The next two days I wasn't working so I had time to reflect on what had transpired at the store. I still couldn't believe these things had happened to me, nor could I excuse the fact that, although this guy was dominating and forcing me to do things I otherwise wouldn't, I was allowing it to happen in a sense. The more time I had to clear my head, I began to become more confident that I would put a stop to it. It would help that I would be with my girlfriend tonight.
I wasn't about to tell her about what happened, of course. There's no way she'd see me the same again. We had been together for nearly three years. She worked in a local hospital and had recently had her first foray into management. This allowed her to buy her first house, which she was very proud of. I still was in my little studio apartment. I'd never had a problem with my place until I saw what she was capable of getting into. Now there was a bit of jealousy, although there were hints of her wanting me to move in with her. I didn't want to impose on her. Nor did I want to ride on her coat tails.
Mandy was always a fun girl and since she'd gotten her own home, her confidence had skyrocketed in general. She wasn't bossy, but she was quick to point out any shortcomings of mine. She wanted me to continue school, which I'd persistently put off, get a better job, save my money better. She clearly loved me, but wanted more out of me. It was even evident in the bedroom. I seldom spent the night, but when I did, the sex was great-for me, anyway. Since becoming a homeowner and getting into the new job, she became increasingly demanding in bed, almost like she needed more. It made me worry, but afterward she would always curl up next to me, seemingly satiated.
The previous day, I placed a card on her doorstep. There was no particular occasion; I just liked to surprise her once in a while. In it, I told her I loved her and that I wanted her to meet me at a local restaurant the next evening after work. She called me after she was home.
"What's the occasion?" she asked.
"Nothing. I just wanted to take you out," I responded.
"You're not trying to wine me up and take advantage, are you?" She asked, coy.
"No! I just thought we haven't been going out much lately since your new job, so I thought I'd get you to blow off some steam."
She almost sounded disappointed, "Oh, well ok. Sure. I'll meet you there." It never failed that if I was trying to be romantic, she wanted something more fun.
The night came and I met her at the restaurant. She looked great. It wasn't anything too upscale. Just enough to put her face on. She was already sitting down at the table when I arrived. I took her in as she waved at me. She had on a summer dress which accented her great breasts. They were about 35C and full. When she moved, they moved a half second later.
I saw down with her and she proceeded to tell me about her day at work. I listened as intently as I could, but much of what she said went over my head anyway.
"Thanks for the card, by the way. That was sweet," she said.
"Oh, you know. I like to be spontaneous sometimes." I responded.
"So, why don't you let me get this tonight? I just got paid yesterday and I know you're trying to save up," she said.
"No, no. Tonight it's all on me. You've been working too hard lately," I quipped.
"Honey, I appreciate it, but you're trying to save, remember? I can afford it. I appreciate the sentiment, you know I do. Look, when you move up in the ranks at work, take me out. Until then, let me handle it. I really don't mind," she said. Now I felt about three feet tall.
I'm sure she saw my face fall. "I'm going to run to the bathroom," I said, trying to cut her off. "I'll be right back."
I usually tried to avoid confrontations like this. I rose, and turned toward the back of the restaurant. Then a chill went up my spine. I saw him. Two tables away, in a small table for two he sat, looking dead at me. He loosed a knowing smirk as our eyes met. I stutter-stepped for a second and then corrected myself and made a bee-line for the bathroom. As I entered, put my hands on the sink and stared into the mirror. How did he know I was here? Panicked thoughts flew through me head. Just then, he walked in behind me and I spun around to see him.
"Well, fancy meeting you here, and with that lovely girlfriend of yours. I can see why you were in such a hurry to leave the other night. She looks great!" he said.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice nearly cracking.
"Oh, I was just in the area. I wanted to be a little spontaneous, I guess." He winked at me as he said the words.
That last line was almost verbatim for what I had written in Mandy's card. The hairs on the back of my neck stood at rapt attention. I responded angrily, "Did you read the card I left her?!"
"Oh, don't be cross like that," he said coolly. "I was doing some work on her pipes that day and happened to come across it." I looked at him inquisitively. "Oh, you didn't hear? Yeah, Amanda was having some leaking faucets under the sink. She must have heard about me, so she called and I came over to fix everything. It probably helped that I put my business card in her door. Quite a coincidence, don't you think?" he said, chuckling.
"What, are you stalking her or something?" I shot back. I was now fuming.
"Well, you were so forthcoming about her during our last meeting, that I just had to get to know her. You know, you should probably get back out there. She'll be wondering what you're doing in here with some random guy," he mentioned. I stared hard at him, and stormed out. I cannot believe this is happening, I thought. I regained my outward composure as I got back to the table.
"Sorry about that. There was a bit of a line," I said.
"It's ok. I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I just want you to get out of this rut you seem to be in. You're a smart guy. You can be successful, you know?" she said.
"What? Oh, yeah. I know. You're right. Listen, whatever you want tonight. This is about you," I said. I had completely forgotten about our disagreement. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him return to his table.
"Good," she said. "It's settled, then. I had a pretty long day at work, so can we just had back to the house after dinner?" she asked.
"Sure. That's fine. Whatever you want," I said.
