USSR Hoax

9 TEMPTATION

1969

The Holiday Inn lounge was packed with locals and celebrating tourists visiting Cocoa Beach for the Apollo 10 launch, scheduled to happen later that weekend. After Tom had dinner with David and a few other astronauts, the group decided to check out the hotel bar, have a few nightcaps and listen to live music. Tom suspected they would probably get plastered and end up stumbling back to their rooms. It had been a tough week, and he was ready to completely unwind. Their only responsibility for the weekend was to hobnob with some VIPs and observe the launch, which they all could do with a hangover. Tom debated if he should call Anne before having too much to drink. Since it was already late on Friday night, he decided to hold off until the morning.

Earlier that day Tom and the other astronauts had flown to Cape Canaveral in T-38s. After landing, he was medically cleared to visit with his former commander, who would command Apollo 10, to wish him good luck. Sam was under quarantine in the crew quarters, and as expected, was as calm as ever. Tom saw that his friend bestowed no sign he would soon be strapped into the biggest and mightiest rocket ever built, destined for only the second trip ever to the moon. Sam even joked that his mission was just one big tease, since their objective was to get within eight miles of the lunar surface before turning around and coming back home. The mission Sam really wanted was the one he was certain Tom would get, one of the future Apollo moon landing flights. Tom appreciated his friend’s endorsement, though Tom still questioned his own chances.

It had been almost two years since Tom’s private meeting with Dick after the first Apollo crews were announced. Back then, his boss had promised he would be put on a future mission. That never happened and Tom had no idea why. Whenever he probed his boss, Dick always answered the same way, saying Tom would probably get on the next one. After missing out on the last assignment, Tom had finally had enough. The constant letdowns were too much to handle and he was going to quit. Before submitting his resignation, he discussed his decision with Anne, who immediately set him straight. She pointed out that the man she married would never give up. She still believed he was one of NASA’s finest.

Though it was tough seeing less-deserving astronauts get seats before him, Tom set his bruised ego aside and stuck it out, continuing to give his best effort for the space program. But he would quit on the spot if Chris Riddick got a seat before him, especially after the man’s divorce took him out of favor with Dick.

David nudged Tom’s arm, and said over the loud music, “Check out that blonde over there in the white go-go boots.”

Tom peered over the rim of his glass as he took a sip of his scotch. The sight blew him away. The twenty-something girl looked amazing as she sexily swayed her body to the mellow music, her head cocked backward with her eyes closed, lost in the song. She danced alone behind a group of women sitting at the bar who were oblivious to their dancing friend. This blonde beauty was dressed in a rainbow-colored, psychedelic mini-dress that clung tightly to her shapely body, her sleeves flaring out under her extended arms. A bright-colored headband scarf flowed perfectly through her blonde curls. Those shiny white boots traveled high up her bare legs to just below her knees. All the astronauts, including Tom, agreed with David’s assessment—this lady was hot.

David followed up his comment with enthusiasm. “That’s a girl I could have fun with.”

Though he’d said it in a joking way, Tom knew David was serious. Ever since he started getting press for being on a crew that would rotate onto a moon mission, David had changed. The whole stardom thing was going to his head, and he began messing around on Joan, which put Tom in a tough spot, trying to keep the secret from Anne.

David wasn’t the only astronaut having an affair. Many were. Astronauts were like rock stars whenever they visited a town, especially Cocoa Beach. The space town had become a big playground for the men. Many lobbied for an assignment in the area just so they could be free from home and enjoy the swinging nightlife. Some even had apartments with mistresses living in them. Dick allowed the indiscretions as long as the press never got wind of it. The veterans dubbed these ladies “Cape Cookies.” The temptation was tough to resist, even for Tom. He lusted after attractive women just as much as the next guy. But he never acted on the desire. He had too much to lose with Anne. The last thing he wanted was to mess up things with her.

Another astronaut chimed in, “How about that brunette in those hot pants sitting in front of the blonde?”

David adjusted his barstool to get a better look. “Nice. I think I could have fun with that one too.”

Tom thought it best to change the subject before the conversation got out of hand. Since he was the only one at the table who had visited with the Apollo 10 crew, he decided to relay the men’s mood. He piped up so all could hear. “Sam seemed pretty relaxed today. You would never know he’ll be firing off for the moon on Sunday.”

David took a big swig of beer before turning to his friend. “That’s Sam. I’ve never seen him nervous. He’s always so cool under pressure. Sometimes I wonder if he’s human. Did he have anything to say about the mission?”

Tom looked at his glass as he swirled its contents. “Yeah, he’s disappointed he has to paint a white line all the way to the moon so Apollo 11 can follow it and get all the glory. He said he just might surprise us all and land.”

All the men chuckled. “That would be hilarious, and it would shock the hell out of the top brass.”

Tom took a sip of his drink and set the glass on the wooden table. “It would shock the hell out of all of us. And what could management do?”

They all knew the lunar module lacked the needed fuel to permit a landing, but still a few chimed in. “Nothing.”

“Exactly.”

A man barged in between two of the men with his arms extended like a bird in flight, wrapping them around the men like he was greeting fraternity brothers. “What’s up, guys?” It was Chris Riddick.

One of Chris’s best buddies called out, “Hey, Chris, how ya doing, pal? Pull up a barstool and join us.”

Tom stayed planted on his seat while the other guys moved to make extra room.

“Thanks. I think I will.” Chris snagged an extra barstool from the adjoining table and made himself comfortable.

One of the men asked Chris, “Did you just fly in?”

“Yeah, I finally finished up my week in the barrel. Did I miss anything?”

Since Chris had not yet flown or been assigned a mission, he had to take his turn in the “barrel,” like all the other rookies, traveling the country to help promote NASA. The promotional trip usually included stops at local Rotary clubs and various luncheons where the astronaut would present a slide show followed by a discussion. Most of the men detested the week, but Chris seemed to enjoy showing off being an astronaut.

“Nope, we’re just checking out the ladies across the room.”

Chris’s neck shot up like a stork’s. “Which ones?”

David pointed out the women. “Over there at the bar.”

“Nice. So how come they’re not over here?”

Chris’s buddy chimed in. “We’re waiting for you to rope them in for us.”

Flashing a cocky grin, Chris jumped off his barstool. “I got you guys covered. Hold on.” He sauntered toward the ladies with a brash swagger.

All the guys turned to watch. One of the men shook his head and said, “That guy has no fear. He’ll do anything.”

Most of the astronauts bought into Chris’s shtick, but not Tom.

Ever since Chris officially divorced from Sandy last year, he became this swinging bachelor who most of the men envied. He had the freedom to attend astronaut functions with a different woman on his arm. Chris was especially admired by those astronauts who were cheating. They all wished they could get a divorce, but none of them dared, since no one knew what impact it would have on their career. Chris was their guinea pig, and they were all waiting to see what would happen. As long as Chris did not get a flight, it was doubtful any astronaut would come forward about any issues happening at home.

Soon Chris had escorted the ladies over to the table, where they easily settled in and mingled among the men. Tom stayed quiet as he nonchalantly checked each one out while sipping his drink. They were all pretty, but his eyes always ended up back on the blonde. She flashed him a coy grin when she caught him staring, causing him to quickly turn away, like a shy schoolboy.

Dominating the conversation, Chris was overplaying the astronaut card. He tried to wow the girls by implying most of the men at the table would probably walk on the moon someday.

Eyes widened at the comment, but not the blonde’s. She didn’t look impressed. Eventually she moved in closer to the table and spoke in an amused tone, “So have any of you boys been in outer space yet?”

A few of the men pointed toward Tom. “He has.”

With a playful look in her eyes, the blonde sensually circled the group toward him. Tom knew he was in trouble when he got a close up of her alluring cleavage. He had to force his eyes upward when she extended her hand.

“Hello, I’m Connie.”

No one seemed to be paying attention. So Tom reached for her small delicate hand and brought it to his lips. Her scent was intoxicating as he lightly kissed her soft skin. “Nice to meet you, Connie. I’m Tom.” He saw a twinkle in her eye. But there was something behind her smile. He couldn’t tell if it was mischief or that she was laughing on the inside at what he thought had been a suave move. Regardless, he enjoyed the attention. To have the prettiest girl in the bar focused on him was good for his ego, and all astronauts needed their ego stroked occasionally. Tom just had to stay in control. He didn’t want to do anything that could get him into trouble.

Connie set her small yellow purse down by his drink. “You’re pretty groovy, rocket man. So what was it like in outer space?”

He looked into her dark blue eyes and spoke in a playful whisper. “I guess you could say it was outta sight.”

She smiled, her cute dimples becoming more pronounced.

Tom was interrupted by a firm hand on his back. He turned to see Chris.

“Hey, Tom, how about you help me get a round of drinks from the bar?”

Not being a fan of Riddick, Tom preferred not to. He looked around to see if anyone was going to step up, but no one did. He had no choice. “Sure.”

As Chris checked with the table on what everyone wanted, Tom moved closer to Connie and asked, “Would you like a drink?”

She put her hand on his. “That would be groovy. I’ll have a champagne cocktail, please.”

He winked. “Got it. I’ll be right back.”

As he and Chris walked over to the bar, Chris’s voice had a righteous tone to it. “So, looks like you have a hot one.”

Tom spoke matter of factly. “Yes she is hot. But as you know, I’m happily married. Nothing’s going to happen.”

Chris mashed his lips together. “Of course.”

“No, really, I’m just enjoying her company.”

Chris looked back at Connie. “I guess it doesn’t hurt she looks like a Playboy bunny.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Tom said with a smirk.

Chris carelessly bumped into a barrel-chested man, causing him to spill his beer.

The brute, standing well over six feet tall with Herculean arms bulging out of his tight tee-shirt, turned with an enraged look. “Watch where you’re going, asshole.”

This was the wrong guy to knock, and his buddy was an even more intimidating character. Tom couldn’t believe it as Chris practically ignored the man, simply throwing up his hand as he kept walking. “Hey, it was an accident. Get over it.”

Tom leaned over to Chris and whispered, “Maybe you should apologize to the guy.”

Chris shook his head as he continued toward the bar. “I barely touched him. He’s fine.”

After they reached the bar, Tom turned around and saw the brutes approaching, and they didn’t look happy. This isn’t going to be good. Keeping his eyes on the men, he nudged Chris with his elbow. “I think we’re going to have company.”

Chris turned, irritation in his voice. “What do these guys want?”

“An apology,” Tom spat out.

“Screw them.” Chris assumed an air of invincibility as he casually turned back around and called for the bartender.

A deep burly voice cut through the crowd noise. “Hey you! Scrawny little man!”

Chris turned with a surprising smirk. “That’s the best you can come up with? What’s your problem?”

“You astronauts are my problem. You come in here and think you own the place, stealing our girls.”

Chris arrogantly held a hand out in the direction of the crowd. “I can’t help it if the local ladies know a real man when they see one.”

Tom couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Either Chris had a death wish, or he was just acting like an idiot. Though Tom wouldn’t mind seeing Chris taught a lesson, NASA couldn’t afford any bad press before a launch. Tom had no choice but to step in. He cut the men off. “Hey, we’re sorry. We didn’t mean to cause any trouble. Tell you what, how about we buy you guys a drink?”

The husky man placed his hand hard on Tom’s chest, easily pushing him aside. “Back off, spaceman. I want a piece of your friend.”

Now Tom was ticked, especially since Chris wasn’t his friend. He gathered himself and stepped right back in front of the man. “Let’s be adults about this.”

A sly grin appeared on the brute’s face. Tom felt a hand on his shoulder, causing him to briefly look over his shoulder back at Chris, which was a mistake. When Tom turned back around a massive fist was fast approaching his face. With only a split second to react, he quickly turned his head, insuring his nose wasn’t hit. The punch landed squarely on Tom’s jaw, snapping his head back hard, making him wobble on his feet for a moment. A flash of dull pain shot through his face and he briefly saw stars. Disoriented, he did his best to hold his ground. After a second he straightened up slowly. The thug’s face was red with anger, his eyes bulging out. All movement around them had stopped. Tom suspected all eyes were probably on him, everyone wondering what his next move was going to be. He couldn’t lose his cool and risk his career. Not for Chris, and certainly not for this bastard in front of him.

Tom rubbed his chin and was about to crack a joke when a loud voice broke the stillness.

“Knock it off, Donald!”

All turned to see a tiny, balding man push right through the crowd and jump between the two. With his back to Tom, the small man shoved both hands up against the burly man’s chest. “What the hell are you doing? I’ve told you no more fighting in here.” He pointed to the exit. “Get out!”

The giant wilted from the words. He threw up his hands in frustration. “Those guys started it.”

“I don’t care who started it. I told you no more fighting, and if it happened again you’ll be banned. Now get out of here!”

As the beast retreated, he pointed at Chris. “You’re one lucky cat.”

Chris flashed a cocky grin as he gave a condescending wave.

The small man kept pointing toward the exit until the brutes were gone. He then removed his glasses and said, “I’m so sorry about that, gentlemen.” He put his hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Tom’s head was still reeling. “I should be okay. I might be a little sore tomorrow.”

The bar began to come back to life.

“Believe it or not, those men mean well. I’ve known them since they were little boys.” The little man turned to confirm the men were gone, then turned back around. “I’m the manager here, and the rest of your drinks are on the house. I’ll send a waitress over to your table.”

Tom rubbed his chin again. “Thanks. We appreciate that.”

As the two walked back to their friends, Chris said, in an apologetic tone, “Sorry about that, Tom. Especially for that blindside punch. When I put my hand on your shoulder, I was trying to move you over. That should have been my fight.”

Irritated, Tom stopped in his tracks and angrily turned. “Chris that should have been no one’s fight. I’m not sure if you care about your career, but I care about mine, and the last thing I need is to be arrested. You need to be smarter on how to act in public.”

Chris lost his smug grin. “You’re right. Sometimes I lose focus if I’m challenged. Thanks for stepping in.”

Chris’s problem was his obnoxious, cocky attitude, which Tom knew would never change. Tom simply shook his head in frustration as he headed back to his seat.

Everyone at the table was staring at Tom as the two men approached.

David was the first to speak. “What the hell was all that about?”

Without hesitating, Chris said, “Couple of brutes tried to pick a fight, but Tom stepped in and saved the day.”

Sitting in Tom’s seat, smoking a cigarette, Connie looked concerned as she offered up the barstool with a knowing smile.

He signaled for her to stay as he rubbed his jaw. “Yeah, and I paid the price.”

Chris excitedly announced the prize for Tom getting punched. “The drinks are on the house. A waitress will be over in a second.”

Putting a hand on Tom’s arm, Connie said softly with care in her voice. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. One of your local boys decided to test out his fist with my chin.”

“I’m so sorry. They can be absolute asses.”

“They say we’re stealing their girls.”

Her coy grin returned. “Are you?”

Tom smiled.

After a few more rounds of drinks, all were feeling loose. Some of the group had paired off and were kissing, including David, who was all over the brunette.

Tom was enjoying Connie’s company but still being a complete gentleman. He suspected the blonde was getting frustrated. She had been dropping hints over the last hour, trying to get Tom to make a pass, but he wasn’t biting. He was about to call it a night when, surprisingly, she snatched her purse and jumped off the barstool.

“I need to step out and get some fresh air.” Without waiting for a response, Connie turned and headed for the patio.

Enticed by the aggressive maneuver, Tom couldn’t fold in his tent quite yet, not as he watched the beauty walk away. He turned to David, who was in a tight embrace. “I’m stepping out to the patio with Connie.”

Continuing his assault on the brunette, David raised his hand, signaling he understood.

Tom chugged the last bit of his scotch, slammed down the glass and hustled to catch up.

The nighttime temperature was perfect as the two sat side-by-side on a comfortable padded bench. Whenever Connie leaned back to stare into the clear night sky, Tom couldn’t help himself from stealing discreet glances at the curvature of her perky breasts.

The night stars seemed to inspire Connie. She started quizzing Tom on his space mission. He was happy to share the experience, leaving out the mishap when he flew the jet pack.

After fifteen minutes outside, David stumbled over with his arm draped around the brunette. Obviously intoxicated, David informed Tom that everyone at the table was calling it a night, which he suspected meant most were taking their companions to their rooms. Tom reminded his friend they were scheduled to meet the VIPs for breakfast at 8:30. David acknowledged the appointment before escorting the young beauty from the patio.

All of a sudden pain returned to Tom’s jaw. To relieve the pressure, he opened and closed his mouth. Connie noticed. “Does your jaw still hurt?”

“Yeah, I think my buzz is wearing off.”

“I have some nursing background. If you like, we can go up to your room and I can work my magic.”

Tom knew what that “magic” would be, and he knew he should say goodnight. But something prevented him. Convinced he could stay in control, he decided to have a little fun and tease himself. “I have a bottle of scotch in my room.”

She licked her lips provocatively. “Far out.”

Tom escorted the head-turner through the hotel, but once they reached the doorway of his room he started to question his decision. Connie had pressed her body up against him during their elevator ride, and he did nothing to stop her. As he fiddled with the key in the door lock, Connie again pressed up against him. After opening the door, she playfully ran her soft hand along his arm as she entered, keeping her eyes locked on his for the whole time. Tom cautiously followed close behind before turning to close the door. He was surprised to see Chris across the hallway poking his head and arm out of his room hanging a Do Not Disturb sign. Chris flashed a mischievous wink before closing his door.

Shoot! Not him.

The frustration of Chris seeing Tom with Connie was instantly washed away when he saw the blonde comfortably propped up against the pillows on the king-sized bed. Her dress had conveniently slipped high up her tan legs, the boots crossed at the ankles. Her arms were up with her fingers interlocked behind her head, causing her breasts to protrude. She purred, “So where’s that drink, honey?”

Tom held onto the doorknob, like a struggling swimmer clutching a life preserver. He had to make a decision. If he took another step into the room, there was no turning back. He either had to end the evening right then, or make a couple of drinks and enjoy an intimate encounter with this lovely creature. He took a long hard look at the enticing sight lying in front of him while debating the pros and cons in his head. This time no angels appeared to guide him. Finally, he shook his head. Damn it. I can’t.

Not moving, he said discouragingly, “Sweetheart, I hate to do this, but I have to call it a night. I’m so sorry to have dragged you up here, but to be honest, I was confused. Other than my wife, I have never been in the company of such a beautiful lady. Bottom line, I’m happily married with a wonderful family.”

Connie acted as if it was no big deal, swinging her legs over the side of the bed before letting them drop to the floor. She stood up, straightening her dress. “That’s groovy, honey. No hard feelings. And thanks for the far out compliment.” She crossed over to him and gave him a soft peck on the cheek. “You’re a gentleman. Your wife is lucky.”

As she left, sashaying down the hallway, Tom took one final look at his one-night-stand that could have been. And I’m one lucky-frustrated-husband.