Part One
The truth was this: Joe and Kimberly were seeing too much of each other. They were not only next-door neighbors and lovers, but now they were working together in the same bookstore.
When Joe first started working at the bookstore, the two lovers were excited to be together even more. But over the last two weeks, with Joe working as a supervisor, quite frankly he as being a douchebag and a pain in the ass. In the eye of her fantasy, Kimberly thought he would rule with a firm but gentle hand. But this was not the case. He was not firm -- he was taking his power and acting like a complete dickhead about it.
Kimberly sat at the breakroom table and sighed, drinking a soda and eating a bag of pretzels. It seemed the two of them got along much better as a couple instead of co-workers. She was sorry she ever mentioned this job opening to Joe, sorry that the whole thing had happened. Joe entered the breakroom with a bag of McDonald's food and sat across from her. He chatted in a friendly, open way as if nothing had come between the opposite lovers.
"Yeah, so anyway," Joe said. "I talked to Mr. Kessler just now and he told me to tell you to come in early tomorrow morning. He said you need to work on the Fourth of July sale that is coming up. He says you've been slacking off."
The young redhead glared at him. "And I suppose you agree with him."
"Yes, in a way. I think your parents have spoiled you and that you're used to getting your own way. Not everything is going to be handed to you on a silver platter, Kimberly."
She didn't like this side of him. It was a side she had never seen before. In their relationship, he had been the firm leader, but never demanding or obnoxious. In the workplace he was both. She got up out of her seat and angrily tossed the empty soda can in the garbage can, causing it to clang noisily in the otherwise silent room.
"What's your problem?" he asked her.
"You're acting like a complete douchebag. You're supposed to be my lover, not my boss. Don't tell me how to do things."
He looked at her, astonished, and she swung the door open, heading back onto the floor to finish her shift. As the day progressed, Joe realized he
had
been letting his authority get the better of him. His natural leadership skills took hold, and he was one of those hardasses at work that everybody hates. He attempted, twice, during the day to apologize to her, but she wouldn't hear of it.
That evening, after their shift ended, he offered her a ride home. Again, she refused and said she'd take the bus. He muttered something underneath his breath and got in his car.
"Thank God this day is coming to end," he thought to himself.
Once at home, Kimberly sat on the couch and shed a few tears. Normally Joe was so sweet and endearing, a natural protector. She was at a loss at what to do -- should she quit? Should she talk to Mr. Kessler about Joe? She shook her head, unable to come up with a solution.
Her father, walking in through the front door, noticed her condition immediately and expressed his concern. "What is it, pumpkin?"
The daughter, in a stubborn and agitated state, knew that it was an exercise in vanity to tell her father what was happening at work. She knew that no matter what he said that she would somehow combat whatever logic or compassion he presented to her; not wanting to fight another uphill battle, she simply shrugged and told him it was nothing. Tiredly hauling her petite body up the stairs, she went to her bedroom, undressed, and snuggled in for a long sleep.
Part Two
The next evening, after having the day off, Kimberly lied in bed reading one of her favorite comics,
Betty & Veronica
. Her father had been gone all day, working a twelve-hour shift at the hospital, still not to return home for several more hours. She also had not seen or heard from Joe all day and that was fine with her. Although her stubbornness was softening as she thought of his soft blue eyes, tall frame, and snow-colored hair, she....No! She must stay mad at him; he deserved it!
Still, even with his behavior at work, he
did
know how to melt her little 22-year-old heart. Joe -- 68 years old and as feisty and horny as ever -- was the greatest lover she'd ever had. She had been with a few guys in college, but nothing could compare to his lovemaking skills. He was just a master in the bedroom and was a genius at sex. She sighed. The telephone on her nightstand rang and she picked up the receiver.
"Hello?"
"Hi Kimberly, it's Joe. Baby, please hear me out..."
"I'm listening."
"Baby, you're absolutely right: I treated you so poorly at work and you deserve much better -- I'll never treat you that way again. I didn't call you earlier because I know you needed your time to cool off. I apologize." His voice was sincere and sad. She was touched by this genuine show of affection.
"I forgive you, Joe."
"You do? Just like that?"
"Well, I was angry for a while, but I'm done now. I'm ready to move on with things and kiss and make up."
There was a silence over the phone. "You mean...Did you want to make up now?" he asked, almost dumbfounded.
She laughed and fell back on her pillow. "Yes, Joe. I think you know what I mean."
"Oh honey," he moaned. "You know I can't resist you."
"Come over right now," she said to him. "Dad is gone, and I have the place to myself. My bedroom is up the stairs, first door on the left."
At this, she hung up and hurriedly dressed into sexy lace panties and a matching bra. She straightened up her bedroom a bit, smoothing out the comforter and lying on top of it sexily, one knee bent, her arms bent at the elbows with her hands near her head.
