The raucous sound of the telephone drew me from my absorption in a new mystery novel. I tend to literally become part of a good novel and any interruption can put a scowl on my face.
"Yes?" I said, obviously not ecstatic at the interference.
There was a silence on the other end of the conversation; a silence that gave me time to wipe the scowl off my face and put on a new demeanor.
"I'm sorry," I began again, "this is Mr. Clark, can I help you?"
"I don't know," a soft, feminine and probably quite young voice replied. "My friend Lynn told me to call you."
Them mention of Lynn's name was enough to change the scowl to a delighted smile. "Ah yes, I do recall her mentioning that someone might call. You must be Lexi."
"Yes, that's right." she replied, her voice a bit firmer now that we had a common ground. "She said you might be able to help me."
"It's possible, Lexi," I replied, "but I'd have to talk to you in person to know for sure."
Her voice once again seemed to quake a bit. "I know, she told me."
"What did she tell you about me?" I wondered, although I knew the answer already.
"She said you helped people like me but not everyone. I'd have to convince you that I really needed the help and explain why I needed it. She said that you may be a bit eccentric but that you are really a nice guy that cares about the people you help."
"That's true," I agreed. "When can you come by the house so we can talk?"
"Uh, I don't get off work till five or a little after and I don't get a day off except Sunday." she replied.
"I'm free this evening, Lexi, if you wish, or I'm free Friday evening. I'm afraid that I have plans for the weekend."
"I'll come by tomorrow right after work if that's all right."
"Of course," I agreed. "I'll expect you some time after five-thirty."
"All right," she agreed, "and thank you."
"Don't thank me yet, Lexi. Wait until we come to some kind of an agreement."
When the dial tone was heard, I dialed Lynn's cell phone."
"Did she call you?" she asked.
"Yes, and thank you, Lynn. Is there anything I should know about her you haven't already told me?"
"I don't think so. I know you will go slow with her and treat her with respect. That's the only reason I gave her your phone number."
"I know, sweetheart and I appreciate your confidence. Are we still on for Saturday?"
"Of course. My week wouldn't be complete without our Saturdays. Can I expect a surprise?"
"Perhaps," I replied, smiling. "You'll have to wait and see."
We talked for a few more minutes and I promised her a detailed report of my first meeting with her friend.
I made sure that the ambience was warm and welcoming Friday night, with soft music, dimmed lighting in the living room, and a supply of cold beverages in the refrigerator of the wet bar and my usual well stocked wine chiller.
She showed up promptly at five-forty-five, looking very unsure of herself, wearing a dark blue skirt and soft white sweater that clung to her full young body invitingly. Her long auburn hair was worn down and flowed softly over her shoulders, framing a somewhat pale complexion on a face that reflected the extreme stress that her mind was putting her through. Not knowing what to expect or if I was a threat or not had her very tense and nervous. Though somewhat overweight, I didn't see her that way, only as someone who had the potential to become a wonderful, passionate lover. Her hips were full, but not wide, her breasts full, but not pendulous. She reminded me a great deal of a similar young woman of a few years previous that was one of the most passionate women I'd ever found once I developed her into the woman knew she could be.
"Come in Lexi," I said, holding the door open. "I'm Roger Clarke, and I don't bite, at least not usually. I talked to Lynn and told her we were meeting tonight."
"Oh, ok," she mumbled, as she stepped into the house and stopped, not sure whether she was going to go any further than just inside the door.
"Let's go into the den where be more comfortable as we talk."
She allowed me to usher her into the den, a very inviting room with oversized furniture, thick carpet on the floor, a home theater system with a big screen plasma television, and flowers in several locations.
"Please," I said, indicating a pair of very comfortable recliners across from each other, a low glass topped table between them, on which I had placed a bowl holding chocolates, and vanilla coated mints. "Can I offer you something to drink?" I offered. "White wine, or a soft drink, or some iced tea perhaps?"
"A cola would be nice," she decided.
'You haven't eaten anything yet, Lexi, could I offer you some cheese and fruit?"
"Yes, thank you, my stomach is a bit unstable right now."
"It's just nerves, Lexi. Relax, you're not in any danger here and I don't make it a habit of forcing myself on the women in my life. How about you telling me what your problem is while I fix us a snack."
"It's embarrassing to talk about it," she said. "My husband, Chad, says that someone stole some money from his locker at work. I don't believe they did but he's told me that before so it's no surprise. I don't know if he gambles or spends that much at the bar or what but I'm constantly trying to find a way to pay the bills."
"What is it this time?" I asked.
I got a disconnect notice on the electric and we were already on a probationary status so they turn us off if the bill is more than 45 days past due. They're turning it off on Tuesday and I just can't come up with the money this time."