair. The magnificent red dress. The expensive jewelry. The beautiful, knowing smile.

And those eyes.

Victoria seemed utterly comfortable with herself.

She didn't fidget. Didn't search for words. Didn't glance nervously around the room.

When she looked at Natalie, she gave her complete attention.

Natalie found it intoxicating.

"You're dangerous," she said.

Vivian laughed.

"Oh, darling. You have no idea."

No Time for Small Talk

Twenty minutes later, they had moved to a comfortable sofa near the windows.

Vivian sat close enough that their knees touched.

She had ordered another glass of wine for Natalie and a second red for herself.

"So," Vivian asked, "are you celebrating something?"

"Actually, yes."

"Wonderful. What?"

"A new beginning."

"How mysterious."

Natalie smiled.

"I recently moved here. Things are finally going my way."

"Then we should celebrate properly."

"I thought that's what we were doing."

"Oh, darling. We've barely started."

Natalie laughed.

"Do you always know exactly what to say?"

"Usually."

"That must be useful."

"Extremely."

Vivian placed her hand gently on Natalie's knee.

"Tell me about the men in your life."

"There aren't any."

"Excellent."

"Women?"

"None of those either."

"Even better."

Natalie looked amused.

"You're really not subtle, are you?"

"Why should I be? You're attractive. I'm attracted to you. And unless I'm badly mistaken, the feeling is mutual."

Natalie smiled.

"You're not mistaken."

"Good. I dislike wasting time on misunderstandings."

"How do you know I'm interested in older women?"

Vivian laughed.

"Darling, you've been looking at my mouth for the last five minutes."

Natalie blushed.

"Have I?"

"Repeatedly."

"Well, perhaps you have a very attractive mouth."

"Perhaps you'd like to find out."

Natalie looked directly at her.

"Perhaps I would."

Vivian's smile widened.

She enjoyed this part.

The moment when a woman stopped pretending to be merely polite and admitted what she wanted.

And Natalie was delightfully responsive.

"Tell me something, beautiful," Vivian said. "Do you prefer being kissed unexpectedly, or would you like a little warning?"

Natalie laughed softly.

"A little warning might be nice."

"Excellent."

Vivian leaned closer.

"I'm going to kiss you now."

Natalie's heart was racing.

"Are you?"

"Unless you'd rather I didn't."

Natalie shook her head.

"I'd be very disappointed if you didn't."

Vivian kissed her.

Gently at first.

Then again, lingering a little longer.

When they separated, Natalie looked positively dazzled.

"Oh, wow."

Vivian smiled.

"Satisfactory?"

Natalie laughed.

"Can we try that again?"

"Darling, I was hoping you'd ask."

A Very Convenient Hotel Room

By ten o'clock, Natalie had forgotten all about Jennifer.

She had forgotten the cardboard boxes too.

In fact, she was having considerable difficulty remembering anything except the extraordinary woman sitting beside her.

Vivian knew exactly how to make her feel beautiful.

A compliment delivered at precisely the right moment.

A gentle touch.

A knowing smile.

A question that seemed casual but somehow revealed something deeply personal.

And always that extraordinary confidence.

Eventually Natalie asked, "Are you staying in Chicago long?"

"Not particularly."

"Where do you live?"

"Oh, I move around quite a bit, darling. I get terribly restless staying in one place."

"That sounds exciting."

"It has its advantages."

Vivian glanced toward the clock.

Then back at Natalie.

"I have a confession."

Natalie smiled.

"Another one?"

"I've been thinking about taking you upstairs."

Natalie laughed.

"You really don't believe in wasting time."

"No. Especially not when I'm enjoying myself."

"And what makes you think I'd go upstairs with you?"

Vivian smiled.

"The fact that you've been holding my hand for the last twenty minutes and haven't looked at another person in the room."

Natalie glanced down.

She was indeed holding Vivian's hand.

"That's rather convincing evidence."

"I thought so."

"And suppose I say yes?"

"Then I intend to make this a night you'll remember."

Natalie looked at her for a moment.

"Victoria?"

"Yes, darling?"

"I think I'd like that very much."

Vivian smiled.

"Good girl."

She squeezed Natalie's hand.

"Now, would you excuse me for a few minutes?"

Natalie looked surprised.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to take care of something."

"You're not leaving?"

"Absolutely not. I've only just found you."

Natalie smiled.

"Then hurry back."

Vivian leaned forward and kissed her.

"Don't disappear, beautiful."

"I won't."

Vivian rose, collected her handbag, and walked out of the lounge.

But she didn't go to the ladies' room.

She went directly to the hotel reception desk.

"Good evening," she said pleasantly. "I'd like a room for tonight."

The clerk smiled.

"Certainly, madam."

"Something rather nice. A suite, preferably."

The clerk checked the computer.

"We have a junior suite available on the eighth floor."

"Perfect."

Vivian produced her credit card.

A few minutes later, she had the key to Room 826.

"Enjoy your stay, Mrs. Harrington."

"Thank you, darling."

Vivian slipped the key into her handbag.

Then she checked her phone.

A message from Richard.

DINNER RUNNING LATE. DON'T WAIT UP.

Vivian smiled.

She typed her reply.

I MAY STAY DOWNTOWN TONIGHT, DARLING. THINK I'LL DO A LITTLE SHOPPING TOMORROW. DON'T EXPECT ME FOR BREAKFAST. ENJOY YOUR EVENING.

A perfectly ordinary message.

Richard had received variations of it dozens of times over the years.

Shopping trips. Spa weekends. Visits with girlfriends. An unexpected overnight stay.

He rarely questioned them.

And Vivian had become remarkably skilled at keeping her two lives separate.

She checked her reflection in the polished brass beside the elevator.

Smoothed her dress.

Adjusted an earring.

Then smiled.

Time to collect my beautiful blonde.

The Eighth Floor

Natalie's face brightened when Victoria returned.

"There you are!"

"Miss me, darling?"

"Terribly."

Victoria smiled, settled beside her, and took her hand.

"Well, beautiful, have you given any more thought to my invitation?"

Natalie laughed.

"I've thought about little else since you mentioned it."

"Then I suggest we stop wasting a perfectly lovely Saturday night sitting in a bar."

Natalie smiled mischievously.

"And what exactly do you suggest instead?"

Victoria leaned close enough to whisper in her ear.

"I suggest you come upstairs with me, let me kiss you properly, and spend the night in my arms."

Natalie blushed.

"Good heavens, Victoria. You really don't hold back, do you?"

"Not when I know what I want."

"And what do you want?"

Victoria looked directly into her eyes.

"You, darling. All night. And preferably Sunday morning too."

Natalie laughed, delighted.

"That sounds like a rather ambitious schedule."

"I assure you, I'm very good at organizing my evenings."

"I'm beginning to believe you."

Victoria stood and extended her hand.

"Come along, beautiful."

Natalie took it without hesitation.

And before the elevator had even reached the third floor, she was already kissing Victoria.

Vivian laughed against her lips.

"Well! Someone's impatient."

"You started this."

"I certainly did."

"And I'm very glad."

Vivian drew her closer.

"So am I."

Their next kiss lasted until the elevator announced the eighth floor.

Natalie was still smiling when the doors opened.

"You're going to ruin my lipstick," Vivian complained.

"Would you like me to stop?"

"Absolutely not."

They walked down the corridor hand in hand.

At Room 826, Vivian paused.

"One last chance to change your mind, beautiful."

Natalie stepped closer.

"Victoria?"

"Yes?"

"Open the door."

Vivian laughed.

"Oh, I do like you."

The Woman Beneath the Sheets

The suite was magnificent.

An enormous bedroom, luxurious furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the illuminated city, and a bed that looked almost impossibly inviting.

Natalie stopped just inside.

"Oh, my goodness."

"Do you approve?"

"It's beautiful."

Vivian placed her handbag on a table.

"So are you."

Natalie laughed.

"Do you ever stop?"

"Not when I'm enjoying myself."

She approached Natalie and kissed her again.

After a while, Vivian stepped back.

"Darling, why don't you freshen up? The bathroom is through there. You'll find a robe inside."

Natalie smiled.

"Giving orders already?"

"Making suggestions."

"Very confident suggestions."

"Naturally."

Natalie laughed and disappeared into the bathroom.

Vivian watched the door close.

Then she smiled to herself.

There was absolutely no reason to waste another minute.

She removed her jewelry, slipped out of her red dress, arranged it neatly over a chair, and settled into the enormous bed.

By the time Natalie emerged from the bathroom wearing a soft cream-colored robe, Vivian was comfortably beneath the white sheets.

Waiting.

Natalie stopped in the doorway.

"Oh!"

Vivian smiled.

"Hello, beautiful."

Natalie laughed.

"Well, you're certainly comfortable."

"Extremely."

"You didn't waste any time."

"Darling, I've been looking forward to this since I first saw you."

Natalie leaned against the doorframe.

"And what exactly are you looking forward to?"

Vivian looked directly into her eyes.

"Having you here beside me."

Natalie blushed.

Vivian held out her hand.

"Come here."

Natalie approached the bed.

"You're rather sure I'll do whatever you ask."

"Not whatever I ask, darling. Only what you want to do."

"And what makes you think I want to join you?"

Vivian smiled.

"Because you're standing beside the bed looking at me as though you're wondering why you're still wearing that robe."

Natalie burst out laughing.

"Good heavens! You're impossible!"

"Am I wrong?"

Natalie considered the question.

Then she smiled.

"Not even slightly."

Vivian lifted the edge of the sheets.

"Then come here, beautiful."

Natalie slipped out of the robe and joined her beneath the covers.

Vivian drew her close.

For a moment, they simply looked at each other.

"Victoria?"

"Yes, darling?"

"You're the most extraordinary woman I've ever met."

Vivian smiled.

"And you're the most delightful surprise I've had in a very long time."

Natalie kissed her.

The bedside lamp went dark.

And Room 826 became the beginning of a night Natalie would never forget.

Sunday Morning — Not Just Yet

Natalie woke to sunlight streaming through the curtains.

For a moment, she couldn't remember where she was.

Then she turned her head.

Vivian was sleeping peacefully beside her.

And Natalie remembered everything.

She smiled.

Oh, my goodness.

What a night.

She was exhausted.

Completely, wonderfully exhausted.

And happier than she could remember being in years.

She glanced at the clock.

Almost eleven.

"Good heavens," she whispered.

Vivian stirred.

"What's wrong, darling?"

"Nothing. It's just terribly late."

Vivian opened one eye.

"Is the hotel on fire?"

"No."

"Has someone declared war?"

"No."

"Then come back here."

Natalie laughed.

"You're impossible."

"Yes, darling. You've mentioned that."

Vivian drew her closer.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Wonderfully."

"Any complaints?"

"Not a single one."

"Excellent."

Natalie kissed her.

They remained in bed, talking and laughing until breakfast arrived.

Vivian had ordered coffee, fruit, pastries, and enough food for a small party.

Natalie looked at the enormous tray.

"Good heavens! Are we expecting guests?"

"Absolutely not. I'm not sharing you."

Natalie laughed.

They ate in bed, talked about their favorite places, their tastes in music, and the differences between being twenty-eight and forty-five.

Vivian was particularly amused by Natalie's enthusiasm for her new life in Chicago.

"You sound very excited about it," she said.

"I am. I really think things are going to be different for me here."

"I'm sure they will, darling."

Natalie leaned over and kissed her.

"They already are."

Vivian smiled.

She knew exactly what Natalie meant.

And ordinarily, she would have discouraged the sentiment.

But the young woman was charming, enthusiastic, and genuinely affectionate.

Vivian decided to enjoy the attention.

Eventually Natalie glanced at the time.

"Oh, dear."

"What?"

"I really ought to go home."

Vivian looked offended.

"Why?"

"My apartment is still full of boxes."

"Boxes?"

"Yes."

"Cardboard boxes?"

Natalie laughed.

"Yes, Victoria. Cardboard boxes."

Vivian shook her head.

"Absolutely not."

"Absolutely not what?"

"You are not abandoning me for cardboard boxes."

Natalie laughed.

"I have to finish unpacking. Tomorrow's an important day."

"Then you'll need to be properly rested."

"Exactly."

Vivian smiled.

"And you think leaving this beautiful bed is going to help?"

Natalie gave her a look.

"You're twisting my argument."

"Very successfully, I think."

Nevertheless, Natalie climbed out of bed.

She collected her little black dress, slipped it on, and sat on the edge of the mattress to put on her heels.

Vivian watched her with open admiration.

"Natalie."

"Yes?"

"Look at me."

Natalie turned.

Vivian smiled.

"You're beautiful."

Natalie blushed.

"Thank you."

"And you have absolutely no reason to hurry."

"Except my apartment."

"Darling, your apartment has waited this long. It can survive another hour."

Natalie laughed.

"You're terrible."

"Quite."

Vivian pulled back the sheets beside her.

"Come back to bed."

Natalie looked at her.

Then at her shoes.

Then back at Vivian.

"Victoria..."

"Yes, beautiful?"

"You're making this very difficult."

Vivian smiled.

"That's entirely intentional."

Natalie shook her head.

Then she laughed.

"Oh, to hell with the boxes!"

She kicked off her heels.

Vivian opened her arms.

"That's my girl."

Natalie climbed back beneath the sheets.

And the unpacking would simply have to wait.

A Perfectly Lovely Goodbye

It was nearly three o'clock when Natalie finally left the bed for good.

This time Vivian made no attempt to stop her.

Instead, she watched affectionately as Natalie dressed.

"You're quite extraordinary, you know," Vivian said.

Natalie smiled.

"You're not exactly ordinary yourself."

"Thank goodness for that."

Natalie finished fastening her shoes and sat beside her.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Natalie asked quietly, "Will I see you again?"

Vivian had expected the question.

It usually came eventually.

She touched Natalie's cheek.

"I don't know, darling."

"Because you're leaving Chicago?"

"Yes."

Another effortless lie.

Natalie nodded.

"I understand."

Vivian smiled.

"Let's not spoil a wonderful weekend worrying about what happens next."

"All right."

"Did you enjoy yourself?"

Natalie laughed.

"Victoria, I think I've enjoyed myself more than I ever have in my entire life."

"Then that's what you should remember."

Natalie leaned forward and kissed her.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For making me feel special."

Vivian smiled.

"You are special, darling."

And for a brief moment, she almost meant it more than she intended.

Natalie stood.

"Goodbye, Victoria."

"Goodbye, beautiful."

At the door, Natalie turned back.

"One more thing."

"Yes?"

"If you ever come back to Chicago, look me up."

Vivian smiled.

"Perhaps I will."

Neither woman exchanged a surname or telephone number.

Natalie had accepted that their wonderful weekend was a temporary adventure.

And Vivian had no intention of allowing it to become anything else.

When the door closed, she reached for her phone.

Another message from Richard.

HOPE YOU FOUND SOMETHING NICE SHOPPING. SEE YOU TONIGHT.

Vivian smiled.

FOUND SOMETHING ABSOLUTELY LOVELY, DARLING. SEE YOU LATER.

She placed the phone on the bedside table.

Another successful weekend.

Another delightful memory.

And, she assumed, another woman she would never see again.

Monday Morning — A New Beginning

Natalie Brooks arrived at Harrington International at eight-fifteen sharp.

She wore an elegant beige business suit, a crisp white blouse, and fashionable heels that made her feel considerably more confident than she actually was.

Her blonde hair was neatly arranged, her makeup immaculate, and her new leather handbag contained everything she thought a successful executive secretary might possibly need on her first day.

She was nervous.

Very nervous.

But excited.

This was the opportunity she had worked toward for years.

She had spent Sunday evening finishing her unpacking, preparing her clothes, and studying the information her new employer had sent her.

Occasionally, her thoughts had drifted back to Victoria.

To the hotel lounge.

The elevator.

The beautiful suite.

And the extraordinary woman who had turned a disappointing Saturday into an unforgettable weekend.

She smiled to herself.

What a woman.

Then she straightened her shoulders and approached reception.

"Good morning. I'm Natalie Brooks. I'm starting today as executive secretary to Mr. Harrington."

The receptionist smiled.

"Of course, Miss Brooks. Welcome to Harrington International."

A few minutes later, an older woman approached.

"Miss Brooks? I'm Patricia Morgan, executive office manager."

"Lovely to meet you."

"Please come with me. Mr. Harrington is expecting you."

They rode the private elevator to the executive floor.

Patricia explained the office procedures, the staff organization, and the importance of discretion.

"Mr. Harrington is extremely busy," she said. "His schedule changes constantly. You'll be handling confidential correspondence, travel arrangements, and personal appointments as well as his executive calendar."

Natalie nodded.

"Of course."

"He's demanding, but fair. You'll find him very professional."

"That's good to hear."

They reached the executive offices.

Patricia knocked on a large mahogany door.

"Mr. Harrington? Your new secretary is here."

"Excellent. Send her in."

Natalie entered.

Richard Harrington was a distinguished man in his mid-fifties, with silver hair and the confident manner of someone accustomed to being obeyed.

He stood and offered his hand.

"Miss Brooks. Welcome aboard."

"Thank you, Mr. Harrington. I'm delighted to be here."

"Your references were excellent. I believe you'll be a great addition to our team."

"I certainly intend to do my best."

He smiled.

"I'm sure you will."

They discussed her responsibilities for several minutes.

Natalie was beginning to relax.

Everything was going beautifully.

Then someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," Richard called.

The door opened.

A woman entered wearing an elegant ivory business suit, exquisite jewelry, and a pair of spectacular designer heels.

Richard looked up and smiled.

"Ah, darling. Perfect timing."

Natalie turned toward the visitor.

The woman stopped.

For the briefest moment, her expression changed.

Richard rose from his chair.

"Natalie, there's someone I'd like you to meet."

He walked around his desk and placed an affectionate hand on the woman's back.

"This is my wife, Vivian Harrington."

Natalie's smile vanished.

Vivian?

Her name wasn't Victoria?

His wife?

The woman who had pursued her so confidently on Saturday night.

The woman who had claimed to be a widow.

The woman who had held her in bed until Sunday afternoon.

Natalie's eyes widened.

Her breath caught in her throat.

"Oh, my God."

THE END

Was everything Victoria had told her a lie? Could Natalie possibly work for the husband of the woman she'd spent the weekend with? And what would happen now that the woman who controlled every encounter had finally lost control?