After first meeting Matt, I had had several hot and steamy fantasies. Even going so far as to imagine my own boyfriend, Tim, whose looks differed from Matt’s as night differs from day, was really Matt when the rare occasion that we had sex rolled around. Tim was 6’7 in his bare feet and weighed in easily at 180 pounds. Plus his light, cool blondness was an exact opposite for Matt’s darker sensuality. I know that he knew I was fantasizing the last time we’d had sex, only because I carelessly called out Matt’s name. Fortunately, at the time, Tim knew nothing of Matt, nor did he question me.
Katy and I hung out more and more. Often taking Abbi here or there, enjoying summer in St. Louis. The Zoo was a favorite for Katy. I don’t know why. Besides Abbi delighted in being around Katy.
Finally the end came in my divorce. I had won. I had custody of my daughter, A great boyfriend (when he was in town) and great friends. My only disappointment was with how the broken relationship with my girlfriend, Tracy turned out. Katy, who was interested in becoming my girlfriend, had met Tracy on a handful of times and they seemed to have gotten along well for an ex and a possible future.
While at work one day, I took a break with Dan in stock.
“Hey, guess what Bunny?” He always called me Bunny. It was a standing joke because I worked in Small animals. PetSmart was an interesting place to work, and I loved the people, plus Katy was right next door at Boarders. Anytime I went over there on break, I hoped Matt might be visiting her too.
“What, Sprinkles?’ Don’t ask me how that nickname started. It was a hilarious joke amongst Mo and me.
“Stop calling me that, you know I hate it!”
Yeah, I know, that’s why I do it.” I said giving him my best grin. I had developed a little bit of a crush on Dan since we’d met, but he wasn’t exactly my typical type. Plus I was taken…And by two men at that. Only one wasn’t aware of it yet.
“Anyway, go on, guess…You’ll never guess.”
“O.K. So tell me then!”
“Me and the band got a gig over at Kreepy this Monday night.”
“No way! Oh that is awesome. I’ll be there for sure.”
“Great really? I know Russ will be there, and I know he wants to see you.”
“Ooh” I groaned. Russ used to work with us, but had decided to join the Army or Navy or something like that. We had had a bit of a fling but it didn’t last long. He was cute and sweet, but that was it. When he quit so did I. I quit on any relationship hat we might have had. Not to mention, Tim found out.
“Oh Come on Bunny,” Dan said sweetly, putting his arm around me as we headed back into the store. “The guy misses you. He really had it bad for you, you know.”
“Yeah, well, it was a pretty raw deal, him up and joining the Military. What was I supposed to do? Twiddle my thumbs and wait?”
“No Bun, but be nice on Monday O.K.?”
“Yeah, yeah, sweet as arsenic, O.K. Sprinkles?” I kissed his cheek and headed over to my podium to watch Jeremy position his precious live plants.
After work, I called Tracy on my way home to see what was up, and Katy beeped in on my call waiting.
“Hey Babe.” I said casually as I answered the phone.
“Can I come over for a bit tonight?” She asked sounding unusually desperate.