I had dropped Mel off at work and using her Mustang I returned back to our apartment. I cleaned up the kitchen and when I finished I went to the Owens' apartment to get the plumbing tools. Mr. Owens had told me Mrs. Mount needed some work on a faucet in her bathroom.
It was about 10:30 when I knocked on Mrs. Mount's door
"Hi, Bob. We were expecting you earlier Joe's had to leave for the Red Lobster. He's the one that understands this plumbing thing."
"Howdy Mrs. Mount."
"Please call me Estelle, Bob. You know Joe's the manager of the Red Lobster. Have you ever been there?"
"No I haven't. It's on East Memorial right?"
"Yes Bob. You should try it, the food is excellent and they have entrees other than seafood you know. When you're done here I'll be heading there. I do their bookkeeping, you know."
"How do you enjoy working with Mr. Mount."
"Fine but I do have to keep on my toes. I don't want him scolding me. Him being the manager you know."
"Well with going to college and everything I don't have the money to spend on fancy restaurants."
I was thinking I probably just to replace the 'O' ring and that will only take a few minutes. At least I hope it's only the 'O' ring otherwise I'll have to grind the seat valve smooth and that may take some time and I was hoping to spend the afternoon at the library on a literature paper.
"I'll ask Joe if we can't get you some comps. That's the passes they give for free meals. You sure work hard Bob doing all the work around here and going to college. And now you're dating Melissa. How do you manage the time?"
"Well if I want a good job like Mr. Mounts I need an education. And although the G.I. Bill helps, I still need a roof over my head and food in my belly which the Owens' provide for my doing odd jobs around here. And I'll always have time for Melissa."
"She's a lovely girl isn't she and so passionate."
"Passionate?"
Estelle blushed and replied, "You know those noises she makes."
Now it was my turn to blush. "I'm sorry she just loses control. I'm really sorry Mrs. Mount."
"Estelle, Bob. And there's nothing to be sorry about. In fact my love life has improved dramatically in the last week. Joe's almost as randy as when we first married. I'm just not sure if it's Miss Diaz or you that makes him so passionate but it's definitely the noise that arouse him."
"Me.?"
Estelle blushed and mumbled "I think he might want to prove he's as good a lover as you must be. Let me show you the faucet."
She led the way to the dripping faucet and stood there while I got my tools set up.
"If you could get me some paper towels Estelle that would help."
After Mrs. Mount left I got to work. I turned off the valve under the sink. I removed the cap and unscrewed the handle. I used a wrench to remove the packing nut and the stem. there was some greenish deposits around the fixture so I used steel wool to clean everything up. I replaced the 'O' ring then reversed the process. I squatted down to return the water flow and got the distinct feeling I was being watched. I turned around and there was Mrs. Mount looking at me. She blushed and I knew she had been thinking about a different sort of plumbing.
I got up and turned on the faucet then turned it off. It didn't seem to be dripping anymore. I turned to Estelle. And she said, "Yes, Bob."
I held out my hand and said, "The paper towels please."
"Oh of course," Handing them to me.
I returned to sink and cleaned up the mess I had made.
Estelle just stood there eventually saying. "Do you want some lunch before you head to the college. I could fry some hot dogs that we could wrap a piece of bread around."
"Why thanks Mrs. Mount," and glanced at my watch, "But I should be on my way. Some other time for lunch, okay?"
She didn't reply so I walked to her front door and left.
As I was taking the tools back to the Owens place. I thought if I had said Estelle I have a Texas Tommy you could wrap your lips around would she have slapped me or sank to her knees.
I had the impression the knees would have won out and I don't need any more women in my life right know.
When I arrived at the Owens', Mrs. Owens asked if I wanted a ham sandwich. I answered yes thank you, devoured it and set off for school.