Mary Beth's Adventures In & Out Of Marriage Ch. 2
Sorry it's taken me so long to answer your last letter Jeb. It shook me up when I got that call from the prison about your little "accident" (I hope it wasn't my letter that caused it!). I always told you not to get so upset over things that you can't control. I'm glad to hear you're feeling better though, and that God is such a source of strength for you once again.
Once again, the most amazing thing happened to me! One thing or another keeps coming up. A big reason I still haven't made it out to see you is that I've taken a day job, so Saturday is the only day I can make it. I really didn't need a job (what with all the money you had tucked away!). A nice man called out of the blue though, saying he was a good friend of yours (you do remember a man named Marcus, don't you hon?). He said he just lost a waitress at his nightclub, and figured I must be pretty desperate for a job, seeing as how you were locked up and all. It suddenly dawned on me that people may start wondering what I was doing for income (especially if that money of yours was stolen!). I quickly agreed to meet him the next day at his club, and thanked him for thinking of me.
Jeb, you know how hard it is to find work around these parts since the auto plant shut down last year! I checked the want ads in our newspaper (which reminds me, collection day should be coming up pretty soon!). The only listings were for fast food or construction type jobs. You remember what a good waitress I used to be. I made real good money in tips, and got to meet lots of people. It sounded like a better idea the more I thought about it!
I had lunch with Helen that same day. We've developed a pretty close relationship. She confessed that she had also been in an abusive relationship, and that counseling others had really helped in her recovery. When I mentioned possibly returning to work, she thought it was a great idea! She believes it is vital to make a clean break from all past routines, and start out fresh with a new life. That is part of the reason she had me file those divorce papers which you mentioned (by the way, you should start addressing your letters to my maiden name).
She asked me when the interview was. "Oh good, we have time then!" she said, after I told her not till the next day. "I want you over to my house at eleven a.m. sharp!" Seeing my puzzled expression, she smiled. "I was a beautician up until my divorce. I want to treat you to the works! First, a facial..." she said, counting the fingers off on her hand. "Second, the spa....third, a mineral bath and soak..... Fourth, a hair-style..... Fifth, a manicure.... and we'll finish it off with your make-up!" I was speechless. "I don't know what to say! I'm not going to put you to all that trouble just for me" I answered. "Nonsense, I insist! Believe me, I'm going to enjoy it as much as you do. I could use the practice. I won't listen to any more arguments!" She gave me directions to her house, and reminded me to bring along whatever I had picked out for the interview, in case I ran short of time. We gave each other a big hug before leaving the restaurant. "I just don't know how to thank you, you've been such a great friend!" I said as we parted company. "Don't worry, I'll think of something!" she answered and touched my hand before leaving.
I was so excited Jeb, honestly! As I worked my way home through our subdivision, I saw Tommy walking along the sidewalk with a couple of his friends. I have to admit feeling a tiny bit guilty over what had happened. I know you will understand my wanting to make it up with him! I pulled alongside, and rolled down the window. I was pleased when his face lit right up. "Hi Tommy! So when's collection day?" I said with a smile. "Two day's mam, always the first Friday of the month!" he answered, as one of his friends gave him a playful push towards the car. "If you show up around noon, there just may be some extra lunch waiting!" I said with a wink. I gave him a wave and pulled away. I smiled as I saw him exchanging high fives with his buddies in the rear view mirror.
I hope you rest easier knowing things are going so well for me. Honestly, I've never been happier! I slept in Thursday, made a quick breakfast and picked out an outfit for the interview. Marcus had said that the name of the club was "Ebony and Ivory," which sounded kind of classy. It was located downtown on Third Avenue and Broadway (you probably already know that). Since I hadn't worked for the last fifteen years, I figured my best chance to get hired was going to be showing off my figure! I picked out that black spaghetti strapped number you liked me to wear on special nights. You remember how it fits like a second skin? You probably wouldn't approve of my wearing it in public these days! I tried it on, and almost changed my mind. My boobs have gotten so big! The dress really wasn't proper anymore, but guys would love it! I have to admit Jed, that the thought of going out in this outfit was starting to make me tingle you know where (I'm turning into quite an exhibitionist!). That decided it.
I slipped it off and hung it up in my wardrobe bag, and opened my lingerie drawer. I never even considered wearing a bra. Really honey, it would have looked awful tacky, and besides, you weren't around to complain (I figured Marcus wasn't going to mind none!). I found some sheer black pantyhose, pumps and nice lacy underwear, and added them to the bag.
Helen had provided good directions, and I arrived right at eleven in the morning. She was waiting for me at the door with a hot cup of coffee. Her house was so beautiful! I had no idea she was that well off. She was glad to see me, and made me feel right at home. You should see her bathroom. Jeb, it was as big as our family and living room put together! The floor was smooth marble, the walls were all white tiles and the ceiling was vaulted. There were big skylights, and light flooded in, making it appear even more spacious. She had me undress, and gave me a fluffy white bathrobe to wear. There was a black leather stylist's chair in a cubby off to the side, which had been set up like a studio. In no time at all she had my hair trimmed, conditioned and wrapped up in a towel. She reclined the chair, and spread some warm paste all over my face. She had me close my eyes, and told me not to disturb it as it dried. It felt very soothing, and all the tension drained away from my facial muscles. I was a little bit startled when I felt her untie my robe next, and flip it open. I was naked as a jaybird underneath! I heard her rummage around the studio for a minute of so, then a pair of electric clippers clicked on with a buzz. I jumped as I felt the cold instrument brush up against my belly. "Just lay still dear!" she said, and pressed her palm against my tummy. "I'm just going to give you a little trim down here also, it won't take but a minute or two." I felt her begin stroking the razor across my mound, pausing occasionally to brush away the trimmings with a soft barber's brush. I'm sure that my cheeks were bright red underneath the masque, as I heard a click, and felt the front of the chair drop away. Helen moved around front, and I felt her swing out something on either side of the chair, which she locked in place with a snick. She hooked her hands underneath my knees. "Almost done dear, we'll have you looking like a teenager again in no time, just relax!"