Date Night Part 2: The Steak Out – By RighteousQuery

It was a clear and cloudless day in Salem. Perfect weather always beckoned the golf enthusiasts and Abe Carver was no different.  Committed to his weekly session at the driving range was his way of letting go of some steam and perfecting his drive.

Switching from a pitching wedge to his 7 iron, Abe still missed his mark of trying to hit 200 yards. “Damn it,” muttered Abe in disgust.

John approached Abe and set up beside him all smiles. “Abraham!”

Abe just grumbled and set up to hit another ball.

“That kind of day, huh?” asked John.

“That kind of life!” said Abe in a mood. “I come out here to clear my head and get away, and I still get hit from all angles. I hate the invention of cell phones.  You can’t even use that as an excuse anymore.”

John knew all too well about Abe’s plight. It wasn’t so long ago that schedules, demands, cell phones, children and even grandchildren tried to sabotage the eutopia he and Marlena has spent a lifetime building. 

“What’s going on?” asked John as he began to swing beside Abe.

“Paulina Price is what’s wrong,” he said as he hit another ball. Ironically, saying her name while hitting actually yielded an extra 10 yards. 

“Ah, woman trouble. That’s never good.  I’ll take a tooth ache before a problem with the wife,” added John.

Abe hit another ball and increased his drive by 15 yards. “What are you talking about? You and Marlena have been couple goals since I can remember. The only love just as great was Tom and Alice. You two are the same. Nauseatingly adorable,” quipped Abe dryly.

John knew how lucky he was indeed. It was rare to find a love that never got stale or monotonous. Keeping the spark was a challenge, but they made it fun trying to raise the bar. 

“We’ve had our seasons, trust me,” said John as he hit a ball 225 yards. “It just takes communication and work.”

Abe let John’s words marinate.  If he was ever going to take relationship advice from anyone, John Black was a good candidate. John and Marlena had been through hell and back, but they always found their way together. 

“Which reminds me, date night is coming up and I need to really impress my lady. I didn’t tell you she actually cooked for me last week and it was really good,” said John as he drove another ball clearing 230 yards.

Abe watched John’s ball soar through the air and drop leagues beyond his best. “Wait what? Marlena cooked? And you are living to tell the tale?” he asked completely astonished. “I remember once when she cooked for Lexi and me. Roman apologized for weeks.”

“Like I said Abraham, it takes work. I better come up with something quick. I’m running out of time,” said John.

Abe let the words John had just said permeate through his mind. After giving it a little thought, he grabbed his cellphone and smiled. “I hate this thing and yet I am glad to have it.  Thanks buddy. I’m going to give Paulina a call. Try to smooth things out.”

John continued to hit balls when Dr. Wesley passed and stopped by.

“John Black. Fancy meeting you here. Nice day to hit a couple of balls,” he said with an arrogant undertone to his already obnoxious disposition. 

It took everything in John to not use his driver upside Craig Wesley’s head. He stood there before John smug as ever.

“Don’t you have lives to save? Jobs to steal Wesley,” said John without even dignifying Craig with eye contact. “You must be new. It’s not polite to step into a man’s back swing. But you can if you like.” 

Craig Wesley knew all too well where the hostility was coming from. Not only did he try his hardest to fire Marlena after the possession incident, but he had Kayla fired. Needless to say, he wasn’t the most well received resident in Salem right now. 

Abe returned all smiles surprised to see Craig chatting with John. Stiffening a bit, Abe remained the consummate Politian and greeted him. “Dr. Wesley. I take it all is well at University Hospital?”

Craig knew John’s patience had grown thin and it was a good time to exit. Redirecting his focus on Abe, he tried to engage in a few more pleasantries before making his exit. Abe shook his head and chuckled as he watched Craig walk away.

By this time John was extremely tense which showed in his drive.  Barely clearing 200 yards, he grit his teeth.  “That guy. I would love to…,” began John as he stopped himself from completing his thought. “One day though, somebody is going to rake that S.O.B.’s coals over the fire and I want a front row seat.”    

John drove home completely vexed about not having a clear plan on what he was going to do for date night. How could he dazzle a woman that was easy to please and yet needed for nothing? It was John’s mission to put a smile on Marlena’s face and keep it there for the rest of his life.

As he approached the stop light, he happened to gaze across the street and noticed Leo Stark and Dr. Craig Wesley sitting outside having coffee. “You fired Kayla so you could play golf and drink coffee in the middle of the day,” John muttered to himself. “What a peace a work.”

It was date night and although extremely excited, Marlena tried to subdue her enthusiasm because she could recall how anxious she was during her planning phase. Sitting on the sofa while reading one of her latest novels, John entered the room and greeted her with a kiss on the neck. It was something about the right side of Marlena’s neck that got him every time.

“Good morning gorgeous. You are up early,” said John. 

Marlena closed her eyes and sniffed John’s lingering essence as he reluctantly pulled away before stealing a subtle peck on her lips. “I wanted to finish this book before tonight so that I can give you my undivided attention,” said Marlena.

John took a seat beside her and peaked at the title. “The Judge’s List by John Grisham. Any good?” he asked.

“I enjoy a good legal suspense from time to time. I kinda get why you couldn’t say no to the ISA. Minus the danger of course,” said Marlena with her brilliant hazel eyes sparkling behind her new pair of leopard Eyebobs. 

John took her feet and put them in his lap and began to rub them.

“Hmm, that feels nice. Have we already started date night? If so, I need to turn off my phone and put my book down,” said Marlena as she began to relax feeling the pressure on the balls of her feet. 

John didn’t have the heart to admit that he hadn’t completely ironed out the details for tonight, but he was close. For the man that always took care of every detail, he was at a loss. Deep in thought, he continued to seduce Marlena’s arches with his firm touch.

“No honey. Date night starts promptly at 5. However, I do reserve the right to start a few of the festivities a little early,” he said as he kissed the top of her foot.

Marlena smiled and sat her book down. Despite how engrossed she was in her book; John always stole her attention. “And what festivities do you reserve the right to start early?” she asked seductively. 

John swung one of her legs behind him and climbed on top of his wife stealing a passionate kiss. Allowing his tongue to explore her mouth, he pulled back and removed her glasses so that he could see her eyes. Staring at her for a brief moment, he took her in. At 74, she was just as fierce and sexy as the day he saved her from a jerk trying to commit a robbery. 

Ramming his tongue into her mouth, Marlena reciprocated in kind. Running her fingers down his back and pulling him in, she could feel his pulsating manhood begin to rise to a frenzy.

“Mr. Black. Are you trying to seduce me?” Marlena asked hoping that he would say yes.

Feeling her juices begin to stir, Marlena wasn’t prepared to take no for an answer. Making out with John was always the best. More times than not, it led to passionate sex although sometimes getting fondled was enough to get her through the day; provided that she could cash in later.

John spread Marlena’s legs carving a place for him to allow his firm member to grind into her receptive center. Burying his face into the small of her neck, he could feel her pulse racing with anticipation. He began to push his pelvis into hers, commanding her loins to moisten.

Marlena’s hands found themselves underneath John’s T-shirt scratching at the small of his back. The sensation of his rock hardness pushing against her throbbing mound was a clear indication that this was going to be more than just a fondle. Her hands then ran down his backside, gripping his firm ass. 

Opening her bathrobe and peeling it from her body, John began to slowly undress Marlena without missing a beat. He could see her erect nipples protruding beneath her thin satin night gown. Lifting it over her head, he submerged his face into her ample bosom; taking in the faint aroma of her captivating scent.

Feeling the tip of his rod peek above his waistband, Marlena helped by pushing John’s sweatpants just below is waist uncaging his curious python.

“Have I told you how much I love you today,” whispered John.

“Yes, but you haven’t shown me,” replied Marlena as she grabbed his phallus and guided it to her inviting snatch. Taking the tip of John’s member, Marlena rubbed it up and down her salivating lips. 

It wasn’t long before John’s key unlocked Marlena’s door. Sliding into her gently, he pumped into her soft wetness slowly allowing her to adjust to his girth. 

“Hmmm, damn,” she mumbled. “I see you aren’t playing today.” 

Having sex with a well-endowed man always took a little longer to adjust to. Sometimes Marlena could receive all of John with ease and other times, it took a minute.

“You ok?” asked John as he tried to slowly sink himself into her.

Marlena let out a long sigh willing her body to accept John’s determined package.

John groaned and Marlena’s eyes fluttered from the blissful sensation.

“Never better,” she replied before receiving all of him.

John and Marlena violated their sofa with reckless abandon. Engaging in a sensual yet traditional missionary position, the sounds of their flesh pounding into each other enveloped the room. John’s slow and rhythmic thrusts matched her breath as he dug his organ deep into her gut.

Tossing one leg over the back of the sofa, Marlena opened up to him. Resting her hands on John’s shoulders, she watched him glide in and out of her in amazement.

“Gosh you feel so good,” she moaned as he found her spot. “Right there. Oh shit. Don’t stop.”

John looked deep into her eyes as he felt himself approaching his peak. Pumping faster and harder, he watched an expression of euphoria grow across her face.

“Take it, baby. Don’t fight it,” John said. 

That is exactly what Marlena did. Letting go, she allowed John to ravage her wet and slippery walls. Feeling herself about to explode, Marlena grabbed John’s hand and squeezed it for dear life. Digging into his back with her other hand, John lost control.

“DOC!” he cried as fluid shot out of him like a canon. 

Pumping until he released his last drop, John collapsed on his wife blanketing her in sweat. 

Panting and breathless, Marlena seized a moment to take it all in. Pushing strands of hair stuck to her glistening face, she looked at John in amazement. 

“OK, I need a nap,” she said. Looking into John’s eyes and kissing him on the lips, “What got into you?”

“Just an appetizer for tonight,” he said full of confidence. “Tonight, is going to be one for the books baby. I guarantee you; this will be a night you will never forget.

It was 5 on the dot and Marlena dressed in a nice pair of slacks and sweater. Putting the final touches on her makeup, John walked into the bedroom in Jeans and sneakers.

“Nope. Change your clothes. Dress comfortably. I recommend sweats. All black if you have them,” said John.

Completely thrown by her husband’s pivot, Marlena obliged and did what she was told. John tossed a duffle bag on the bed and rubbed his hands together. “Here’s our gear for tonight,” he said. “Some of the stuff, I’ll have to show you how to use, but it’s easy.”

“A bag of gear? John Black, what do you have up your sleeve?” asked Marlena.

“What do I have up my sleeve? Fun! Unadulterated fun and debauchery,” he said pulling her close. “Are you with me?”

“Forever and always,” said Marlena. Intrigued and excited, she grabbed the bag off the bed and asked, “What do I do next?” 

John and Marlena drove to the parking lot of the Salem Athletic Club and backed his truck into a space under a tree. John killed the engine and looked over to his wife, who looked confused but intrigued. 

“Ok, Doc. Operation date night has officially started. Hop out of the truck and look behind that tree. You should find your instructions,” said John.

Marlena smirked at her partner in crime. “What are you up to John Black?” she asked.

John raised his eyebrow and kissed her on the lips. “Tree. Instructions. Now,” he said while tapping his watch.

Marlena jumped out of John’s massive black truck and cautiously looked behind the tree. To her surprise, a manila envelope labeled “TOP SECRET” was perched at the base of the trunk. She grabbed the envelope and hopped back into the truck.

“Ok, I have the envelope. Now what?” asked Marlena full of wonderment.

“Open it,” instructed John.

Marlena opened the envelope and found 2 cell phones, a set of keys and a checklist. She examined the check list and then looked at John quizzically. She turned on the cell phone and to her surprise, there was a text with an audio file attached. Marlena didn’t hesitate to hit play.

Agent Evans, welcome to date night. Your mission, should you choose to except it, is to complete the enclosed items on the provided checklist. You will have a strict schedule to adhere to, as timing is crucial.  As always, should you or any of your accomplices be caught, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This text will self-destruct in ten seconds. Good luck, Marlena. 

The Mission Impossible theme song then began to play as John struck a match and blew it out to create the smoke. “Pretend the phone self-destructed. I’m a little green on the pyrotechnics,” said John. 

Marlena’s eyes lit up with joy. “Are we on a covert mission?” she asked like a kid on Christmas morning. 

John reached in the back seat and grabbed the duffle back extracting a pair of binoculars. Handing them to Marlena, he looked at his watch. Suddenly a black Porsche entered and parked on an aisle about 50 yards away.

“Right on time,” said John.

Marlena peered through the binoculars and focused on the Porsche and driver. To her astonishment, she was shocked to find Dr. Craig Wesley. Dressed in his gym attire, he grabbed his bag and walked into the gym completely unaware that he was being surveyed.

“Dr. Wesley?” asked Marlena. “Our target is Dr. Craig Wesley?” 

“Checklist,” reminded John.

Remembering to stay in character, Marlena looked at the checklist. “Take the keys and move the car to another parking spot?” asked Marlena. “Wait, are we going to get into trouble?” 

“I got it all under control Doc. Time is ticking. You accepted the mission, now hop to it. Take your burner phone and I will be here with you the whole time.  Now hurry up. Wesley is only here for 60 minutes and we have other tasks to complete” encouraged John.

Marlena was hesitant but game. John had never led her astray. If he said that he had everything under control, she could always take his word for it. Marlena took the keys and dashed across the parking lot looking around to make sure she remained undetected. Her burner phone rang.

“Hello?” she answered as she walked across the parking lot.

“What are you wearing?” asked John jokingly.

Marlena laughed nervously as she approached the parked car.  “Right now, flop sweat!  What do you have me doing John Black?”

Popping the lock, Marlena sat in the custom bucket seat of Dr. Wesley’s pride and joy. Stepping on the brake, she fired the ignition and proceeded to put the car into gear. 

“Oh crap!” exclaimed Marlena “It’s a stick shift! I don’t know how to drive a stick shift!” 

John spoke to her calmly over the speaker phone.  “Calm down. We are prepared for this.  I’m going to walk you through it.”

John did just that. Marlena followed his instructions to a tee and was able to get the German sports car in to reverse. Jerking uncontrollably, Marlena rolled back ready to put it in drive.

“Ok what do I do now?” she asked in a panic.

“You got this Doc. Clutch and put the gear shift in into the upper left corner and just roll while gently releasing the clutch while giving it a little gas,” coached John.

Marlena lunged forward and the engine died.  Trying again, she managed to move the car. Jerking with every inch, she parked the car several aisles over but in an identical spot.  Gripping the steering wheel for dear life, she exhaled after putting the car in gear and killed the engine.

“I did it! I did it!” exclaimed Marlena triumphantly. 

“Hold tight Agent Evans. Prepare for extraction,” said John in his ISA voice. He drove to where Marlena was parked and picked her up. Hopping back in the truck and breathless from the adrenaline, she kissed John on the lips and hugged him around his neck.

“Hold on agent. Now its time to make like a tree and leave!” said John childishly as he sped off into the night.

Marlena laughed uncontrollably as they sped down Salem Way. Her face plastered with a permanent smile warmed John’s heart beyond words.

“How did I do?” Marlena asked eagerly.

“Excellent Agent Evans. I guess those spy novels you’ve been reading taught you a thing or two,” said John.

Suddenly, Marlena’s burner phone got a new audio text.

Well done Agent Evans! Now, follow the checklist. You need to complete mission number two. Go to 12 Park Drive. Your keys will give you access. Make sure all of the following tasks are complete. You have 50 minutes.  

“I’m so nervous. Are you sure all of this is ok? I can’t believe you have talked me into this,” she said in disbelief.

“I promise you; we have full support from big brother. You trust me?” asked John.

“Of course, I trust you. With all my heart and soul,” said Marlena. “12 Park Drive it is. Floor it. We have 49 minutes!”

John and Marlena let themselves into 12 Park Drive. It was a nice condo poshly decorated with modern décor with a masculine feel.  Boxes sat in the corner ready to be unpacked. Marlena looked at the checklist to refresh herself of the assignment.

“Ok, we need to swap the sugar for the salt in all of the canisters. I will hit the kitchen. You take the bedroom and add the itching powder to the bed,” she said full of mischief. 

Marlena had no clue how John had managed to get the access to prank Craig Wesley, and although extremely immature beyond measures, it was so fitting and well deserved. She looked into the pantry and just as instructed; the canisters were labeled. Swapping the salt and sugar was done. Now she proceeded to search for the remote control to the television. She removed the batteries and tossed them haphazardly in a nearby drawer and then strategically placed the remote where she found it.

“That one is for Kayla,” she mumbled. 

Oh, to see the look on Craig’s face. Nothing would please Marlena more. Just knowing that she had did her part to give him a little zinger would have to do.  She went into the bedroom to find John making the bed.

“Operation itching powder in the bed is done. Do you have the soap?” asked John.

“The soap?” asked Marlena

“The sudsless soap. Check the bag. There should be some clear nail polish in there. Paint the soap in the shower with it.  After the itching powder…,” began John.

“…Wesley will run straight to the shower!  Brilliant!” finished Marlena with a wicked laugh. 

While in the bathroom sabotaging the soap, John and Marlena heard the door open and a voice talking in the living room.  Freezing in there tracks and full of horror, they began to look around to take cover.

“What do we do? What do we do?” whispered Marlena in a panic. 

John pointed to the walk-in closet. 

“Go in the closet. I’ll find out who it is,” said John.

Marlena went into the closet half terrified and half exhilarated. She felt a since of danger, but eager to complete the mission. This was the most fun that she’d had since she could remember. Being able to recapture a portion of their youth was endearing. Sure, they had broken a few rules, but the pranks were harmless and so deserved.

John peaked into the living room and saw Leo Stark on his cell phone talking to someone.

 “I think its in one of the boxes I haven’t unpacked yet,” said Leo. “I’ll grab it and bring it to you. I love you too, honey.” 

Leo began digging into the box in search of what ever he was asked to procure. 

John went to the closet to update Marlena. “It’s Leo,” he whispered.  “It sounds like he just dropped by to grab something for Craig.  He should be gone shortly.”

Marlena looked at her watch. “We only have 20 minutes,” she said in a panic.

“Relax Doc.  He’s not staying.  He should be leaving in a second.  Wait here,” said John as he went back out to eavesdrop a little more.

Just as Leo was about to leave, his phone rang again. He took a seat on the sofa and began to gossip with the caller.  With their clean getaway delayed, John and Marlena waited pensively in the closet watching the clock.

Taking a seat next to a very nice pair of Italian loafers, John grabbed Marlena’s hand and beckoned her to sit beside him. Holding her close, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a candy bar.

“Snicker?” he offered.

“You want to eat candy right now? I am a renowned psychiatrist hiding in my bosses closet risking breaking and entering and you want to eat a snicker?” said Marlena in a hushed tone. 

“Gotta keep your strength up. Dinner’s not until 7.  You seem to be hangry.  Take a bite,” said John nonchalantly.

Marlena snatched the candy bar from John’s hand taking a bite. Rattling the candy wrapper, John stopped her from taking another bite when he heard Leo enter the bathroom.  Just inches away from the closet where they hid, Leo checked his appearance in the mirror as he babbled into the phone.

“My hairline is not receding thank you very much and I resent the insinuation!” he snapped. 

John peered from a slit in the door and watched Leo inspect his reflection closely. Noticing a stray hair, Leo opened the medicine cabinet to grab a pair of tweezers.

“But I do have a gray strand in my eyebrow and I’m not ready for that!” said Leo. He yanked the hair out and gave himself one last look and then left the bathroom turning off the light leaving John and Marlena in the dark. 

Marlena’s burner phone illuminated the dark closet with another text message. 

Text: You have 10 minutes to compete your mission.  Get out now!

“Despite this little snafu, I am having the time of my life John Black,” said Marlena as she kissed him softly.

“I promised you a lifetime of fun and adventure and that is a promise I intend to keep,” John said exploring Marlena’s mouth with his tongue.

 It wasn’t long before John and Marlena lost themselves and began to make out in the closet. Kissing and necking like hormonal teenagers, they began to let their hands wander; feeling each other up. Cupping her breasts underneath her blouse, John celebrated getting to first base. 

Marlena felt his member jump when she reluctantly pulled away. “We have 5 minutes.  We need to complete the mission and get out of here,” she whispered. 

John shook off the urge to nail his wife and prepared to clear out.  

They heard the click of the front door and were happy to find that Leo had finally left.  They were right behind him making a clean get away, but not before Marlena took the edge of her shirt and began dusting her fingerprints off of the doorknobs.

“Doc, what are you doing?” asked John in a rush.

“Fingerprints! We can’t leave fingerprints!” she said.

John just adored her. He was so overjoyed that this planned caper that he’d wrangled Salem’s best to help him execute was playing out flawlessly. The espionage. The secrecy. The angst. It was all of the attributes that he knew his wife would enjoy.

Taking a scenic drive in the winding hills out of the city, Marlena cuddled into John while listening to “Cruisin” by Smokey Robinson. 

Backing his truck toward a cliff overlooking the Salem skyline, John led Marlena to the truck bed where he had pillows, blankets, a picnic basket and an ice chest with champagne chilling. Taken by her husband’s keen attention to detail, she kissed him passionately and then cuddled into him. 

“This was the most fun I have had in ages. But I have to say, that all of this sneaking around has me famished. What’s for dinner?” asked Marlena.

“Ah, dinner! Coming right up,” said John as he grabbed his cell phone and sent a text. 

Marlena rested her head on his shoulder and looked at the twinkling lights snuggling closely under the blanket.

“I would love to see the look on Craig’s face when he realizes all of the pranks we pulled,” said Marlena.

“You will, baby. I’ve taken care of that too,” John assured her.

Suddenly, a faint humming could be heard nearby. It was a drone hovering near the bed of the truck carrying a bag.

“What in the world?” asked Marlena in complete shock.

“I promised you dinner, didn’t I?” said John grabbing the bag and waving the drone off.

John reached into the picnic basket and grabbed the plates and cutlery. 

Marlena’s burner phone went off again with a video now attached.  She opened the message and was happy to see Nancy Wesley sitting behind a desk smiling.

Congratulations Agent Evans on a mission well done. I appreciate you taking care of a little dirty work on my behalf. Please allow me to show my gratitude with a spectacular meal courtesy of Salem’s finest steak house with all the fixings.  Stay tuned for the uploaded footage of Craig Wesley meeting his match. Bon appetite. Mission Complete. 

Marlena smiled from ear to ear and kissed John passionately.

“I am so in love with you.  You got Nancy involved?” she asked in amazement.

“And a few others. Nancy still co-owns the condo and Porsche, so it wasn’t a B&E. I got Johnny to grab dinner and drop it off. I had Shawn on standby just in case we got arrested,” said John as he served his wife a savory steak with a twice baked potato loaded with sour cream, butter and chives. 

He then popped the cork on the champagne and allowed it to explode all over them to celebrate a job well done.

“Hmm, I love that sound.  Sounds like a party is about to start,” said Marlena. “And steaks? It smells delicious.”

“Well darling, I figure the best way to end a successful stakeout is to pull the steaks out,” said John.

All of a sudden, another text appeared on the burner phone. It was footage of Craig walking around the parking lot looking for his car scratching his head. Then his home security camera showing him sitting on his sofa sipping his coffee and then spitting it out while trying to get the remote to turn on the TV.

Mission Complete.