Chapter 2: The drive home
Later that day he came over to my office and we chatted about work before he said he was ready to leave whenever I was. He made some comments about going to the beach, taking a walk, doing whatever, before heading home. I wasn't sure if he was serious or not, so I just giggled and said I just wanted to finish a couple of things before leaving, despite really wanting to go to the beach!
Afterwards we were heading in the same direction, and even in heels I walk faster than him, as I like to remind him.
"Actually, someone mentioned that to me today."
"Mentioned what exactly?"
"You walk with quite a swing when you wear those."
"Wow. Well I really hope it is just when I wear these, I consciously try not to waddle my fat arse when I walk normally."
"It was meant as a compliment, you need to learn how to take one. And it's not fat." I blushed and went to meet up with a colleague to chat about work.
***
Half an hour or so later, I knocked on his door and was greeted with his childish grin as per usual, and told him I'd be about ten minutes. We met up outside my office building; I waited in the sun while he walked over with his long, slow stride, grin from ear to ear β always the grin! He offered to carry some of my stuff, and took my laptop bag and gym bag in his hands, quite the gentleman.
I took my heels off to drive, and he made yet another comment about my short legs, which I dismissed. I must say I enjoyed being in the driver seat. It felt like a rare moment of power in this relationship that is usually dominated by him as he is the senior, both in age and position. I liked the reversal, but that's not to say I don't like the normal balance of power.
We discussed our days; his was less productive than mine, which surprised me as he's always so busy. We made small talk about the music and other drivers, with a couple of comfortable silences in between. We changed subject again onto movies and I mentioned that I had seen Marvel Monopoly in a couple of shops. As he is a boardgame geek, he quickly dismissed Monopoly as a "shit game" and said I need to come over and see his games sometime and be shown real boardgames. I didn't know what to say there so I left it hanging in the air, as I wasn't sure if it was a real offer. I want to see his games and even learn to play some but I didn't want to jump on the offer too keenly. After all, he is married with children... and my supervisor! But I would be lying if I said I didn't want to see what would happen playing boardgames alone with him.
"You're pretty good company, I think I need you in the car more often. My car though. More comfortable and I'd be driving."
Before we knew it we were pulling off the highway. I took a wrong turn (thanks to his lack of direction) and went bright red, which he took pleasure in pointing out. We made it to his place in one piece and I pulled up outside his house. No car was in the driveway.
"Aahh no wife or kids, house to myself for a bit."
"That's a nice surprise!"
I left the motor running but put the car in neutral with the handbrake on.
He turned to me and said, sincerely, "Well, thankyou".
"Not a problem" I said, smiling.
There was a moment of nothing, where no-one was willing to say any more. I sort of wanted to take him up on his original offer but I waited to see if it was still on the table.
He moved to get out of the car, but just as he went to open the door, he turned and said "I really want to show you some of my boardgames. We don't have to play any if you don't want to. And you don't have to stay for long".
Before I had even had time to form the sentence in my head, I replied, "Ok, that actually sounds really good". So I turned the car off and we got out.
He let me walk up the stairs ahead of him β I'm not sure if this was out of politeness or if he wanted to catch sight of my arse "swinging". Either way, I didn't mind. We walked in and he offered me a drink as I took in the sights of his family home. It was modern and spacious, but with a few toys and things strewn over the floor. One wall had a handful of photos on it, mainly of family. On holidays, picnics, themeparks, etc. I was interrupted by him handing me a glass.
"The only things I've ever seen you drink are water, coffee and wine, so here's some water. I don't have any coffee up to your standards but you can have a wine if you'd like."
"I'm right with water now thanks," I said with a giggle.
"Let me know if you change your mind, I wouldn't mind one."
"Sure."
"Well, why don't I give you the grand tour, and it can culminate on the board games room," he suggested.
"You have a whole room for them?!" I exclaimed.
"It's the rumpus room, so it's not strictly for the games, but that's where they're kept."
He guided me around the house: the usual suspects; kitchen and dining, living, which we started in, kids' bedroom, their bedroom, and finally the rumpus room. He opened the cupboard and my eyes widened. Boardgame after boardgame lined the shelves in what appeared to be alphabetical order. I started laughing uncontrollably.
"What's so funny?"