MY NEPHEW'S WIFE - PAULA TEXTS ME
CHAPTER 1
It had been well over a year since Paula's release from jail on the theft charges. Gary had not heard anything from her. We didn't even know where she went when she was released. Maybe to her parent's home. As you recall, Gary is my nephew and Paula was his wife who got arrested for shoplifting. Their divorce became final about 2 months ago.
I got a text one day from a number I didn't recognize. It said: Hi Alex. I am working at Bonnie's Boutique in Mayfield. I am trying to contact friends and former customers to establish a new customer base here. And to reconnect. I'd love to see you if you need a haircut or just drop by and say hi. Or call if you want. If you don't I understand. Love, Paula.
I didn't respond as I was unsure if it would be appropriate with her being my nephew's ex and all.
CHAPTER 2
A few weeks later I was in Mayfield on business. I saw Bonnie's Boutique while I was sitting at a stoplight and remembered Paula's text. I thought it couldn't hurt to stop in and say hi at least. She hadn't done anything to me and we had always been close. Aside from the teasing and the sex, I mean. So I finished up my business and went back to the boutique.
Paula was working on a woman's hair when I went in. She didn't see me and I told the girl at the front desk that I was here to see Paula if she had a minute. She said she was free after this customer and she would put my name on the list next. I told her I didn't need a cut I just wanted to say hi and I could wait. She told me I could take a seat. I sat and watched Paula working. She still looked great. She was wearing a pair of black slacks and a white blouse. Very conservative, but nice. Her hair was shorter and hung loose around her shoulders. She eventually spotted me sitting there and her face lit up. She said something to the lady she was working on and ran over to me. I stood up and we hugged and she said she was so glad to see me. And I told her how good it was to see her, also. She said she would be done in about 15 minutes then she would be free. She asked if I was there for a haircut and I said "No. I was in town and just thought I'd drop by and say hi."
"Can you wait while I finish up and we can talk?" I told her I could and sat back down. When she was done I asked if she wanted to get some lunch. She said that would be nice. We went to Applebee's just down the street.
She said again how good it was to see me. That she thought long and hard before getting enough courage to contact me. She said she wasn't sure if I would talk to her. I told her she hadn't done anything to me. And I was glad she did contact me.
We made small talk while we ate. Catching up on where we were each at in our lives, what she was doing now, where she was living. I asked if she wanted a drink or a beer after our meal and she said, "Thanks, but no. I don't know if you ever knew it or not but I had a problem with drugs. I got clean in jail and I'm going to stay clean."
"No. I did not know that." I didn't order a drink either. "I knew you liked to party and drink and smoke pot, but I didn't know it was a problem for you."
"Yeah. I hid it pretty well from you and Gary and the guys we hung out with. But I had another group of friends that I did harder stuff with. We'd get fucked up and go on shoplifting sprees. Until I got busted."
"Oh. Well I'm glad you got straightened out."
She told me she went to her parents when she first got out of jail. After getting a job and paying her fines and restitution she moved in with a girlfriend and they split expenses. She still had to see a probation officer once a month for the next 6 months and stay out of trouble.
I told her not much had changed in my life. She asked about Gary. I told her he was pretty fucked up after all that went down but was doing pretty well now. She said she was really sorry she hurt him like that. But she was glad I didn't hate her.
"You never did anything to me. That I didn't like, anyway." I chuckled and she did, too.
We talked another hour or so and went our separate ways with promises to stay in touch.
CHAPTER 3
I did not tell Gary that I had seen her. I know he had a really hard time getting over her. So I thought it best to let sleeping dogs lie. But I did text her a few weeks later and said I was ready for a haircut. Meaning just a haircut, not like before. Mayfield was only about 15 miles away so it wasn't like I had to travel a long way and I really did like the way she cut it. She made an appointment for me that Saturday at noon when I was off. She cut my hair and said I was her last one of the day as she only works a half a day on Saturdays. And asked if I wanted to grab some lunch. I said sure. We went to a Chinese restaurant nearby.
We had a good time talking and cutting up. Just like old times. I really enjoyed her company. I watched her walk away when she went to the ladies room. She was wearing jeans, tight but not overly so, and a pullover red top. Again tight but not like she used to wear. Her ass had a very nice swing as she walked. I thought it a shame she had gotten caught up in the lifestyle that she did, but I was glad she was out of it now. So maybe it was a good thing she got busted. It takes what it takes, as they say.
When she came back we paid and she asked if I wanted to see where she lived. That her roommate was out of town. I said "Sure. I'd love to."
I followed her to an apartment complex. It looked decent enough. Not real upscale, but not a drug haven, either. We went in and she gave me a tour. It was neat and clean. 2 bedrooms, kitchen/dining room combo, living room, 1 shared bath, and a utility room with a washer/dryer combo. "It's small, but we make it work. The biggest problem is sharing a bath." she said. "That's a pain in the ass."
"I'm sure. But I like it. It's nice."
"Thank you. Would you like a cup of coffee? Or something cold to drink?"
"Coffee would be great." I sat on the couch while she made us both a cup of coffee. She joined me on the couch.
After talking for a little while she scooted over and hugged me. "I am so, so glad to reconnect with you. I always felt we were good friends. And I've pretty much left all my other friends behind because they were not good for me. Except Pam. That's who I share this place with. She's been my friend since high school and stuck with me through all my problems. So it's really nice to have you back in my life."
I hugged her against my side and said, "I'm glad you contacted me. I'm glad to see you doing well. And yes, I too, believe we were good friends. And I hope you're making some new ones."
"Not really. I don't go anywhere other than work and the P.O.'s office. Or the grocery store. No social life."