My sincerest thanks to SoCalOvid, for his editing wizardry on this story. Any mistakes you see are mine, and mine alone.
The category for this series is correct.
Readers:
This story requires you to have the willingness to accept an odd and unusual relationship. It calls for an open mind, and an unlocked heart.
So without further adieu, for your reading pleasure:
Diamonds In the Rough Ch. 1
*
The bar was lively for a Thursday evening. Sam Weatherly stared into the almost empty bottle of beer, quietly contemplating recent events. Valentine's Day with Alexis had not gone as planned. Grimly, Sam tipped the bottle up drinking the last few drops. Sam placed the drained bottle behind the bars back-splash asking Sherry, the bartender, for another. With a sympathetic smile, Sherry patted Sam's hand and took the empty away placing it with the others. She reached into the fridge for another long neck. Opening it, Sherry slid the cold brew down the bar into Sam's waiting hands.
On its journey the bottle passed a man deep in thought sipping a glass of Chardonnay. Taking a swig from the freshly opened bottle, Sam let the beer linger a moment. Savoring the fermented essence, Sam's gaze drifted to the mirror on the wall. Surveying the reflections Sam spotted a happy group of ten to twelve people in the back. They were all having fun, especially the cheery couple seated at the party's center. Sam swallowed hard, feeling a tear escape as thoughts turned to Alexis. It was only a couple of days ago when things had come apart.
*
"Yo! Everyone, gather around — c'mon Martin, Wilson, Brantley, Weatherly, get your asses over here now!" yelled site foreman Maxwell Hooper. "God damn it Caruthers, close that fucking phone before I shove it where the sun don't shine. I've got something important to tell you lamebrains."
Standing on a pallet of rebar, Max told the gathering that with some extra effort they could finish the job the next afternoon, a full day early. Sam looked at Brantley, giving the dump truck driver two thumbs up. Everyone knew tomorrow was Valentine's Day. The thought of being home with their loved ones on Cupid's magical day inspired the construction workers. The hum of machinery filled the air; encouraging shouts spurred them on to job completion.
Sam worked the controls of the mighty excavator with the grace of a conductor performing at Carnegie Hall. The proud operating engineer sent the powerful machine's scoop deep into the ground, and with unerring accuracy emptied the contents into the waiting dump truck. Brantley watched in awe as Sam hit the 'sweet spot' each and every time.
"Damn Sam, that was fast work," said Brantley as he started to place the tarp over the now full truck.
"Shit, Jackson if you had a woman half as lovely as my Alexis, that fucking truck of yours would already have been emptied and back by now!" laughed Sam, climbing out of the cab of the excavator.
Jumping to the ground, the young heavy machine operator helped Brantley get the truck ready for transit. The twosome labored into the early evening preparing the earth for the next phase of the project.
At 2:15, Valentine's Day afternoon, the gang cheered in jubilation when Max gave the thumbs up for a job well done. With loud back slaps, and high fives, the crew quickly vacated the job site, anticipating the arms of dear loved ones at home. After giving Brantley a fist-bump, Sam hurried to the Iron-Man-Red Silverado, quickly sliding onto the leather seat. Turning the ignition key the powerful diesel came to life, and it was homeward bound. But before heading onto the highway, a stop needed to be made first.
"That looks really good," Sam said, complimenting the young man on the color scheme. "Where do you keep your roses?"
The busy florist responded by pointing to a large cooler. Sam nodded, heading over to the huge walk-in refrigerator. Going through the collection of blooms, six yellow roses were selected and handed to the floral magician.
The young man meticulously laid them amongst the mixture of red and white carnations. Satisfied with the presentation, he daintily added ferns and baby breathe completing the Valentine bouquet of love.
The excited operating engineer watched intently, as the roses were carefully tucked to sleep. The wrapping paper decorated with Cupid's arrow piercing each heart of love glistened under the bright lights. Sam smiled broadly knowing Alexis would understand the significance of the six roses. It was six years ago this week when they began their life together as a couple.
Acknowledging the extra care taken by the young gentleman, Sam slipped him a five-dollar tip. Picking up the bouquet, the delighted construction worker walked out of the shop beginning the three-and-a-half hour drive home to the beautiful Alexis.
For five long nights Sam yearned for the comforts of home and the passion of Alexis' arms. Sam enjoyed six fantastic years with this beautiful woman. Monogamy was everything Sam expected it to be. The love of Alexis was all Sam needed to be complete and happy. Sam would never love another woman again.
The powerful diesel moved eagerly up the highway. Sam thought wistfully of Alexis' splendor. Visions of soft blond hair shimmered in the warm sun. Sam saw her eyes twinkle with joy as the twenty-eight year old imagined the comfort of her arms, the soft touch of her hands, and the heat of her sex. The inferno named Alexis beckoning Sam to hurry. The accelerator pedal inched closer towards the floor; the impressive truck's speed increased, bringing Sam ever closer to the arms of the beautiful Alexis.
Shortly before 6:00 on Valentine's Day, Sam pulled into the driveway. Their house looked so inviting to the exhausted construction worker.
'Won't Alexis be surprised!'
