Fierce

Chapter Two-2

“You know Alexa, my family was the old school. My father and mother both worked, but Dad never helped around the house or changed a diaper! He wasn’t an egotistical male by any means, and it seems Mom enjoys serving him. It’s almost as though society and culture expect women to serve men. If she was bitter about it, I never really got that vibe.” “People chose independence or dependence and I assume your Father was the breadwinner.” “Yeah, he made more money than Mom his entire career. In fact, if Mom had ambition, I never really saw that either. She was a demure and beautiful woman in her care of him and us kids.” “Did you ever consider that society never gave her better options than menial positions with low pay? In that culture, society only views women as glorified servants to their husbands, so why would an employer risk an important position to a woman. Imagine a key employee comes to you one day and announces her pregnancy. Now you wonder if her husband will allow her to come back to work!”

“Holy crap I never thought about that! It would also be hard to come back to work and manage taking care of a baby.” I added. “Exactly, without childcare, the family may find itself in a difficult financial position. Also, in that culture masculinity finds it impossible to admit if the woman is better suited to be the provider. So, the macho man may insist his wife stay home and rear the baby. I admit men of that culture were not trained to be domestic, but it’s a big problem.” “Are the ladies of FLA trying to address this cultural issue?” I asked. “Yes, in part, we need to reinvent men and provide support to women who need equipping for success. However, our mission includes providing real support to emotionally and physically abused women. They laid out their vision, and it excited me they chose me to lead their philanthropic endeavors. In fact, I recruited Tiffany, and she has provided great insights into reinventing men. I started a company with FLA support called Distinctive Developments. It’s funny that people know us as Double D now. I think because Tiff and I have generous bodice, this is a male way of trying to downplay our success. We are successful and we have designed and built many large-scale projects. One of our projects is the Center for Women.” Intrigued I asked, “What is the Center for Women?”

Alexa smiled huge and I could tell she was glad I asked the question. “It was my first real project. We bought several acres of land outside Dallas and constructed buildings. There are dorm rooms, classrooms, social rooms, playgrounds and exercise rooms. We designed the complex to be an oasis for women and their children victimized by men. Not only do we offer a place for them to live but they receive college type classes and/or technical trade style training. We encourage them to better themselves and are welcome to stay until they can get a career type job capable of supporting themselves and their children.” She sat back and took a sip of wine with a very satisfied look on her face. “So, you said they can stay until they get the education necessary to rejoin the working world?” I inquired. “Yes, and depending upon the path they chose, it can be a four-year degree, so some stay for 4 years. We have our first crop of women with a bachelor’s degree ready to graduate next spring.” “This coming spring marks the first group to leave the Center for Women?” I asked, astonished. “No, we have had some attrition and also some who got certificates and left to pursue their independence.”

“Wow, Alexa, that is amazing. You have really been busy since we parted ways in Ohio. I have a question though.” “Shoot.” “This facility could not have been cheap and teachers, food, utilities, etc., can’t be cheap.” “Your question is, who pays for all of this? Great question one we are still looking for an answer to.” “You must kid the Center for Women is borrowing money to survive?” “No heavens no, we teach our charges to never go into debt. Most just left a life of oppression, and we want them to be free and independent. The answer is the FLA. The association considers this an investment into the future of womankind.” “If the FLA has deep enough pockets to fund such a venture and is willing why did you say you are still looking for the answer to funding?” “Because my pretty James the cost of this venture is staggering and about to become more so. We have far too many women who need help and far too little space. In addition, the FLA are fabulously wealthy as a group, but their wealth is not infinite. Our goal is to use the Amway model in a way. Our model is to create a community and develop the community. We hope to create a base of independent women and help them land great careers. We want them to be so successful that they will gladly give back a small amount of their income to the Women’s Center. The FLA is patient, but they too would like to scale back their contributions to match those of the graduates. I hope to pay back their initial investments in time.”

“Alexa, I know we talked of ways to empower women in college, but this is much grander than I could have conceived. You really are amazing and know no bounds.” “I wish I could take all the credit James but it’s really a beautiful team effort. The FLA made it possible and they are women of distinction. Their lives were opulent mostly but unfulfilling because they did not have relationships with their husbands that were healthy. Now that their husbands passed, they want to provide a path of wealthy independence for any woman who wants to work for it.” “Do some women get kicked out of the Center?” “Yes, but very few. Our highly motivated staff work diligently. Unfortunately, there are some women who just don’t want to work for their future.” “Well it appears you have done rather well for yourself at Double D.” “James make no mistake Tiff and I have high expectations from the board of directors. They are all FLA and do not want to waste their money. If Tiff or I do not meet their expectations, they could easily replace us.” “Wow they sound ruthless!” Alexa stiffened, and I noticed her eyes narrowed in extreme concentration. “They are not ruthless in any way; In fact, they are extremely nurturing. That is why I believe we are so successful. In our approach to business and life, we have eradicated all toxic masculinity and refuse to get ahead using the dog eat dog tactics that men commonly use. We do not sabotage one another to gain an edge.” “Alexa, I didn’t mean to imply a negative…. It just sounded like they were ruthless if they would turn over a star like yourself.” Alexa relaxed a little and took a breath. “James, I didn’t mean to lecture you. I know you are a feminist and I should give you the benefit of the doubt. I still remember your boundless enthusiasm and energy at the Female Empowerment Movement (FEM) meetings in college. Did you know I fell in love with you? Your courage in the sexist’s face’s, deluded men and women was inspiring. I have missed you so much!” I slumped a little as she reminded me of our college days and the innocence of wanting to change the world. I didn’t spend much thought on Female Empowerment over the last few years. My face must have turned red as I wondered to myself if my enthusiasm was more about Alexa and less about the movement.

Alexa may have picked up on my unspoken personal rebuke as she said. “James don’t worry about the past, let’s concentrate on the present and our future. I know that you have a good heart and tremendous self-confidence and courage. I told you, I fell in love with you and I never lost that feeling!” Alexa watched me carefully waiting for a response, but I didn’t know how to respond. She rose to the occasion. “I know this, and I can overwhelm, and you will have lots of decisions to make. You will need all of your courage if we will work. But I promise the rewards will be so delicious if you trust me.” “Alexa, I trust you because I know your character. But I am still curious about what you meant when you said they could replace you or Tiff.”

“Let me give you an example. The FLA is bidding a new bigger better Center for Women. They could easily have just handed Double D the contract, but they are making us compete.” “Did you win the competition?” “We don’t know yet. We are one of the two finalists. Tiff and I are meeting with the FLA and our last competitor Monday morning. You know how much I hate to lose! Here I would lose to a sexist man named Bert. So, I think we need to set aside business and move to what I really need.” “Ok sounds great. What do you really need?” “I need to get laid! Do you know anyone who might help?” I just about fell off the loveseat. “Yes, I could probably find hundreds but choose me.” I nearly squealed raising my hand high and bobbing on the love seat. Alexa took my raised hand and moved closer, locking her lips on mine. Her tongue penetrated my mouth and gently explored. I returned her kiss, making little moaning noises. She leaned me back and continued to drive me crazy with her unorthodox kissing style. I was swooning never had she or any other woman made me feel so vulnerable.

She pulled away from my lips and looked me deep in the eyes. I could see the smoldering lust and felt like a hunted animal. Oddly enough, I was afraid to move and break this incredible spell. She snickered at my obvious confusion and moved her lips to my neck. She began kissing my neck gently. Her hand moved to my crotch, and she gave me a little squeeze. My p***s was fully erect, and she made a noise similar to a growl. She quit kissing me and looked me straight in the eyes and stated factually. “I will own this!” Once again, she gave my very erect p***s a squeeze to ensure I understood her statement. Then she stood up and said, “I need you to take a shower you had a long day and taste salty. I like salty ok, but you may remember I prefer sweet.” “Sounds great!” I followed her to the hall that led to the bedroom. I was disappointed because she had my temperature near red line and now, I would have to wait.