Four fucking years of college and here I am pounding on some dumb preacher's door in the rain, waiting to be let in to work as a minimum-wage handyman. The American Dream, my ass!
Am I in a good mood, or what? My first appointment canceled without warning, my truck had a flat tire on the way here, my student loan is due this coming Monday and I don't have enough money in the bank to cover it. Not to say anything about being soaking wet from changing the tire and standing here waiting for the damn door to open. Could it get any worse?
The door opened slightly, the woman peeking out suspiciously. I fish in my pocket and hand her a damp and crumpled business card. "I'm Jeff, the handyman your husband hired," I blurt out. "Sorry I didn't call to tell you I'd be earlyโmy cell phone died. Hope it's alright."
The woman moves back hesitantly, indicating it might be okay if I come in out of the rain. (Jeeze, thanks, lady, hope I haven't ruined your day.)
I step in, banging my toolbox painfully against my leg and stand dripping on her carpet. She still hasn't said a word as I try to shrug off my soaked jacket and look around for a place to hang it. Pushing my wet hair back on my forehead and out of my eyes I take a good look at her for the first time. She's looking slightly flustered and I quickly notice why.
She's wearing only soft, shapeless pajama bottoms with a thin, white tee-shirt and it's obvious that she hasn't gotten around to putting on a bra. I'm not sure, but I'd bet there's nothing beneath the pjs either. I look at her face and see that she's blushing and I quickly realize I've been staring at her breasts. I smile apologetically and hold out my hand. "Like I said, my name's Jeff. I assume it's your husband that I talked to yesterday about doing some work for you."
"Oh yes, he told me you'd be coming by later today, but I was expecting you in the afternoon. My name's Cyndi, by the wayโthat's Cyndi with a 'y' and 'i'. Here, let me take your coat." She still looked a bit embarrassed but she smiled warmly as she took it to the entry closet. As she was hanging it up I looked her over more carefully. She looked even nicer this time . . . very, very nice indeed. She had long, slender legs and the way the material hung on her I could tell she had a really sweet ass. Love that static cling, baby! Her hair was still damp and shiny from her shower, the soft curls hanging nicely half-way down her back, and a light, fruity perfume lingering from her shampoo.
She turned around and caught me looking again, only this time it doesn't seem to bother her as much. "You look drowned; can I get you a cup of coffee to warm you up before you get started? I was just getting ready to pour myself another cup."
"That'd be great!" I follow her into the kitchen and watch as she takes down a mug for me and fills it and then hers. I sit my damp ass on the barstool and watch as she nervously wipes the counter, even though it looks spotless. She reaches for the sugar bowl and silently pushes it toward me then opens the refrigerator and takes out a carton of half-and-half.
"Cream?" she asks.
I rarely take cream but I quickly nod, enjoying the slight jiggling movement of her breasts as she walks toward me, holding the cream out before her. She notices me staring at her again and flushes slightly, but not unhappy at being looked at. This is one really attractive woman!
"I haven't cleaned out my closet where I want you to build the shelves," she says so softly I can hardly hear her. "I was going to do that this morning. My husband has really been nagging me to get it better organized."
"No problem," I answer, "We gotta keep the boss happy. I'll give you a hand." I smile and wink at her. "No extra charge." My wink is spontaneous and playful and she smiles back, not seeming to be offended in the least.
We finish our coffee, making small talk and getting a little better acquainted with each other. I learn her real name is Cynthia, not Cyndi and she has only been married for a year.
"May I call you 'Cyn??" I tease, leaving it up to her to guess at my spelling. "Only seems appropriate for a preacher's wife to be known as Sin."
She chuckles good humoredly with my attempt at humor, obviously enjoying our light banter.
"I'm afraid there's not much 'sin' in this marriage," she says softly. "I'm a preacher's wife, remember . . . "perfect" just like I'm supposed to be."
She looks down at her cup and for a moment it seems like she's going to say something more, but instead jumps up and grabs the coffee cups and puts them in the sink. With her back to me I can't tell for sure, but I think she looks sad, and definitely lonely.