CHAPTER FIVE
The next few days were sheer torture for Betty. Every waking moment, her brain was taunted with images of her wanton submission to Harvey Peterson's lewd fingering, and her ears seemed to be filled with her lascivious moans of pleasure. She couldn't seem to focus her attention on anything, and she couldn't shake loose from her brain the horrible memory of how she had acquiesced so easily to the modeling agent's manipulation. But even that wasn't the worst part, as far as Betty was concerned. If she had merely allowed Harvey to stroke her genitals, she wouldn't feel such self disgust and loathing, but she had enjoyed the lewd act to such an extent that she could not forgive herself. The very basic tenets of her upbringing balked at this betrayal by her body, and a cloud of humiliation seemed to follow her wherever she went.
The one thing that gave her a slight feeling of relief was that Doug didn't seem to notice anything. Betty was sure that her guilt was written all over her face, but luckily she had already been in bed when Doug had come home that night. But during the next few days, although she didn't really see too much of him, he didn't make any comment and Betty decided that the best thing to do was to forget the whole business, if she could. But that proved more difficult than she imagined. Her conscience was haunted by the enormity of her transgression, while her body continued to experience a kind of buoyant exhilaration which she had never felt before. At times, she even found herself thinking almost longingly of the sensual tremors which had cavorted up and down her spine when Harvey had been caressing her vagina, but she quickly put those illicit thoughts out of her head.
Since that episode with Peterson, she found that she just couldn't face the morning without the soothing additive of brandy in her coffee, and usually she had several cups of that. It was at moments like that, when her body was relaxed and untense, when she began to feel the recollective murmurs of pleasure. The strong liquor seemed to dull her brain, and with it, her ever-sharp conscience, while at the same time, it honed the edge of her senses and emphasized the physical frustration she felt.
It was weeks now since Doug had touched her – ever since that time when he had taken her rectally – and her body, grown accustomed to a regular diet of love-making, was beginning to feel the deprivation. She felt that that was the reason for her complete and total release that day when Harvey had stroked and fingered her vagina. But right now, she knew she was in a quandary. Things were going from bad to worse in their marriage, and she hardly saw Doug anymore. Now this contact with Harvey looked like it was falling through, and she couldn't rely on being a model as an out from her problems. She didn't know whether she wanted to hear from Peterson again. On the one hand, she didn't know if she could face him again, after her wanton display of lust just a few days ago. But, on the other hand, the future he had woven for her as a part-time model was a very enticing one, especially in her forlorn, desperate state, and it would be just terrible if she had to forget all about it now.
However, she didn't think that Harvey would get in touch with her. How could he, after what he had done to her? But Betty just didn't know what to do. Doug didn't show signs of wanting a reconciliation, and although she really didn't want to, she would make the first effort, if she wasn't afraid of being rebuked. That was the trouble – Doug just didn't seem interested any more. It was obvious that he didn't care what she was doing or feeling, and there was no telling how long that state of affairs would go on. And, she reflected bitterly, the root of the problem lay in Doug's despicable behavior. If he hadn't brutalized her that night, if he hadn't forced her to submit to his disgusting anal intercourse, she probably would never have listened to Harvey Peterson for a moment. It was only because she was so upset and depressed over that incident that she went along with Peterson… and where it had lead her?
Tears brimmed her eyes and trickled down her face. She had finished her second cup of coffee and brandy, and she still didn't feel an better. It was now four days since she had seen Harvey and had allowed herself to be so disgustingly used, and things seemed to be getting worse.
Dear God, what am I to do? Betty wept helplessly, unable to hide her misery and unhappiness any longer.
At that moment, the phone rang.
For a long second, Betty stared at the instrument, hardly able to believe that it was actually ringing. Probably a wrong number, she told herself, and then with alacrity, she leaped up and grabbed it.
"Hello!" she said breathlessly.
"Hello! Is that Betty?" It was Harvey!
The blood drained from Betty's face and her head started to reel.
"I hope you're not busy today," Harvey said quickly, "because I've got an assignment for you tomorrow."
"An assignment?" Betty echoed, her brain racing.
"Yes, at 9:30 tomorrow morning. And you're to wear their clothes, so you've got to go for a fitting today. You'll be paid half your hourly fee for that. Can you make it at 12 noon today?"
Betty was speechless. Her thoughts divided abruptly in her dazed brain and she didn't know what to say. She had an assignment, tomorrow! She just couldn't believe it… but how could Harvey call her like that, without any word or reference to what happened.
"Well, can you make it?" Harvey barked impatiently.
"Harvey, I don't…" Betty stammered, still not knowing what answer to give. Oh God, she'd love to take the job, but shouldn't she just disassociate herself completely from Peterson?
"Look, let me put it this way. The client, Nor-Dansk Furniture, are only just sold on you. They originally picked a blonde because of the Scandinavian image, but I sold them on the idea of a redhead as a gimmick. Now if you don't want it, or are you going to be choosy, they'll jump for the blonde!"
No, I couldn't bear to lose it, Betty thought immediately. There's no harm in it… I probably won't see Harvey again for a long time, and it is just what I want… a chance to break into modeling.
"Okay, Harvey, I'll be there…" Betty said breathlessly.
"Good girl," Harvey said, and gave her an address in one of the best sections of town. "All right, I'll see you at noon," he said as he hung up.
For a moment, Betty was stunned with her good news. She was going to be a model! A glance at the clock told her she had only an hour to get there, and she hurried into the bedroom. Then she recalled Harvey's parting shot. He'd be there! Trepidation filled Betty's heart. Harvey would be there, and she'd have to face him again.
But she wouldn't back out. She had to see him again sooner or later, and besides, there was bound to be other people there. No, she'd have to take the plunge. After all, that was what life was all about. What happened a few days ago was all a mistake. If Harvey tried anything like that again, she'd let him know where she stood…
Harvey Peterson, noting that it was almost noon, poured himself a drink and offered one to Jean. Betty would be here at any moment and if she saw that they were already drinking, she'd accept one more willingly. She really swallowed everything I told her, he congratulated himself. Still, he had to admit that he was feeling a little nervous. But that was not surprising. Betty was one hell of a woman and he didn't want to slip up. Of course, the client had been thrilled when they saw the shots of her and had wanted her immediately but Harvey thought he'd throw that bit in about the blonde to make the bait more appetizing. With hesitant types like Betty, you couldn't be too careful. He hadn't really been surprised at Nor-Dansk Furniture's wild response to the shots, and had hedged that he had to see if she was available. Well, if things worked out his way this afternoon, he just might get Betty to do the ad for them. After all, it would keep her happy and would result in a nice, fat fee for him.