Chapter 3
The next day, I didn't press the issue. As a widow, I figured she probably had feelings that needed processing. I knew eventually she'd figure it out and then I'd either have a job or I wouldn't. We went back to work as if nothing had happened.
That night, a new wrinkle appeared. Jake and Olivia Foster, my roomies, gave me some happy/sad news. With somber faces, they told me that Olivia Foster was ten weeks pregnant. I was very happy for them, but I knew what was next.
"We need to get started on the nursery. So, you'll need to find another place. You have another week left this month. If you can't find a place, we could go another month, but that's it." Jake said. "I'm sorry to do this."
I rose and hugged them both. "I'll get on it right now. No hard feelings." Truthfully, I was a bit worried, but as it turned out I hadn't needed to be.
I mentioned my upcoming dilemma to Lauren the next afternoon.
"I'm going to spend Monday looking for a new place." The store was closed Sunday and Monday. This is pretty common in the small business retail world.
Lauren looked thoughtful for a minute and then said, "Come with me."
I followed her to the rear corner of the store. She took the chain down from the banisters and led me up the stairs to the attic. Through the door at the top, she walked me into a loft apartment. All the furniture was covered with old sheets and dust. A Motley Crue "Girls, Girls, Girls" poster and a dart board were the only wall decorations.
Lauren turned to me, very business-like. "This was my husband's apartment while he was in college. Like yours, his dad wanted a degree if Chris was to run the store. If it's not too primitive, you could stay here if you want."
I was stunned. "I um... what... what would want for rent?"
Lauren shrugged. "We can work that out when we rediscuss your wages next week."
I allowed a little hope to creep in. "And... I'm not fired?"
Lauren's face softened. "No. You're not fired." She smiled. "BUT! You have been marked as a troublemaker, so watch your ass." Then she turned and walked out the door. It was her ass I was watching, as she walked down the stairs, and she knew it. She gave it just a little wiggle when she got to the bottom. She looked up at me and we smiled at each other.
Primitive was the correct word for the room. The room was completely open. A square. The only additional walls were a framed and sheet-rocked area around the commode, with a curtain for privacy. The kitchen, shower, and bedroom were all part of the main room. The open-floor-plan idea, taken to the Nth degree. The furniture was dated but in good shape. I particularly like the overstuffed sofa. The TV was an old tube-style with a rabbit ears antenna. Welcome to 1992.
The next day was Saturday. We were both in terrific moods and we talked and enjoyed the day. That afternoon, she turned to me. "We're gonna have a third employee for a while. I don't know how long. My sister-in-law, that is, Chris' step-sister, is going through a tough divorce and will be staying with me for a while. I'm sorry for the short notice but we just firmed up her plans yesterday"
Lauren lived in a cute little bungalow about a block and a half away. Like the store, it had been Chris' parent's home. I'd started taking care of the lawn there a week or so ago.
"I'm going to pick her up at the airport tonight. I'll need you to close the store. If I call you when we're nearly home, would you meet us at the house to help with her bags?" Lauren laughed. "She's a little high maintenance and I'm sure she's gonna come with every scrap of clothing she owns."
I smiled back. "Whatever you need".
Lauren walked up to me and ran her hand down my arm. "Thanks. You're an ace."
I had no idea what to expect of our visitor, but in my wildest dreams wouldn't have imagined this woman. Lauren's car pulled up, a simple four-door sedan. Bags were piled on top of it, roof and trunk, strapped down with ratchet straps and duct tape. Lauren opened her door, stepped out and our eyes met. She looked at me apologetically.
The passenger door opened and this little spitfire of a woman popped out.
"The WORST flight of my entire life. I'll never fly that lousy airline again, I assure you. Can you believe they made me wear a t-shirt over my blouse because my neckline was "unacceptable"!? That's crap! And I abhor flying coach!"
The woman was about five foot, two inches, with long, straight hair as black as a raven's wing. She wore an electric blue pencil-style dress that showed off her very ample curves. The plunging neckline of her dress showed off her terrifically big boobs. She wore four-inch stiletto heels. "Who travels like this?" I thought. When I fly, I'm all about comfort.
Lauren came around and helped the woman traverse the gravel driveway in her heels. I stepped down off the porch, and the woman noticed me a moment before Lauren introduced me.
"Angie, this is the young man I told you about. Ben, this is my sister-in-law, Angela."
Angela looked me up and down, lowering her designer eyeglasses to do so.
I extended my hand. "I'm happy to meet you, Angela." Angela lightly shook my hand while looking down at it.
"My, this boy has some paws, doesn't he? Look at the size of those hands."
Lauren met my gaze. With a grin, she replied, "Yes, he does. Oh, and Angie, he kissed me the other day, quite unexpectedly."
Angela looked up at me, "Did he, now? Was it a good kiss?"
Still smiling at me, Lauren replied, "Not bad. Could use some practice."
"I'm sure." Angela tugged on my hand to get my attention. "Okay Kitten, take Auntie Angela's bags inside. I need to freshen up." Then she turned and strode into the house as if she owned it, her big beautiful butt moving delightfully in the tight dress.
I looked quizzically at Lauren. "Kitten?"
Lauren laughed. "She takes a bit of getting used to. Please put the bags in the upstairs bedroom on the left. Thanks." Then she also walked into the house, with quite a lot of wiggle in her walk as well.