Misty:
When Larry had gotten home from work, she had explained to him that Robert was coming over later to talk to them. Larry was not happy to say the least. She didn't explain to him the reason, thinking it would be better not to. At 8:00, the doorbell rang, and Robert was there. She was not surprised that he had changed clothes, dressing in a business suit, much like he did when talking to his clients.
"Hi Robert, come in. " She told him and led him into the living room where Larry was sitting on the couch. Robert sat in a chair across from Larry and she went and poured each of them a glass of wine before sitting down next to Larry.
"So what's the problem? Is my wife not doing her job? " Larry laughed and she was not amused at his sarcastic humor. She saw that Robert wasn't either as he had chosen to ignore the comment.
"My business has grown and I would like Misty to start working at my office on Monday. I will need her for at least three days a week, maybe more. It will be just during the day, not always all day of course. I wanted to talk to both of you about this since it would involve more hours and her not working at home. " Robert stated.
"She can't do the work here? " Larry questioned, but kept his cool.
"No. There are a lot of things that will require both of us working on and I will also have to teach her new things as well. Naturally I will be giving her salary a large increase for this. She will of course have her own office, and Larry you are welcome to stop in anytime. " Robert said, and then she noticed a change in his tone as he looked directly at Larry. " There isn't any specific reason you prefer her not to work out of the home, is there Larry? "
"She can do what she wants. It's entirely up to her. " Larry said quickly.
"Of course I want to do it. " She said ignoring the glances Larry was giving her. " It sounds like a wonderful opportunity. "
"Well then it's settled. Misty, you can start Monday, 9:00am. " Robert said as he stood up heading for the door. She followed him.
"Where is this office by the way? " Larry asked, looking directly at her.
"My offices are in my home, not far from here. This actually should be a convenience in case she needs to come home quickly. That's not a problem, is it? " Robert said, again in a rather intimidating tone.
"No. " Larry said and looked away, turning the television on as if he was dismissing them both. She walked Robert out to her car and it was hard not to show how excited she was.
"Thank you so much, Robert. " She said as he was getting in the car. She wanted to reach up and hug him, but stopped herself.
"You're welcome. I'm glad it worked out. " Robert said softly and she noticed his expression held that of worry. " Be careful and if you need me don't hesitate. " He said and without waiting for her to say anything he drove away. She had a good idea of what he was warning her about.
Robert:
Driving home he felt extremely nervous leaving Misty there alone with Larry. Even though the conversation had gone like he had anticipated, Larry had also proved every bit as smooth as he had suspected. Larry was not going to allow his temper to get the best of him in front of anyone but her, having been as friendly and agreeable as possible. He suspected Larry was the type that would never let anyone see what went on behind closed doors, let alone see the different side of him that Misty saw. It was only the fact that from working with her over the last year that he had come to see it, but he also suspected Larry was unaware of this, and for Misty's sake he was relieved.
He had stayed close to the phone all weekend, not being able to rid himself of the feeling that she was in trouble. He was relieved Monday morning when she showed up for work, although he noticed a change in her but wasn't sure exactly what it was.
"Good morning. I brought a few of my things from home that I'll need now that I'll be working here. " She said walking in carrying a box. He immediately took it from her and carried it to her office, putting it on her desk.
"How about a cup of coffee first? " He asked, smiling and something in her eyes made him wonder exactly what had gone on over the weekend.
"Sure. " She said following him to the kitchen.
"Everything okay? " He asked as he poured their coffee. He looked at her, trying to read into her eyes what she was not telling him. He noticed she had dressed in her usual jeans and long sleeve sweatshirt, giving him the impression she was not in the teasing mood. He wanted very much to wrap her in his arms and let her tell him what was wrong, but he could tell she was being distant and he didn't want to push.
"Everything is great. I guess I'm just a little nervous about working here, silly I guess to feel that way. " She said, finally smiling.
They talked more, and then he showed her the papers he was working on. He explained what he needed her to do and the rest of the day it was all business. He was impressed by her willingness to learn as well as how fast she picked up on things. Before he knew it, the time had gone quickly and it was time for her to go home.
"I'll see you Wednesday. Will that be okay? " She had asked him as she headed for the door. He told her that was fine and watched her walk to her car and drive off.
Wednesday came and went, and she was pretty much the same. He was disappointed that she was keeping her distance from him and wondered if maybe she had only teased him before, never meaning for it to go any further.
Misty:
She was running, not knowing where. It was nighttime and foggy; she was beginning to feel cold. She had run out of the house just wearing her white T-shirt and blue jeans and had not even stopped to put shoes on. The road was cold against her bare feet, but she continued to run. Tears ran down her face and besides getting cold, she was getting tired. Suddenly she tripped and she was on the ground, crying out in pain as her arms slid against the pavement. She laid her head down continuing to cry and unable to move when she saw the headlights approaching.
She woke up screaming and crying from the dream this time and it took her several minutes to calm down and realize it was just the dream. She was relieved to see that Larry had already left. She got out of bed and went to the shower. She was relieved that the soreness in her body was starting to diminish. Larry had surprised her after Robert had talked to him by not fighting with her. It had confused her until they had gone to bed and he had taken her roughly, without so much as a word. It was the first time he had shown his anger in that respect and he continued to do so the entire weekend.
It had been hard for her to even face Robert Monday morning; the fact that every part of her body hurt and she actually felt unclean had kept her from getting close to Robert. She knew he sensed something was wrong, and as much as she wanted him, she couldn't get past how Larry had treated her and how worthless she felt. She was relieved that Larry had left her alone since Monday, although now being Friday she was not looking forward to the weekend. At least she got to spend the day with Robert even if it was just working, although when she thought about his hands on her, she smiled. She would have loved to have continued what they started, but Damn Larry, for treating me that way and making me feel so cheap, she thought to herself.