Erin -

This is a simple love story, a series which will start slowly. Though there are hints of kink, no fetishes, just two people who discover themeslves as they explore each other.

The series is pretty much completed, just needs some cleanup.

***

WE'RE BEING EVICTED???

IN BIG LETTERS FOR ALL TO SEE! There's an eviction notice on my apartment door.

We have 2 days to leave?

Richard, my baby's daddy left a note on the kitchen counter.

"I'm out of here. Attached is the paperwork for you to have full custody of Dani."

Two weeks after Christmas and he's gone? After five years?

I just left his mom's house picking up Dani after work, she didn't say a word.

My glass is half full.

My glass is half full.

I call his cell, 'Number is no longer in service'.

I call his mother, 'Number is no longer in service'.

Special, real special.

Yes, the paperwork for custody came through an attorney and seems legal, but in reality, it's his attempt to run away from child support.

Worse, underneath that paperwork are all the bills he hadn't paid for the last 90 days, including for my joy, the daycare center where he dropped Dani off, and his mom would pick her up. I got zero advance notice.

Great, I'm tired and I have to pack up and leave.

The house bills are all in his name, his problem.

According to the paperwork, today was her last day at daycare unless we are paid up current. What am I supposed to do with my 4 yr. old tomorrow?

I DO EVERYTHING FOR HIM!!! WHY WOULD HE DO THIS TO ME???

On line to pay the daycare, $89.31 left in our checking account, $0.00 in the savings.

MY PAYCHECK IS DIRECT DEPOSIT INTO OUR CHECKING ACCOUNT!

All of our joint credit cards have been maxed out for cash withdrawals which leaves me my personal banking credit card with $176.40 left after buying him a new OCULUS and tablet for Christmas.

That won't pay the daycare bill.

I call his buddy Gary. Gary hasn't seen Rick in months, not what Rick had told me.

Where had Rick been going? According to Gary, Rick has been unemployed since July (nice to know). Christmas was 23 days ago.

Rick has been draining every joint bank account we own, planning his escape?

I want to, but I don't have time to cry. I have to move my stuff tonight.

...

I have no money to hire movers so I spend the night moving everything of value, except the furniture (too big for me to move by myself) to my storage unit which was paid up in advance.

$8000 in furniture lost.

My furniture.

...

I load up the car this morning with Dani, her toys and food. First stop daycare.

They are wonderful, and understanding.

NOT!

• Dani's spot has already been filled

• There is a waiting list to get in

• They do not offer credit plans

• '... My problems are not their responsibility...'

Pleasant and courteous?

I left my daughter here how long?

I didn't like this place anyway.

We visit six daycare centers, and all have waiting lists.

Of course, the one I like the most, the one I wanted to get her into for years because it is the highest rated in the area, the most expensive, has a long waiting list, and of course, Dani loves it there.

Taking the day off from work, we check into a HOTEL 21. There's $59.95 off of my available credit. Except for what I can bring home from work, we'll be eating fast food for the foreseeable future.

We spend the afternoon playing. While Dani takes her nap I call people I consider close friends

Friends?

Each has a crappy excuse for not helping. All I'm looking for is a place for us to crash for a few days.

All but one refuse me.

He didn't have a crappy excuse because ... because ... because I didn't call him.

He's a business friend. I ... he ... I can't call him. He ... I ... he is ... I can't ... call him.

I can't call my parents. We haven't spoken since I got pregnant with Dani. Saying they were right about Rick won't heal those wounds any time soon so that doesn't help me now.

I'm running out of options.

No money, no available credit.

I'm feeling cornered. I want to curl up and cry but not with my baby here.

'Curse of the seven snotty orphans' on you Rick.

My glass is half full ... I think.

Dani and I are healthy, I have a good job, and my Hyundai Accent hatchback is old but paid off ... which allowed us to buy Rick's new $90,000 BMW a few months ago. I put down $20K as a gift, 2 months after he was laid off (FIRED????????).

I'm an idiot!

I'm exhausted, numb from moving all night.

Being a single parent with no place to leave Dani while I work, little credit, no place to sleep once my credit runs out ...

... My glass is half full.

Right???

I think there is a crack in my glass.

Dani sees this as a big adventure so she is happy. Despite being awake the last 30+ hours, I have trouble sleeping though my baby is happily asleep in my arms.

***

Fast Eddie, "Where are my two favorite cheerleaders? I may be old but I play basketball for you just so I can watch Erin's cheerleading ... With her body those cheers are pure wet dream material."

Fred, "You're unbelievable, and a liar. You play basketball because a few people still remember your un-illustrious 6 year NBA career and usually buy you a few drinks after the games here."

'Fast' Eddie Speidel was able to stay in the NBA that long solely because he could shoot the 3 pointer. His nickname 'Fast Eddie" is pure sarcasm. 6'-2" 170 pounds, he moves like he wears cement sneakers. His 'FAST' was based on him putting up a 3 pointer as soon as he got the ball. No defense and no passing skills, he was a 'gimme' the ball so I can shoot type of guy...

"... I don't know how you're still married to that hot woman you don't deserve with a beautiful and brilliant 23-year-old daughter who runs your jewelry business. Wet dreams? Really?"

"The term 'married' does not mean dead."

"You will never find a woman better suited to you than the one who owns your ass. You lose her, your screwed. Erin called out today, daycare issues. She is as close as I will get to a daughter so no more about her sexually with me around. I worked my ass off today for the first time in months. The last day I worked this hard was the last day she took off, so I want her running things now and long after I retire."

Fred Simon owns (well, legally his wife owns it) an elite grocery store/restaurant (Fred's) with his wife Jackie. Fred is a 6-6" tall koala bear, a Mama's boy. Another former NBA player, who still plays basketball, but 'Koala' is the perfect name for him. While Fast Eddie plays in cement sneakers, and Fred plays in a slow-motion video world while everyone else is in regular speed.

He's a sweetheart of a man and well-respected around the NBA. He's a great figurehead for the company, but the store succeeds because of his wife Jackie, and Erin.

Jacqueline Simon is the CEO and CFO while Erin is the COO (Chief Operations Offer) who does everything Jackie doesn't. Jax is in her middle 40's, a brunette with shoulder length hair. A little extra weight, but she looks good when she belly dances for exercise.

Real good.

My staring when she dances often gets me a lap dance.

The outfit is skimpy enough and she is still 'sexy enough' (her words).

Sexy enough?

If Fred was gone there'd be a line of men around the block to bed her, and not because she has money.

Jax's business sense is off the charts. Fred is lucky she loves him. Luckily for them she started the restaurant when he was still playing. When Fred's career went belly up, they discovered his agent 'mismanaged' Fred's money. His agent went to jail but that didn't help Fred.

Fred was left with nothing, except Jackie's restaurant, which is legally in her name, not his.

The store has a top-of-the-line grocery store, almost 30% of which is organic, a food court, and a separate 5-star fancy restaurant all on the same property. While this is a small town, Fred's is a big city setup and very profitable with Rutgers, Princeton and several large corporate headquarters no more than 10-15 minutes away.

High end chefs are easy enough to find. Many chefs would rather work in the suburbs for Fred's then in New York City, especially chefs with kids.

The restaurant is the kind where you party, propose marriage, or get married. It has a 150 seat, a 50 seat, and a 25 seat 'private party' room for special occasions and the restaurant itself seats about 150 people. You need to make reservations 2-4 weeks in advance for a table so it's always packed.

The 'party rooms' are scheduled for months ahead, running about 94% occupied.

Competitive grocery stores and fancy restaurants in the area have come and gone, and Fred's is still here. The only food joints to survive since I've been here are a Walmart's 12 miles away, a McD's and a family run pizzeria/Italian restaurant, both on Route 24 about 5 miles from Fred's.

Fred's doesn't do fast food or pizza, so no surprise there.

I installed new computer hardware and software for Fred and Jackie a few years ago, and became a part owner (silent owner) in the business when they decided to expand. We have been good friends ever since.

...

The basketball team is a collection of 'individuals' who play for Fred's store team in an industrial league.

I'm the point guard at 6'-0" and 200 pounds. I'm in good shape, but I'm also the

3rd oldest on the team.

Our center, Wade "Sail around ... Da" Horn, a former big time college player is that 7 foot 360 pound center who sets up in the paint and never leaves. He's called "Sail around" because players must go around him to get near the basket. You have to go around him or pull up for a jumper because he's not going to come to you.

The rest of the team is filled out with college kids working at Fred's and are pretty good which is why we win so often.

Back to my favorite people ...

... Ms. Dani Kennedy is a predator in the making at 4 years old. Dani is her mother's daughter, red hair, green eyes, and a gentle personality. If she doesn't change, she'll have her pick of any male (or female) she desires when she is ready.

If I find there is a male on that team who isn't in love with Dani, I get rid of him.

I don't think Dani has had a haircut since birth. Beautiful long red hair for a gorgeous little girl.

Dani's Mom, Ms. Erin Kennedy, is the only VP at Fred's. Erin handles daily operations, and outside negotiations along with Jax. Jax and Erin are a ferocious double team in their dealings with vendors and government agencies for Fred's.

As Eddie implied, Erin is a walking wet dream. Her physical presence takes your breath away.

She is not the girl you take home to Mom. She's the girl you take home to meet Dad to watch him drool. She has too much sexuality to be the typical beauty queen though she would probably win a beauty contest in any bar she walks into, wet t-shirts not needed (though definitely desired.)

She is intelligent, humble, easy to talk to, and always eager to please. Her smile can relax you in a glance unless you are glaring at her sexually.

From what Jax tells me, Erin doesn't even realize the power she has in negotiations.

Jax told me about a meeting with IRS. Five agents walked in, the guys in a dark suits, following a woman and she wasn't the boss. The woman came in wearing a red dress to mid-thigh, and cleavage. Jax said the outfit was conservative, but its intent was obvious.

Erin walked in wearing a blouse and skirt, very conservative. The IRS team was whipped, even the woman. Jax and Erin got everything they wanted and done.

Erin is a double threat in corporate negotiations too (So is Jax but she's been on this 'I am old' kick lately). Erin's looks intimidate many men, and for that case many women. Together with Jax, their brilliance finishes off most of the other 'combatants'.

Any time I ask about some important negotiation, the usual response from Jax,

"WE ARE THE BORG. THEIR CULTURE WILL ADAPT TO SERVICE US. RESISTANCE WAS FUTILE."

Erin was hired when the operation was expanded, when I became an owner. But her hiring was not my decision. I only saw her resume, and despite her graduating from Princeton with an MBA, I made my recommendations of who should be interviewed.

My being a Rutgers grad, Princeton? Ehhh.

When I first saw her ... I literally froze, or at least it seemed like it.

She is now:

• 27 years old

• 5'-5", I would guess about 135 pounds

• A smoking hot body

• Long beautiful red hair. It easily covers her beautiful backside.

• Piercing green eyes

• A face you want to connect your lips to and never disconnect

• If she smiles at you, you have no choice. You must smile back

• She is very intelligent. She is well read, something of a history geek

• A smoking hot body, it's too hot to mention it only once

• There is no such thing as her bad photogenic side. It's all good.

• Her walk ... Once you have the pleasure of her walking away from you, she is

the platinum standard to grade how you grade a woman's walk for the rest of

your life

I'd call her an Irish Goddess. A beautiful woman, overwhelming sexuality ...

... Yes, I'm smitten with her.

I'm not the only one to stare at her when she is cheerleading at our games.

But she has a boyfriend, Dani's dad, so it's look, dream, make sure you don't get caught staring, but no touch.

...

"Doesn't she live with her baby's daddy, Rick something?"

"He's an ass. If I was her dad I'd rattle her brains till she realizes he's an ass and leaves that moron. I'd probably rattle his too, but I wouldn't be anywhere near as gentle with him. Bill, you're not???"

"... No! No! No! No! No! No! I'm happy being single. But I do enjoy their company. Seeing Erin and Dani together gives me the warm fuzzies. So much so if you lose Erin, I'd get her a job somewhere where a friend doesn't rip off friends with the pricing."

"Hey, Erin is well paid and Jackie wants to raise prices. Not me ... If I lose Erin, Jackie would imply Erin left because of something I did, and I'm a dead man. I like my life as is."

He's right. Jax loves and takes good care of him. He'll never want for anything, and he loves being the center of attention at the store.

***

In the morning I take Dani to work. I have no place else to take her.

First thing, change my direct deposit, then cancel all of our joint credit cards.

My bosses are great to me. But I'm embarrassed, and stressing while explaining my circumstances to Fred and Jackie. I love them, but she knows of my special needs and I don't want to put any strain on our relationship.

"Do you need money?"

"Fred, I ... I need a lot of things right now but I can't take money from you two, I just can't."

"Will you at least let us help you with the daycare issue? Fred and I know someone who might be able to help.

"Yes, please, yes? My biggest concern, period."

"OK. Give me a little time ... Ohhh ... When did Dani start dating? He's a nice catch."

"What???"

I follow Jackie's eyes. On the other side of the food court Dani is eating a hot dog sitting across from ...

... OMG!!!

... It's him.

One of our best customers and ... ... he's a ... he's a ... friend.

A friend I didn't called because he is ... he is ... is that business friend.

A friend I didn't call because he is close with Fred, and Jackie.

A friend I didn't call because ... I like him.

I like him too much, and Dani loves him. But we never got socially acquainted because of Rick. Next to Rick, he's a god. He's the guy you look at, and compare to the guy you are with who will never match up to this man.

He's in great physical shape. He's the only one to play the entire game for the store's basketball team. He also plays shortstop and/or centerfield for the company softball team.

Dani loves him, and that love is returned.

There's that, but also, he went to Rutgers. He's too intelligent to have graduated from Rutgers.

Maybe I should have called him. I ... I ... don't know. Sometimes I have a problem just talking to him ... I ... I sometimes stutter around him when he's physically close to me, almost invading my personal space.

I don't stutter, especially to Rutgers grads.

I stutter to him.

I always enjoy our time with him at company functions. I sometimes think he and Dani hunt each other down so we end up being a threesome. Since Rick wouldn't be bothered showing up unless there was free liquor, Bill is the person who always watches Dani at those functions when I get tied up in company issues.

"Please excuse me."

I hurry over to their table.

"Dani!"

"Hi Mom. Mr. Thomas bought me a hot dog."

"I'm sorry Erin. My best friend in the whole world told me she was hungry, and when we got here you were talking to the bosses so I thought you'd be ok with us sitting here while we eat."

Dani grows a big smile. My daughter is in love.

"I appreciate that Bill. Dani, I asked you not to leave my office ..."

"... Mom, I got thirsty and then I saw Mr. Thomas."

***

My cell rings. It's Jackie.

She allows me to say one word.

"Hello."

"Shut up and listen. Dani's dad just robbed them blind and left them. The daycare tossed Dani out for lack of payments because he stole the payments. They have no place to sleep BECAUSE HE STOLE THE RENT MONEY! She only has enough credit for another day or two in a Hotel 21 because the ass cashed out all of their joint credit cards and bank accounts. She needs help and won't let us help her. Be gentle with her. She hasn't slept since Sunday night."

Despite her harsh tones I can see her smile across the dining area. Jackie is the big sister who loves you, and protects you. But then she feels that allows her to nag you while loving you and protecting you."

"I love you too Mom."

I could enjoy having Erin and Dani around the house for a couple of weeks.

I ring up my sister-in-law, Laurie.

"Sunshine, need a favor."

"Name it."

"May I make a reservation for one for the foreseeable future?"

Laughing, "This is a phone call I never thought I would get from you. Jim, yes. You no. One of your harem bear fruit you didn't know about?"

"Ha, ha, ha. Hilarious. NO!!! We'll be over there shortly."

I hang up and look at Erin.

"Ladies, get your jackets, we're going for a ride."

"Yayyy Mr. Thomas!!! Come on Mom."

"Bill, I ..."

"That was not a request Ms. Kennedy. MOVE!"

She moves ... quickly???

I expected resistance.

"Mom! Come on!"

Erin seems confused.

I text Laurie both Erin's and Dani's names.

...

We pull into the daycare parking lot.

"You're Jackie's friend with the daycare connections? This is the highest rated, most expensive daycare for 50 miles and ..."

"... They also have 3 shrinks actively involved in the programs and a full time RN onsite, I ..."

"... I already submitted an application here, but there is a waiting list."

I ignore her, pick up Dani and start toward the front door. Erin follows, acting embarrassed.

"Bill, I can't. I ... I ... I don't have the money for the deposit let alone the month in advance."

Laurie comes out the front door.

"Oh my goodness, the pretty red heads. Dani, you want to come and stay with us?"

"Hi Miss Laurie. Yes please, I had fun yesterday."

Laurie takes Dani from my arms and Dani wraps her arms around Laurie's neck.

"Miss Kennedy, your application was incomplete. As soon as we filled out the incomplete part of the form, you automatically qualified. You had the tour yesterday. Do you have any questions?"

"I ... I ... How?"

"We can go over that when you pick her up. You can be here before 6 PM?"

"Yes but, I ..."

"... Here are your receipts and the emergency contact information forms. Since you're with Bill you can bring them when you pick up Dani. Your deposit and first month are paid in full. We need payment no later than the 5th of every month."