As I looked myself over in the mirror, I wondered why. What was I thinking? Take the dress off, put the sweats back on, and go back downstairs. I could hear Victor in the living room, shuffling around the coffee table.
He was here to help with the housework. I had hired him for the summer as he finished his first year in college. Barely 19, he wasn't anything special. He wasn't an athlete or any kind of hunk, but pretty average. He wore glasses and a buzz cut. I could see why most college girls ignored him. But me...I couldn't take my eyes off him.
After a few weeks working around my house, mowing the lawn, and whatnot, I thought I was brave enough to make my move. I had told him to wait as I went upstairs to get changed...
It was an old dress I hadn't worn in years. Backless, it sported a long v-cut in the front, almost down to my navel. The ends came up across my breast and tied behind my neck. I ran my hands across my hips, and turned to the side, examining my profile.
You're too old for this. What makes you think you could seduce Vic? Why would you try? He's half your age, less than half. You don't think it's right when those old geezers are walking down the street with some 20 year old bimbo; you're essentially doing the same thing.
I went back and opened the closet. I could hear Vic sorting through my CDs.
"Hey, Ms. Simons?" he called.
"Yes?"
"Is it okay if I put some music on?"
"Sure go ahead." I heard the stereo drive whir and open. I pulled down the hanger for the dress and was about to take it off when I heard the music. It wasn't any new, alternative or grunge rock, or whatever those kids listen to nowadays. It was light jazz. Smooth, light, sax. Slow, easy beat. My favorite.
My hands were shaking. I had to see Vic. Don't do it, I thought. Put something else on first. But I was already at the door. I watched myself move down the hall to the stairs. Stop! This is stupid! Go get changed!
Down the stairs, one at a time. It took forever. My heart was pounding, but I couldn't stop. All the while, mentally yelling at myself to turn around. The last two steps, I could see the living room. I peeked around the corner and saw Vic, examining a vase on the mantle, his arms behind his back. He looked proud and strong. If he turned, he would see me, all of me. My voice failed me.
This was my last chance. I could make it back up the stairs before he saw, and get changed. He was being patient enough. I still had-
"Hi-" It just slipped out. I had ruined everything! Stupid! Vic turned around. He was immediately surprised. Then our eyes met and I forced a smile, the hardest thing I have ever done. And lo and behold, he smiled back.
"You look great." His quiet reply showed how timid he was as well. He stepped towards me. I brushed a strand of hair out of my face, and I began to feel better. The hardest part was behind. He just saw my dress. He didn't think of me any less, and nothing more had to happen. I stepped towards him.
We met at the edge of the living room. The blinds were drawn, as the day outside was getting hot, but it kept everything inside in a dim twilight. There were scented candles on the coffee table; some weird flower name I couldn't pronounce, but the fragrance always made me feel good.