Michael arrived back at our house after the first meeting with the wedding planner. Michael loved Danielle slightly more than all the other girls he had been out with which seemed to qualify her for marriage but he was sure sick of bridesmaids dresses already. Michael loosened his collar and dumped the portfolio on the hall table. It was still hot out and Michael needed a shower after the drive back through rush hour traffic. He went into the laundry to grab a fresh towel and dumped it on the dryer while he unbuttoned his light blue shirt, pulled it out of his jeans and took it off.
Michael walked back into the hall and saw a figure through the mottled glass of the front door. Before the person had a chance to ring the bell, Michael opened the door and Marcy (Anita's neighbour) greeted him with a big smile. She was wearing a form fitting blue patterned vest and denim mini skirt with her blonde hair piled messily on top of her head – she was like a poor version of Anita. Almost 100% trash but not quite.
"Hi, you must be Michael? I am Marcy, the Walkers' neighbour, how do you do?"
"Oh hi Marcy it's nice to meet you" Michael shook her extended hand, pretending he didn't know her already.
"I hear congratulations are in order?" Marcy continued.
"Yes, thank you, Danielle and I are officially engaged! Word sure travels fast round this neighborhood. Danielle and I are really pleased although sorting out all the wedding plans is some task, but please come on in."
Michael stepped to one side and Marcy smiled confidently while trying not to stare at Michael's traffic-stopping chest as she walked into the house.
"I came to see Anita yesterday and somehow managed to forget to drop off the card. So here you go." Marcy presented Michael with a purple envelope.
"Thank you Marcy, that's really kind of you and I am sorry about my attire," Michael glanced down casually with his hands in the air like he was surrendering.
"But I just needed a quick shower to freshen up. I wasn't expecting any visitors – actually I am home alone for much of the afternoon but you are more than welcome to stay if you want? But if not, please stop by to see Danielle later, she would love to see you again I am sure"
"Yes I must do that, you're right. Although from yesterday I am unsure who I should congratulate. It looks like you are already practicing with Anita for the honeymoon"
Michael's eyes widened for a moment with the realization that he and Anita had been spotted.
"Wh...wha...what do you mean Marcy?" Michael tried to back track with a little laugh.
"What do I mean Michael? I mean the fact that you were having sex with Anita on that sofa yesterday and I saw it all. It was quite a show! You aren't even in the family yet Michael but you seem to be very well acquainted with your soon to-be mother-in-law!" Marcy replied with venom.
"So yes, I must come over and 'celebrate' later with either Danielle or Anita. Which would you prefer me to congratulate Michael?"
Michael remained quiet for a moment.
"Listen Marcy..." Michael started very slowly, thinking on his feet. "Me and Anita, I mean we are...well..."
"Spit it out Michael..."
"Look Marcy" Michael tried to buy some more time "There's no need for you to tell Danielle."
"Why shouldn't I?" Marcy asked with a smile "You aren't much of a faithful husband and you aren't even married yet!"
"Marcy, please don't ruin Danielle's big day – she is so excited about getting married and we do love each other. Please don't, I'll do anything as long as you don't tell her. Please don't spoil it for her. I'll do anything."
"Well Michael, it's funny you should say that ..." Marcy wagged her finger at him as she walked into the lounge.
Michael frowned for a second and then shut the front door so they were alone. He was still looking confused when he turned around and walked into the lounge to meet Marcy face to face.
"Just how willing would you be to keep me quiet Michael? You seem so keen to be a member of the Walker family and I appear to be the one who could change all that."
Michael rubbed his massive, defined chest gently as he listened to what Marcy was saying. His head was hanging back a little – his usual cocky stance already assumed as Marcy continued.
"Anita seemed to be very impressed with what you were offering and it appears to be so good it is stopping her from telling anyone so she can keep you all to herself. So if that body is as good as it looks and I need some incentive to keep your secret then you'll need..."