1.
Even though I hadn't seen her in over 12 years, I recognized her the minute she walked in the door. Nicole had changed a lot from the last time I saw her in high school. She was a sophomore cheerleader during my senior year on the basketball team. I always thought she was cute in her short cheerleading outfit. She always had a slim, fit figure that she obviously went to great lengths to care for.
Nicole was dressed professionally in a form fitting navy blazer, matching skirt and pure white blouse. The skirt was short enough to show her sexy legs but not too short to be inappropriate. Her long sandy hair was pulled back in a bun revealing her neck which was adorned with a fine gold necklace. Matching gold earrings hung from her ears. The heels she had on only accentuated her firm muscular legs. Style and class were the two words to sum it all up.
After high school, I went out of state to a large university. Upon graduation, I moved back and started a consulting firm specializing in management and human resources. After a couple of early successes, my reputation spread and business boomed. So now, at 30 years old, I was looking to diversify my portfolio. A good friend recommended a financial planning company and I gave them a call. I was surprised when my assistant announced that my 2:00 appointment, Nicole Davis was here to see me.
Nicole was ushered in and a look of surprise came over her followed by a wide smile.
"Oh Justin, I had no idea. When I was asked to meet with a Mr. Rollins I didn't think...I mean, I had no idea this was your firm. You look great. I'm glad to see you have done so well for yourself. You must tell me about yourself. Oh, listen to me, I'm just babbling."
We spent the next half hour catching up on each other's lives. Nicole had gone to a local college after high school. She worked her way through school. One of her longest jobs was as a part time governess caring for three young boys for a wealthy family in the suburbs. After graduating, she god a job offer with a well known financial consulting firm and had obviously made a name for herself. When we got down to business, her expertise was obvious. She came up with some fantastic advice and suggestions. I knew the firm she worked for would be a great choice for my personal financial planning.
"Ok Nicole. You've convinced me. But I think to close the deal we need to have dinner. How does tonight sound?"
"It's fine, but dinner is on me"
Over dinner, we continued our conversation from earlier. After too many glasses of wine, we were giggling and having a great time. She was witty and attractive and I told her I would really enjoy seeing her again. She readily agreed.
Our relationship developed over the next few months. The first time we had sex was mind blowing for both of us. She proved to be extremely adventurous in bed and was willing to try anything. She loved giving and receiving oral sex and I had some of the best blowjobs in my life. We both knew it was serious after about 9 months and I suggested she move in with me.
Unlike me, Nicole was a neat freak. She was always tidy and organized. She often got home before me and took pride in keeping the house spotless. I was used to being single so if a jacket was thrown across the arm of a chair it was no big deal. I would sometimes kick off my shoes in the hallway when I got home and Nicole would always ask me to put them away. I tried not to leave clothes lying around but I would slip back on occasion. One time, after playing tennis with one of my friends, I left my clothes in a heap on the floor.
"Listen, Justin, you know that irritates me. Do I have to treat you like a wayward little boy? You know very well I can handle that."
What was that supposed to mean, I wondered. It wouldn't be long before I found out.
We had gone to a party at a friend's house. It was after 1:00 am when we got home and we both had plenty of wine. Without thinking, I kicked off my shoes and they were lying about on the bedroom floor. I was awakened to the sound of a crash and some pretty heavy cursing. Nicole had gotten out of bed to go to the bathroom, tripped over my shoes and fell into the dresser. She had a big bruise on her arm and no matter how much I apologized, she was really pissed off.
"Damn it, Justin! What did I say about leaving crap lying around? I guess you will never learn."
Nicole didn't speak much at breakfast in the morning. I noticed her arm was black and blue. I really felt like shit and wasn't sure how I could make it up to her. We got dressed in silence and went our separate ways to work. I called her a couple of times during the day, but she was in meetings. I left apologizing messages on her voicemail but did not hear from her the whole day.
I arrived home at 6:00 and noticed that Nicole's car was in the garage. I unlocked the door and walked in. The aroma of dinner filled the air. The house was neat and clean as ever. Everything seemed back to normal. Then Nicole called down from upstairs.
"Justin, please come upstairs", she said abruptly.
I climbed the stairs and entered the bedroom. Nicole was sitting on the edge of the bed still dressed in her work outfit. Normally by now she would have changed into something casual. I walked over to give her a kiss.
"Just stand here and listen to me", she said.
I stood before her and she began.
"Justin, how many times have I asked you not to leave your shoes lying around? You know how that irritates me and after last night I have good reason to be irritated"
"I'm sorry", I stammered.
"Just listen. You and I have a future together. We love each other very much and maybe one day will be getting married. Several years ago, my parents divorced after 25 years of marriage. Do you know the reason why", she asked.
"No, baby. Why?"
"They got divorced over the little things, Justin. It wasn't cheating or a big disagreement on finances, or how to raise the children. No, it was on little things. Little things they both did that annoyed each other. Little things that built up until it was too much for them to handle. Little things that grew insurmountable. That's what wrecked their marriage."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know."