unforgettable.

Chapter 3

Marji

I stare up at the sign through my windshield. It isn't like it is a flashing neon light advertising a tawdry s*x club. The sign is classy and unobtrusive, a simple notice at the end of a driveway beside the large iron gate. To anyone driving by, it might be thought a private restaurant or a country club. In a way it's both. Back in the day it might have been called a gentlemen's club.

I know about Lace and Leather from my work.

It is an establishment often mentioned in Dr. Kizer's notes as a place for couples to investigate their desires. The private club offers all levels of b**m involvement from voyeurism to active participation. It's also very exclusive. Clients come only through referrals from VIP members and everyone undergoes background checks including medical and psychological records.

While I'm not certain what brought me here tonight, I know it's what I've been thinking about for weeks, months, or maybe even years. Let's be honest, I've been thinking about it since I began working for Dr. Kizer. It was after the Williamses returned from their weeklong getaway that I couldn't shake the thoughts. Their contentment was contagious. It seems a stay in one of Dr. Kizer's cabins is literally just what the doctor ordered.

The cabin isn't an option for me.

Lace and Leather is.

As I transcribed the notes from the Williamses' session after their getaway, it was as if I had been there, a fly on the wall, so to speak. The cabin wasn't their first experience with b**m. Yet it didn't seem as if they were experts, both venturing into this new world together, willingly accepting of and open to its wonders.

The notes describe both of their emotions and feelings. Dr. Kizer is one of the best at getting her clients to express their inner thoughts. She creates a safe environment where they both can share.

The notes from Mrs. Williams are the ones I couldn't forget. The way she described the week was erotic and enticing, as well as intriguing. Another component Dr. Kizer emphasizes is trust. Both parties must trust one another to be open and remain nonjudgmental. She stresses that there are no wrongs or rights in exploration, only missed opportunities.

Trust.

Try.

Be honest about what happens.

Try again or try something else.

From the notes, it seems as though their week was successful on many fronts.

Exploring this world with someone you trust would make entering it together possible. For someone like me who is new and without a trusted partner, I believe Lace and Leather may be my answer. According to Dr. Kizer's notes, the club has clients who will help people like me explore. People who are trusted.

I know that isn't the same thing as my trusting them, but it's a start.

While Dr. Kizer mostly sends couples, according to my research, Lace and Leather also accepts willing singles.

That's me.

A single.

I am not sure what I want to get out of this night or even if I can go through with it. I guess I'm tired of transcribing other people's unforgettable experiences and am ready to have one of my own.

Taking a deep breath, I pull my car back onto the dark, secluded street and turn into the entrance of the long driveway. After I enter a code into the small box near the entrance, the gate before me opens.

I may have facilitated my own invitation. I may have made the email sound like Dr. Kizer was referring one of her clients, including all of the background information as if she were. It was either that or admit to my boss what I wanted to do.

The way I look at it is that my facilitating the referral is kind of the same thing, without the middle man.

Well, that's what I keep telling myself.

My heart thumps faster as the gate slides to the side. Taking a deep breath, my grip on the steering wheel tightens. I press the accelerator and drive forward. The lights of the impressive large building come into view. It's a historic mansion that has been present in this rural area of Wisconsin for over a hundred years. Only in the last fifteen years has it been transformed into a private club.

According to lore, the home was built by a wealthy family who came to this area from Canada. I doubt that when they had this masterpiece of a home constructed they had any idea what it would become. It's not that it is now a blatant, crude s*x club. On the contrary, Lace and Leather is elite. And as I said, you must be a VIP or have a referral to enter.

Thankfully, I have Dr. Kizer's referral.

I slow my car as I approach the front circular driveway. Standing at the bottom of the large sweeping steps is a man in a dark gray uniform. While I usually notice a man in uniform, it's his other accessory that catches my attention. He's wearing a mask. It's black and covers his nose with openings for his eyes, a simple party mask. I suddenly recall Dr. Kizer's instructions. All visitors are to arrive prepared with a form of facial covering, something to keep everyone in attendance anonymous.

Bringing my car to a stop, I roll down my window.

The gentleman doesn't say a word, only reaches for the door handle to help me exit my car and enter Lace and Leather.

My voice quakes. “Um, I'm sorry. I forgot..."

His full lips straighten as he nods. His voice is deep and his enunciation and timbre practiced to the point of perfection. “We've been expecting you."

I blink up at his thick neck and broad shoulders. “Maybe another—"

“This is your first time," he says, not as a question.

Undoubtedly, my trembling grip of the steering wheel and my lack of preparedness all help with his assessment. And then I realize it was the code I was sent, the one I entered. It would make sense that the security for Lace and Leather knows the code of each entering patron.

“It is." My first time. I wave him off. “And it seems that I'm not prepared. Not to worry, I'll come back another time."

Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, he removes a piece of white satin. “White is for first timers. Next time, you will be prepared."

My pulse increases.

That didn't seem like a suggestion.

I fight the urge to reply. Yes, Sir. I will be.

“I-I um..."

He opens the car door and offers me his large gloved hand. “Welcome to Lace and Leather. Our first-time guests are special. I believe Dr. Kizer sent you."

Again, he isn't questioning.

“Yes, she did." As I stand on my high heels, my pulse kicks up even further until my knees wobble. I grip his hand tighter as the skirt of my black dress flutters lightly in the summer breeze. “Honestly, I'm not sure anymore if I should stay."

“I'll show you to Dorothy." With his other hand, he lifts the white satin. “First, you must put this on. I can help." His grin grows. “Unless you've changed your mind and plan to leave."

Peering upward at the majestic mansion, I take in the warm golden glow shining from the windows as the sound of jazz music infiltrates the night air. “Will I...what if...I change my mind?"

“Dorothy will show you around. You are free to leave at any time."

Inhaling, I nod, let go of his hand, and turn away, showing him the back of my head. “Okay, please put on the blindfold."

“It's not a blindfold. Here at Lace and Leather we encourage you to use your senses. Sight is a powerful sense." He eases the white satin over my eyes. Sewn openings fit perfectly over my eyes as the satin covers the top of my nose.

Except that it is white and tied in the back, it covers me as his mask does him.

After it is secured, the gentleman again offers me his hand. “Let me escort you up the stairs. The masks take a while to get used to wearing."

I place my hand in his, aware of how small I feel next to him. “Do you...? Are you...?"

“Not tonight, ma'am. I'm working."

I nod. “Okay. Thank you."

My shoulders straighten as he opens the door inward.

This is it...