Mending

[MistressAthena]

OOC: I'd like to do something different (for me anyway). I'd like to have a romantic thread. I'd like cuddling, tenderness, affection..... you get my drift (I hope). There will eventually be sex (duh... or I wouldn't have posted it in this forum-lol!).

My character will be "damaged". She will need a strong man to come along and "rescue" her from her lonely darkness. Perhaps your character is also hurt. However you want to play him is fine. If you are the male RPer for this thread, please PM me. The first serious PM will be chosen as my special RPer.

UPDATE: I found my guy! This thread is now closed for myself and allonblack.

IC: Shelia was now 28 years old and had been married since she was 18 to the same man. He was abussive mentally and sexually. She stayed by his side supporting him as he climbed the corporate ladder. At the socials she was always dolled up like some prize for him to flaunt. She was a beauty and he liked making the others jealous with his prize wife.

But then at night he degraded her and forced himself on her sexually any way he wanted. She never had the option of saying no. She usually just did what he said and hoped it would be over with soon.

The depression of this relationship took it's toll on her. She had become very quiet and withdrawn. Her depression hit rock bottom when she attempted suicide by swallowing a bottle of pain pills. The maid found her passed out on her bed and called for an ambulance. At the hospital her husband (Michael) seemed concerned and loving in front of everyone else. But, when he got her home, he called her stipid and threatened her that she better never embarriss him like that again. Life was hell for her.

But, then one day she caught her husband having sex with his secretary in his office. She ran out as pain gripped her frail heart. She had been there for him through it all. She took his abuse and kept going. Now, after it all he had the nerve to have an affair. She had always wanted children. But, he forced her to be on birth control. Missing a pill usually resulted in a beating. Now she understood why he didn't want children. She was not a wife to him. She was only a sexual toy to him. Someone to take his stresses out on.

For 6 days he did not come home or even call. He did not care that she saw what she did. On the 7th day divorce papers came in. To her surprise the agreement said she could keep the house (fortunately it was paid for) and her car (paid for as well), essentially everything in the house. As for money he would give her $2,500 a month for 2 years. After that she would be on her own and there would be no further intereaction between the two. Shelie knew the only reason he was giving her what he did was so that he could keep the image of being a "good" and "generous" man in the eyes of others.

Tears dropped onto the paper as she signed the papers. She knew this was the best deal she would get from him. She just worried how she would take care of herself. She hadn't worked since before she married him 11 years ago. She would have to take advantage of the money he would be sending her to maybe take some college courses so she could get a decent job.

After signing the papers she stuffed them away into the pre-stamped envelope and sat them on the kitchen table. The maid then walked in and she said, "Mrs. London, how much does my husband pay you monthly?" She looked concerned, "$900. Am I not doing a good job?" Shelia smiled, "Yes, you have always done a good job. But, my husband and I are getting divorced." She looked over to the papers, "I just signed the papers." She then looked back to her, "I will not be able to afford your services. I will write you a check right now for $900 while I can still access the checking account. And then unfortunately I will be unable to retain your services any further." The maid looked sad, "I am sorry to hear about all of this. I will miss working for you." Shelia smiled, "I will miss you too."

Shelia reached into her purse and pulled out the checkbook, "I'd go cash this check right now if I were you." She wrote the check and handed it to her. They said their goodbyes and the maid left.

Shelia went up to her bedroom and stood in front of the floor length mirror. She stripped her clothes and stood there naked as she looked at herself. She said, "Does my body not look good anymore?" Her breasts were full and round with perky nipples. Her waist was trim and you could see hints of her ribs as she moved a bit. She rested her hands on her firm hips and looked down to her smooth flat stomach, "I'm not fat."

She then looked at her face, "My face is free of blemishes. My nose is perfect. Especially after that plastic surgery he made me get on it. I don't have a doube chin. I have nice lips. I keep my eyebrows perfectly trimmed." She then looked at her hair, "My hair is kept nice too." Her shoulder length dark blonde hair framed her face and her bright blue eyes penetrated from behind the hair. She turned around and looked at her backside over her shoulder, "And my ass..... It looks firm and round to me. Years of jogging have made sure of that." She then turned back around and sighed in the mirrior, "I must not be good enough anyway." She started crying and dropped onto her bed.

The next morning she heard moving vans. She got dressed and went out to see what was going on. She saw the mansion next door that was very similar to her own had someone moving in. The mansion had been empty for two years. So, she of course was curious who was moving in. But, it seemed only movers were there. So, she decided to go on a shopping spree while she could. It would probably be the last one she would go on for a long time to come. She went back in, got the papers and took them to the mail box.

She then hopped into her convertible red corvette and went shopping. She came home as the sun was setting and dragged in bags upon bags of clothing. She realized she was hungry and called for pizza. As she waited she began to put the clothes away. When the pizza came she paid the pizza boy, closed the door and went into the kitchen. She poured herself some Dr. Pepper and took the pizza out onto the deck off of the kitchen overlooking the pool. She sat the pizza and soda on the white metal table and sat in the matching chair. She at her food while looking out over the pool and to the flower garden past it. She glanced over to the mansion next door and wondered who lived there now.

 

[allonblack]

I sat on the porch steps holding a ripped photograph of Jeffrey in my hand. I had spent many hours tearing Linda out of all the photographs I owned, trying to tear her from my mind. The son I had raised as my own, Jeffrey, turned out to not be mine. Linda decided to confess this to me at his third birthday party, two days after I had taken out a second morgtage on our home. I felt bad about abandonding them but she could convince someone else to take care of her and him. I suspected she had more than one sugardaddy on the side.
I stayed with her in the house until the divorce was finalized, officially two days ago. I had just shut my eyes and pointed to a place on the map. I did some research on the internet and found out the city of Parkville, had a low crime rate and appeared to be ideal suburbia. I work as a freelance contractor so I can work nearly anywhere I want. But I wanted my residence to be one of quietness far away from the reminders of my ex-wife's adultery. I knew suburbia was rampant with unfaithfulness as well but at least here I could stick to my standards and see all the families with children and know that I wouldn't ever rip them apart just for my lustful urges.

Perhaps I was just as bad as Linda because unbeknownst to her I had hidden thousands of dollars in private accounts and savings bonds. It was just as well, if she knew about them she would spend all the money. So I had used all but $1,000 a downpayment for this mansion. I was suspicious of the price but the realtor was up front with me and said that no one had been murdered in the house, it was just in a bad location since urban penthouses were more fashionable than suburban mansions with lawns to mow. Besides I didn't see myself talking to many women anyways regardless if they were single or not. Once my trust was broken it took a long time for me to trust again. I knew it wasn't fair to take out my pain on the whole female gender but I had just turned 30 years old and decided I needed to focus on my career and not on chasing tail.
"Where do you want this box Mr. Milton?" asked one of the movers. "Uh...just put it in the kitchen, I think technically some of that stuff is my ex's..." I trailed off seeing he was losing interest and the strain of the heavy box wasn't helping. "By they way you can call me Ted." I told him as I opened the front door for him.
I stood with my hands on my hips as I surveyed the neighborhood. It was awfully quiet for this time of a day, I expected to see some kids outside playing but I figured they were all inside playing their video games and consuming empty calories.

The moving truck had been there all day and I half-expected a welcoming committee from the neighborhood to arrive with cookies and pies. Not that I needed them anyways, I had worked hard to maintain my physique. After the movers left I found myself still sitting on the front stoop full of nervous energy. I tucked Jeffrey's picture into my shirt pocket and decided to check out the park at the end of the street where I thought I had spotted a tennis court earlier. I didn't feel like going inside and digging through boxes for my tennis clothes so I figured a sweatesuit would be good enough to go hit some practice serves. Maybe I would meet someone there for a pickup game as I had learned passively waiting got me nowhere but used as a doormat.

I pulled the door shut and bent over to tie my shoe. I realized I had unknowingly locked myself out. I retraced my steps and squinting through the large picture window I could see my only set of keys for the house lying on the table. It was a habit to lock the door behind me whenever I stepped out, even just for a moment because of Jeffrey and I recalled hearing the lock click as I stepped out. The door was a temporary door, installed by the realtor to keep people from walking in whenever they pleased. It could only be opened from the inside and I had it propped open but one of the movers must have removed the box that was holding the door open. I stood there scratching my head as I thought about what to do next.

I remembered I had cracked a window in the kitchen earlier when I was painting. I searched the yard for anything to stand on so I could crawl through the window. I found only a cinderblock and decided it had to do. I tried squeezing through the window but realized I wouldn't fit. I had to laugh at myself knowing that my first day in suburbia might result in me getting arrested for breaking into my own house. I hoped no one was watching me and laughing at my legs flailing in the air. Finally I gave one last push with my arms on the kitchen sink and landed with a thud on the cold tile. "Ohhhh" I moaned scratching to get to my feet. I grabbed the keys from the table and stormed out of the house. I slammed the front door as I hard I could and heard the glass in the small windows shatter. I shook my head in disgust at the so-called security system.

As I walked down the sidewalk I spied an attractive woman about my age sitting on her deck eating a pizza. I smiled in relief that this neighborhood seemed normal so far and wasn't full of stepword wives as I had fears. Across the street and elderly woman was walking her poodle. I waved to her but she turned her back to me and walked away in the opposite directon. The smell of the pizza attracted the dog and he was pulling hard on the leash trying to cross the street. The pizza also attracted me but I didn't want to show up as an uninvited guest. I had vowed to be more socially aggressive but I knew I had to pick and choose my battles.

I ran my fingers over the strings of my racket, plucking them softly as I walked. It made me smile as I thought of Jeffrey and how I used to pluck the racket strings and sing "Twinkle, Twikle, Little Star" to him. I sighed and knew I'd better keep moving or I might have a breakdown right there on the sidewalk.

 

[MistressAthena]

Shelia watched as a man she had never seen before walked with a tennis racket in his hand. He seemed to be lost in thought as he plucked at the strings on it. She thought to herself, "My God he is handsome! That must be the new neighbor." She thought of going to down to play some tennis but she had just eaten and did not want to get sick. And it was getting dark. She probably could have come up with a thousand excuses not to go. Truth be told, she was scared. She had just ended a horrific relationship and was in no hurry to meet anyone else. She now had a fear of men and possibly even a bit of hate.

Shelia decided she would be neighborly and that would be it. She decided that the next day she would go buy him a basket of fruit or something. As her automatic lights came on, her pool sparkled under the stars. It was a warm night and she decided to take a relaxing swim in the water.

So, she went in and doned a two piece bathing suit. It was white with gold trim. The top looked a lot like a sports bra and the bottoms gave average coverage. Not too little and not too much. She slipped on a pair of flip flops. The soles were black and the straps were clear. She then grabbed a large blue beach towel from the linen closet.

Shelia went outside and stepped into the water. She swam a bit until she reached a long float. She climbed aboard it on her back. Shelia stared up at the stars thinking of everything that had happened in her marriage. Tears began to fall as she laif there crying. She felt alone, scared and hurt. Wondering why she was even alive. Thoughts of suicide filled her mind once again.

After awhile Shelia got out of the pool and made her way inside. She locked up the doors and made sure all the windows were locked. She stood in the foyer and looked up to the tall staircase leading to the overhead balcony of the second floor. Though her husband was so cruel to her, she always knew at least there was another body there. Now, she felt more alone than ever.

In the morning she awoke, dressed and ate cereal for breakfast. She decided to go and stock up on groceries while she could. While at the grocery store she picked up a nice basket of fruit for her neighbor and a bottle of fine wine (well the best you can get from a gorcery store, anyway). She also picked out the perfect greeting card. On the outside it had a picture of a moving van and above it the words" Welcome to the Nighborhood" were written.

Inside the card was the message, "Here is your first cup of borrowed sugar". Under the message was a picture of a coffe mug over flowing with sugar. Once she got to the car and loaded up, she sat in the drivers seat. She leaned over into the glove box and pulled out a pen. She signed the card, "From your neighbor at 1412. Enjoy!"

Once home she carried in all the groceries and put them away. Shelia then carried the fruit basket, wine and card over to her new neighbor. She sat everything down on the stoop. She rang the doorbell and hurried home wanting to avoid any conversation. Once inside she closed the door and leaned against it. Her heart raced like a kid who had just rang a door bell and ran. She giggled at herself feeling like a kid.

Knowing she could not afford people to cut her grass anymore, she decided to take a crack at it later in the afternoon. Shelia put on a pair of cut of jeans and a pink tank top. For shoes she put in a pair of white sneakers with pink stripes. She went to the shed beside the house (the shed was on the side of the house not in sight of the new neighbor's house.) and unlocked it. She then pulled out the riding lawn mower out onto the lawn in plain view. She got on it and looked down at the controls and the ignition. She had no idea what to do. But, she turned the wheels to the side so that she would not crash into the shed if it jumped forward. She put the key in and tried to crank it. It wouldn't start. She tried several times and could not understand why it wouldn't crank. Frustrated she got off of the thing and glared at it as if trying to intimidate the machine with her angry glare.

Then, she noticed what appeared to be directions written on the floor board of it. After reading she realized it had a safety feature. It would not crank unless the break was pressed down while cranking. So, she got back on and did as it said. To her joy, it cranked. But, now she didn't know how to make it go. She took her foot off the break but it only slowly inched forward. She looked down between her feet to see if there were more instructions. And of course, there were. She learned how to operate the gears and was soon off to cutting grass. She couldn't help but smile as she did it feeling proud of herself and for once, independent. She noticed the old woman walking her dog and looking to her strangely. She knew it was because the home owners never cut their grass around here. They always hired people to do it. But, Shelia didn't care.

 

[allonblack]

The tennis courts were in pristine condition but unfortunately my body was not. After taking my frustration out on about 4 dozen tennis balls by practicing my jump serve, my elbow was beginning to throb and swell. I decided to call it a night and headed home in the twilight of the evening.

As I walked in the surreal orange glow of the neighborhood streetlights, I gazed into backyard after backyard. Nearly every house seemed to have a pool. I would like to get one once my finances were more stable so Jeffrey could play in it when he came to visit me. But I had a feeling it would be a long time before things became stable and I didn't want to give myself a headache.
I iced my elbow and rubbed some linament on it, hoping the pain would be gone in the morning. I sat on the couch stretching my arm completely with each handful of popcorn I shoveled into my mouth. My head began to droop and finally I forced myself up the stairs and into bed.

I awoke the next morning still in my sweatsuit. As I was washing my face in the bathroom I heard a clunking noise from below. I hoped it wasn't the kitchen sink, though I was sure I hadn't damaged the faucet when I crawled through the window. I heard the doorbell ring and assumed it was the movers bringing a box they'd forgotten. I dabbed my face dry with a towel as I jogged down the stairs. Sliding the curtains slightly apart I peeked outside but didn't see anyone around. I opened my front door and saw a fruit basket and a bottle of wine propping the door open. I read the card and quickly searched the house numbers for 1412. I saw it was the house of the woman next door who I'd saw eating pizza last night. A loud bang startled me and I turned to find it was just the gate on her white picket fence banging shut. Perhaps she didn't think I was home but I didn't think much more of it as I rubbed an apple on my shirt and took a bite.

Wine was never of much use to me, I enjoyed the taste but knew little about the best years and styles. I placed the bottle on the kitchen table as I stared out the window. I could see the woman who I assumed brought the fruit basket, preparing to mow her lawn. She seemed to be having trouble figuring out how to operate the clutch, which presented a predicament for me. I could walk over and help her out but I could also be invading the space of an independent woman who didn't need or want my help. She drove the perimeter of her lawn but seemed to moving at a crawl. The old woman walking her dog stared curiously at her and soon I heard the mower stall again. The woman got it started again but didn't press the clutch in when she tried to shift to a higher gear and caused a eerie grinding sound as the mower sputtered and stalled on the sidewalk. I could see she was growing visibly frustrated and decided to help. I walked out my back door and through her yard. I realized this wasn't the best route as it put me in her blindspot and I didn't want to startle her.

"Ahoy there!" I shouted but not too loudly. She turned around slowly, obviously not recognizing my voice but also slightly embarrassed that she was about the kick the mower. "Hi, I'm Ted, I just moved in. Thanks for the fruit basket 1412." I said with a smile. "You look like you could use some help." I said leaning across the mower. Using my left hand I pressed the clutch down and used my right hand to shift it into neutral. The gearshift seemed jammed so I tugged harder, nearly losing my balance. I was able to move the gearshift but only further aggravated my sore elbow in the process. I held my elbow as I spoke to her, "There you go, you can just leave it in second gear since I don't think you can mow by that tree." I couldn't tell if she was upset that I had helped her or not, so I took that as my clue to exit. She gazed curiously at my elbow but I assumed she didn't want to ask if I was ok because I could easily sue her if I said I was injured on her property.

"Well, thanks again 1412, I guess I'll see you around." She sat on the mower, turned the key and resumed mowing as I tried to say "I'm not much of wine drinker, would you like to split the bottle?" but my words were drowned out. I sighed, feeling defeated and headed back to my house. As she continued her loop around the yard I smiled softly and waved.

 

[MistressAthena]

Shelia felt a bit of annoyance as he came to help her. She didn't want to depend on a man for anything ever again. But, she couldn't even use the riding lawn mower right. Yet, a part of her was glad to have the opportunity to see his handsome face up close. She wasn't quite sure what to say. And his handsome face did not help her lack of words either.

But, he seemed to hurt his elbow. She did notice and wondered if it was already sore or did he hurt it helping her. Either way, she did feel bad for him. There was no way she would act unappreciative after that. When he smiled and waved she did the same. She then went back to work and finished up the front lawn. She thought about how he had called her "1412" and found it funny. She thought to herself, "Maybe I should have signed my name."

After she put the mower away, took a shower and changed clothes she decided to thank him and inquire about his elbow. It was the least she could do. She dressed into black jeans, white sleeveless slip on shirt, gold toned metal belt and white slip on sandals. She then pulled her hair back into a pony tail. Shorter strands of hair fell around her face.

Shelia made her way to his house and knocked on the door....

 

[allonblack]

I sat on the couch and flipped through channels with an ice pack resting on my elbow. I could feel the ice pack losing its coolness and noticed moisture was starting to gather on my t-shirt so I just removed it. I took an apple from the fruit basket and threw it in the air and caught it. I repeated this process many times to keep my elbow loose. I knew my elbow problem could be solved with a ten minute office visit to the doctor but I was stubborn and preferred lingering pain to admitting I was hurt. The women next door seemed just as stubborn as me though because I listened carefully and heard the lawnmower stall a few more times.

My head was resting on the back of the couch cushion, nearly asleep when I heard a knock on the door. I thought about putting my shirt back on or getting a fresh one from upstairs but I didn't want to miss whoever was at the door this time, especially if it was another mystery fruit basket.

Opening the door I found it was the neighbor from next door. She had changed out of her work clothes, so obviously she wasn't there to ask me to help her with the lawnmower. Her hands were empty so I wondered if perhaps she were the neighborhood spy to come in and look around at my house and how I had decorated it so far. Part of me wanted to keep standing there with the door only cracked until she stated her business. I didn't feel right about inviting a woman into my house, but then again it was my house, I'm a single man and can do whatever I want. She stood there in silence trying to look at my face and not my shirtless body.

"Oh hello," I began politely, opening the door fully. I could hear a dripping sound and immediately turned to look into the kitchen at the sink. I turned back to her, our eyes meeting. I watched her gaze lower to the puddle that was forming on the floor from the melting ice. "Oh geez," I said sighing. "Come on in, watch your step, I'll get a towel and clean this up."

 

[MistressAthena]

Shelia stood there in a moment surprised by the shirtless man. His broad chest and tight abdoman was like eye candy. Shelia definitely never felt this way about her husband. He was attractive, yes. But, this man looked almost like a God standing before her. She swallowed hard and then heard the dripping. Curiosity pulled her eyes away as she saw into the kitchen. There was a puddle and he turned to tend to it. The door opened wider as he turned and she was told to come in. As he ran off she could see his back was wonderous as well. She thought to herself, "My God... he is so sexy!"

She exhaled and reminded herself, "He is a man. Men are bad. Dogs.... liars..... cheats..." She looked around the house and saw he still had much unpacking to do. She followed him into the kitchen and as he cleaned up the water she said, "My name is Shelia, not 1412." She cuckled softly, "I just thought I'd clear that up. Also, I wanted to thank you for trying to help me with that mechanical beast earlier. I was also concerned about your elbow. Either it was already hurt and you worsened it by helping me, or you hurt it period helping me. Either way I am sorry you are hurting. How is it? My Father is an Orthopedic Surgeon of his own office. I can schedule an appointment for you with him for free if you'd like. I pulled a tendon in my left elbow playing tennis one time. I know how painful it can be."

Truth be told she hadn't spoken with her Father for the past two years. She had made the mistake of telling him how happy she was. He told her to leave him and move home with her Dad. She refused and it angered her Father that she would stay there with the abussive S.O.B. She hadn't even called her Father yet to tell him that they were finally getting divorced. She knew she would have to tell him soon.

 

[allonblack]

"Nice to meet you Shelia, that's a lovely name, if my wife and I ever had a daughter we thought about naming her Shelia. Well...she's my ex-wife now." I couldn't believe my foolishness, as I greeted this woman with my emotional baggage. Perhaps subconsciously I was trying to send out the vibe that I was damaged goods and she should stay away from me. But I knew I needed a friend in the neighborhood. Not necessarily a romantic relationship but just attention. When I didn't get any attention for a week or so I would sink deep into depression and let the bills stack up as all motivation drained from me. But I was getting way too far ahead of myself, I had just met this woman and for all I knew she could be there to reprimand me for trying to be a macho hero.

Luckily she didn't seem as nervous as me as she asked me about my elbow. "Oh, it'll be ok, I hurt it playing tennis last night. I'm not as young as I used to be, I guess I have to keep reminding myself that. I know I'm only 30 but notice I wake up with more aches and pains then I ever did when I was 25. So I don't want to be an inconvenience for you and besides I'm not too fond of doctors. Thank you for the offer but I think I'll just rest it for a few days but with my luck I'll fall asleep on it every night." I chuckled slightly.

"So can I offer you something to drink? I don't have much just some apricot juice my son wouldn't drink." I paused trying to gauge her reaction when I mentioned my child. She seemed hard to read. I continued, "Oh, I've also got this bottle of wine, which isn't any fun to drink alone." I said tapping my finger anxiously on the cork. "I know it's 1 in the afternoon but I assume you're here on behalf of the neighborhood welcoming committee so if you want to hear my deep dark secrets it might help to get a few drinks in me." I replayed my words in my head, hoping I didn't come off as too much of a jerk. If I did scare her away I wouldn't be too upset since I had just met her.

She seemed apprehensive. "Sorry, I shouldn't offer you booze 30 seconds after you enter my house. If you're not doing anything later maybe we could go play tennis. I can take a couple of aspirin so I'm not too worried about my elbow, I've just been itching to play since I left Maple Springs. There the tennis courts at the country club are used as the parking lot for the golf karts." I watched her facial expressions closely to make sure she wasn't losing interest. "I'm rambling but if you think I'm bad now just wait until you get some wine in me." I said holding the bottle up, hearing the wine sloshing inside.

 

[MistressAthena]

When he mentioned ex-wife, she felt an odd sinking feeling in her stomach. She could not help but wonder if his marriage fell apart for the same reasons mine did. Which was infedelity, abuse and a lack of love. And if the reasons were the same, was he on the receiving end or the giving end? She thought to herself, "He's a man. It's got to be his fault."

She couldn't help but chuckle softly when he commented on not being young anymore. She too felt age creeping at her back door. Not because she was old in numbers, but because of the abusive and depressing life she had lived with her cruel soon to be ex-husband.

He then offered her a drink and joked about a welcoming committe. She felt her heart sink again when he mentioned his son. She had wanted children but not her husband. She always felt a bit of jealousy when she saw other people with children. Her momentary heart of sadness and jealousy was uplifted when he joked about a welcoming committe and the go-carts.

Shelia chuckled, "Rambling? Nah... You are just a good conversationalist." She exhaled, "I could take a glass of wine. My soon to be ex-husband isn't around to stop me." It simply felt good to call the bastard her ex. Ted was the first to hear her say it. "And there is no welcoming committee around here. Most of the people who live here are old money. And some of them are corporate snobby types. I always disliked the people around here. It is not very friendly here."

She smiled to him, "As for that elbow of yours, just make sure you do see a doctor if it is still being a pain in the butt in a few days from now. If it stays the same or gets worse, please go see a doctor." She looked around the kitchen and sat in a chair at the nearby table. She looked up to him and smiled, "So, Ted.... You have a son? You are blessed. I always wanted children but...." She sighed, "Anyway, tell me about him. Any pictures? Will he be living here or at least visiting soon? How old is he?" She smiled excitedly wanting to know more about the child. Shelia hoped he would be living here. She thought it would be nice having a kid around even if he wasn't her own.

 

[allonblack]

"Yes, I have a son...well sort of, his name's Jeffrey, he's three, I'm not his biological father but I raised him as my own. I hope to be able to see him but since I'm not a blood relative the court frowns on it. His true father is a jerk but my ex has more than her share of sugar daddies so I'm not worried about Jeffrey going hungry. Sorry if I'm coming off as bitter but you said you soon will have an ex-husband so I'm sure you can relate. I know we just met but if you ever feel like venting about your ex then you've come to the right place. Or if you have any questions about divorce, I can tell you how mine went but I suppose you're just waiting for it to become final." I said struggling to pop the cork.

"I'm not too thrilled with the idea of being surrounded by snobs but that's good for me since I'm not wealthy so they won't care what I do. I'm glad to see at least one person around here is friendly." I said pouring two glasses of wine. I sloshed mine around as I sniffed the cork. I had no idea what I was doing but thought maybe I could fool her. She caught me licking the cork and shot me an odd glance. "Uh...taste test." I said blushing.

I slid her glass towards her as she took a seat. I held my glass up as I spoke, "Here's to freshly cut lawns, well aged wine and bodies, and new beginnings." With that our glasses clinked. "I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable since I'm half naked but don't worry I won't be one of those neighbors that vacuums naked and gets the morning paper wearing only a strategically placed robe...unless you'd like me to be that kind of neighbor." I said with a wink, feeling the warm caress of the wine as it flowed throughout my body.

 

[MistressAthena]

There was definitely something different about him. He seemed to have a sense of humor yet he also seemed Jaded. As if he had reached the point of not caring what others thought of him. She wondered for a moment if it was arrogance or if bad things in his past made him this way. Regardless, he was interesting.... very interesting....

She sipped the wine and smiled to him, "Something tells me you would wear the strategically placed robe if you wanted to. I don't think you'd need the excuse of a woman saying she'd like you to." Deciding it was time to put a little distance between them before the interest became someting more she sipped the wine again and stood. She looked down to him and smiled politely, "Thank you for the wine. Perhaps we will play tennis some time when your elbow heals. If you'll excuse me, I believe it is time for me to leave now." She turned to leave and then turned back around, "Oh, I almost forgot. Will you be digging up the pool in your backyard? Surely the realtor told you there is a pool back there that was filled in."

 

[allonblack]

She seemed to want to leave in a hurry. I wonder why, after all I only answered the door in my underwear and offered her wine in the afternoon. I felt like such an idiot but wasn't about to bring myself more shame by begging her to stay.

"No, I wasn't aware there was a pool back there." I said craning my neck towards the backyard. "But I don't think I'd use it anyways, I doubt my son...er um...my ex's son will come to visit much and I don't want to be one of those people that has a nice pool, spends all my free time maintaining it but then not have anyone to share it with." I trailed off not wanting to sound more pitiful.

"Anyways thanks for the tennis invite, I'll take you up on that. I think my main problem is my swing, it's sloppy so maybe you could show me what I'm doing wrong and save me lots of needless aggravation and medical bills in the process." We said our goodbyes with smiles. Mine quickly faded as I plopped down on the couch and began sipping away at the rest of the bottle of wine.

I reassured myself by speaking aloud. "Ok so that didn't go too smoothly, but first impressions aren't easy and she did kind of flirt back, that's something at least. Oh who am I kidding? I'm just doomed to be alone. She probably thinks I'm one of those guys who never left high school and I think that I'm the new quarterback on the block and all these housewives and single women are cheerleaders ripe for the picking. Well if that's what she thinks, she's got another coming..." As the argument with myself progressed, I could tell my speech was becoming slurred and knew I had enough to drink for now. I pushed the bottle aside and turned on the television.

I hoped to find a news report about an escaped convict loose in our neighborhood and that all single women should find a strong single man to stay with for protection, until the prison could be apprehended. That was a violent daydream but I needed something big to let me know that I still needed a woman and that a woman still needed me. I felt like I was being punished for what my ex-wife did. I know the divorce was only finalized recently but as much as I wanted to pretend I didn't need anybody, I was lonely and craved a companion in any form.

 

[MistressAthena]

For a moment she felt or sensed something about him. Perhaps the wine had loosened him but she felt like he was lonely. And when he mentioned his ex and her son, he looked hurt. She was beginning to think perhaps he was the one on the receiving end of the pain. There was no doubt she was physically attracted to him. Now, if he was truly a nice guy it would be very hard to resist him.

The next morning Shelia decided to call her Dad. She picked up the cordless phone and walked out onto her deck over looking the pool. She sat in white metal chair next to the white metal table with the white umbrella over it. As she sat in the shade under the umbrella she sighed. She wanted to tell her Father about the end of she and her husband but was afraid of "I told you so's". She dialed his office number and he picked up. She said, "Hi, Daddy. It's been a long time." He said, "Yes, it has baby. Have you left him yet?" She sighed, "Well, sort of. I caught him cheating on me. He left me by not coming home and a few days later I received divorce papers."

Her Dad sounded sad for, "Oh, honey. I am so sorry that jerk has caused you so much pain." With a hint of hopefullness in his voice he asked, "Did you sign the papers?" She exhaled and found herself smiling, "Yes, I did. He has agreed to pay me alimony of $2,500 per month for two years, left me the house and my car. I think he did it to look good not because he cared. But, either way I will be ok. I think I will go to school so when the alimony runs out I can get a decent job."

Her Dad sighed a sigh of relief, "It all sounds very good. When will the divorce be final. Just be glad we don't live in one of those states that requires legal separation for a year before finalizing a divorce." Shelia chuckled, "Oh that would definitely be hell, Dad. But, I am not sure about the finalization. I saw he had signed the papers. I sighned them and mailed them back. Hopefully it will happen soon." She sighed, "Dad, after all the abuse and pain he caused me, I can't believe it took me seeing him with another woman to end this. I don't care if I never see another man again. Except for you of course. All of the men except you are heartless, selfish, abusive, and violent infidels. I don't think I can ever trust another man after what he did." Her Dad sighed, "Honey, as much as I don't want you to get hurt again, you can't make every man pay for what Steven did." She chuckled, "I can't make every man pay for what he did? I sure would like to try. He raped me almost every evening. He forced me to take birth control so I wouldn't get pregnant even though I wanted children. Dad, he beat me if I missed a pill. He degraded me daily. And when I attempted suicide he was all loving in front of everyone at the hospital. But, when we got home he was cruel and threatened to beat me if I ever embarrissed him like that again. I HATE HIM!"

Shelia started to cry. And in between her sobs she said, "I love him so much! I was with him when we lived in a studio roach infested apartment while he tried to work up the corporate ladder. I always supported him! I was always there! I always put him before me! I don't deserve this! I was a good wife!" She realized she just had an emotional breakdown and was shouting. On the verge of hyperventilating she sobbed, "I'm so sorry, Daddy. I should have listened to you. Please, Daddy. Come see me. Please! I need to be held by someone who truly loves me." Her mother had passed away when Shelia was 8. So, her Dad had become Father, Mother and best friend. They were very close.

Her Father sighed, "Oh Shel (her nick name), I'll be there. Today is Friday. I usually leave early to go play golf. But, I will come to see you instead. I'll be there in about an hour. Why don't you make up one of the rooms and I'll stay the weekend with you." Shelia was calming down and sniffed, "Ok, Daddy. That would be great. I'll go get a room ready now. I love you." Her Dad chuckled softly, "And I love you honey. Relax. Breathe. Everything will be ok. Daddy is coming."

She hung up the phone and realized Ted had windows open. She wondered if he had heard her emotional breakdown. She hoped he had not gone out in his yard either, he would have definitely heard her then. She sighed feeling a bit embarrissed at the thought he may have heard her. She didn't expect to break down like that. But, it happened anyway....

About an hour later her Dad pulled into the drive way in a black Mercedees. She came from money but she and her husband wanted to make it on their own without the help of her parents. So, seeing her Dad in nice cars and nice suits was no surprise. She ran out to the car as he got out. She threw her arms around his neck not caring who saw or even what was going on around her. She hugged him tight and he wrapped his loving arms around her. She said, "Oh, Daddy! Daddy! I am soooo glad to see you!" Her Dad was kind of a petite man and looked almost elderly. So when she charged him like that he almost fell against his car. She kissed each cheek and hugged him again.

Shelia led him inside and told him everything in more detail. After they had talked about all that stuff her Dad said, "I see someone is living in the house next door." She said, "Yeah, he just move in." Her Dad lifted on eyebrow, "HE? Not THEY?" She said, "Yeah, he just got divorced. He seems nice enough. He even tried to help me get the riding lawn mower going. But, his elbow was hurt playing tennis and I think he hurt it more helping me." Her Dad grinned, "My, my. Just moved in and you had all that to tell me?" He pretended to act liek a girl as he teased his daughter, "Is he cute?" She laughed, "As a matter of fact, Dad, he is very handsome and very fit. I saw him with his shirt off." Her Dad chuckled, "New love interest?" She sighed, "Hardly. I am in no hurry to get tangeled up with any man again." Her Dad sighed, "Remember what I said. You can't make every man pay for the mistakes of Steven."

Later that evening her Dad fired up the grill on the deck. Shelia brought out two steaks and a bowl of marinade. Her Dad said, "Go invite your neighbor. There is a third steak in there." Shelia sat the stuff down on the table, "Daddy.... No...." He said, "Do it or we don't eat. What kind of neighborly neighbor are you? He is a man and just moved in. He probably hasn't eaten properly in days. Go fetch him." Shelia sighed, "Ok, Daddy. For your curiosity I will invite him."

Shelia strolled over to his house and stood on the stoop. She was wearing blue jean cut off shorts and a pink tank top. On her feet she wore white flip flops. Shelia rang the bell....

 

[allonblack]

Glancing out my window I could see a black car pull into Shelia's driveway. "That's just peachy." I muttered to myself. It was probably her boyfriend, no wonder she was in such a hurry to leave.

My stomach was doing flip flops since it was only full of fruit and wine. I forced myself to choke down a few slices of bread and resumed my spot on the couch with my feet propped up on the coffee table. I saw an older man get out of the car but thought nothing of it. Perhaps he was Shelia's sugardaddy. Sure it was possible he was her father but she seemed like the type that would only see family at funerals and weddings. The way she was all over him with hugs and kisses I doubted he was her father. But I shook it off as none of my business.
I was missing Jeffrey like crazy. The cell phone static was awful in this area and my phone line wasn't installed yet. I didn't want to call Jeffrey anyways since there was no way his mother would let me talk to him. I decided to write him a letter. I knew he would get it because his mom would open it and he would be right there, just as any curious 3 year old would be to see what was in the envelope. I decided to write it with crayons and draw pictures of him and I at my new house. If all went as planned he would beg to come visit me. I know using a three year old for blackmail isn't ethical but ethics went out the window long ago when she was with every guy in town behind my back.

The doorbell rang when I was sitting at the table coloring the bricks in the drawing of my house. I opened the door and saw it was Shelia. She invited me to a barbeque but couldn't take her eyes off of the crayon in my hand. "Oh, I was drawing a picture for my son. I'll mail it to him and hopefully he'll mail one back. My refridgerator and halls are empty and needs some artwork."

"As far as the barbeque, well that'd be nice but I've been drinking and don't think I should make my neighborhood debut with wine on my breath." She nodded and began to walk away. I shut the door and stood there thinking, still grasping the doorknob. "On second thought, I'll join you." I said swinging the door back open. "I could use a good meal."

We walked across the street in silence, flanked by the smacking sound of the flip flops on her bare feet. I pulled at my shirt on the shoulders and sides making sure the white t-shirt didn't have any visible stains. The pink shirt she wore was drawing attention to her ample chest but I couldn't get a good look because we were already at her deck. I could see the small older man flipping burgers and hot dogs. He offered me one of each. I thanked him and stood there stretching my arm by pulling on the wrist, trying to get the kink out of my elbow.

I sat in a lawnchair eating a hot dog as Shelia stood next to the man talking to him. She seemed afraid to come talk to me. I knew she was getting divorced and probably wasn't ready for anything new. I didn't want to be a rebound guy, all I wanted was a friendship. But I knew how it felt to be damaged so I wasn't going to force her to talk to me. I just knew I needed an in, a topic to talk about with her to let us know get to know each other better. If tennis was that in, so be it, I was willing to risk more ligament damage to impress her or even to just get to talk to her.

I saw a small basset hound walking across the yard. He smelled the food and turned and approached us. Shelia and the man had their back to him. I had a small piece of bun left and threw it towards him. I missed and it landed with a small splash in the pool. Shelia turned to see what the noise was. I could feel myself blushing as I began removing my shoes. "I'll get that, I meant to give him the last bite." I said pointing to the dog, "but I guess I don't know my own strength." I flexed my bicep and made my way to the pool to retrieve the soggy bun. A part of me wanted to be spontaneous and pull her into the pool with me. But my better judgement told me not to.

 

[MistressAthena]

Shelia smiled when she saw the crayon. She actually thought in some way it was cute to see a man like him holding it. When he declined her offer to come over and eat she smiled politely and turned away. Oddly enough she felt a tinge of dissapointment. When he swung the door open because he had changed his mind she actually felt glad.

She didn't make proper introductions and her Father scolded her as Ted sat and ate his food away from them. He whispered, "You are being a terrible hostess. Introduce us, girl." She sighed and just as she was turning around she heard the splash. She could not help but giggle when she realized what happened. And she thought it sweet that he wanted to give the dog a bite. And when he jumped in the pool some odd playful part of her wanted to jump in as well. She glanced up at her Dad to see him chuckling as well. He then looked down to her, "I think he may be the one, Shelia." She rolled her eyes and retrieved a hotdog from the grill side. She walked over to the dog and patted his head. She handed him the hot dog, "There ya' go little buddy."

Shelia turned back and chuckled at Ted as he climbed out of the pool, "You know, you didn't have to jump in the pool." She walked to the deck and grabbed the long handled net, "That's what this is for." She put it back and chuckled at him. She then said, "Ted, this is my Dad, Dr. Shelton Greenburg. Dad, this is Ted." She chuckled as she looked at the dripping wet Ted, "Ted, I'll go get you a towel."

She turned to leave and her Dad looked to Ted, "I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, Ted. Thank you!" He turned to the grill and picked up a steak with a set of tongs and put it on a plate, "Here's a steak for you. When you get dried off, help yourself." He then looked serious to him, "I heard about your elbow. And I have noticed how you have been babying it. Mind if I take a look at it?"

Meanwhile, the dog had followed Shelia into the house. When she reached the linen closet on the second floor she heard a "woooooof" behind her. It started her and she turned to see the dog there. Shelia bent down and rubbed his head, "Well, hello again little buddy." She looked for tags and saw there was none. She smiled, "Well, it looks like you are homeless. Want to stay with me?" The dog wagged his tail as if he understood and let out another drawn out, "woooooof" that basset hounds are known for. Shelia made her way down the stairs and saw her Dad and Ted talking. The sight made her feel relieved some how.

 

[allonblack]

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Dr. Greenburg, I'm Ted Milton." I said shaking his hand. Mr. Dr. Greenburg? Why did I say that? Obviously being around a three year old had rubbed off on me. He focused his attention on my elbow, probing from my wrist to my tricep asking me if it hurt when he pressed down.

"It's tender but I'll survive. Besides I know you're off the clock Dr. Greenburg so I don't want to inconvenience you. I told Shelia I hurt it playing tennis which is partially true. But I also hurt it trying to lift too much yesterday. The movers charge by the hour so I wanted to save a few bucks and carry some boxes myself. So I guess it's ironic that my being a cheapskate might end up costing me a lot more in medical bills. I've been icing it and maybe later I'll take an aspirin." The doctor nodded and told me if it still bothered me that I should make an appointment with him. I took his card and said "Thanks, I'll do that if it's still hurting in a week."

"So Ted," he began "I hope you don't mind me asking if there is a Mrs. Milton?"

"Oh not at all, I don't mind, there was a Mrs. Milton but I'm recently divorced." He lowered his eyes and said "Oh" softly.

"It's ok, it was a rocky marriage so it's probably better that both her and I moved on before we spread our misery to our...her son."
He looked puzzled but satisfied. "Well, I probably don't need to tell you but Shelia is a special girl. She was married to a jackass that treated her like dirt. I was glad to see her finally leave him. You know she'll always be my little girl but I'm getting on in years. I won't always be around for her when she calls me and just needs to talk. So I've hoped for a guy in the neighborhood to be able to be there for her, not necessarily romantically, but just when she needs a friend. Most of the men in this neighborhood are married and I don't want my baby girl to be classified as a homewrecker just because she was seen talking to a man."
I nodded, listening intenly with my hand resting on my chin. He continued "She's beautiful so she doesn't need any help getting dates and although I just met you I think you seem like a nice guy. I realize she's not 16 anymore but if you did want to ask her out to dinner you have my blessing, hint hint." he said gently elbowing me in the side.

Ask her to dinner? I thought that's sort of what this was. He was right, she was beautiful, but I began to wonder if she was damaged goods. Usually a father would be protective, not asking a man to date his daughter.

"You read my mind Dr. Greenburg." I said smiling "But I don't want to seem overly aggressive so I think I'll take a raincheck on that dinner for awhile." he lowered his head, seeming disappointed.

Shelia came back outside with the dog following closely behind. It criss-crossed through her legs, taking care not to trip her. "Looks like someone's made a friend today." I said bending down to the dog and glancing up at Shelia.

Her father began pacing, looking as if he wanted to leave. I debated whether or not to satisfy the old man by asking her to dinner. I hoped for a night at home, sipping wine with her, without any emotional baggage. I knew a candlelit dinner would be hard to get through without mentioning Jeffrey or Linda.

 

[MistressAthena]

As Shelia walked out she chuckled, "So, has the old man asked you to marry me yet?" She kissed him on the cheek not knowing that her Dad really was playing match maker. She looked to Ted, "Yes, the old boy followed me in the house. He startled me while I was in the linen closet." She handed Ted the towel, "Here ya' go." She looked down at the dog again, "There I was getting a towel and I heard him bark. Well, if that's what you call it anyway." She then mimicked his long drawn out "wooooof".

Her Dad Chuckled, "Sweet heart, I have looked at Ted's elbow here. I think we need to wrap it up a bit and put it in a sling for a few days. Watch the last of these burgers while I go out to my car." Shelia felt nervous but smiled, "Sure, Dad."

She looked back to Ted, "I knew Dad wouldn't be able to resist looking at that elbow. He's a good guy. I guess he sees you as a friend and wants to take care of you. You know...." She began flipping burgers, "He hated my soon to be ex, Steven. Even from the beginning when I thought my Steven was an Angel and could do no wrong, Dad warned me about him. So, for him to take to you is odd." She smiled to Ted, "He is a good judge of character." She sighed, "I think these burgers are done. Hand me a plate over there."

As he handed her the plate their hands brushed. The feeling was so intense and scary that she dropped the plate and it shattered. She stared at him for a moment as if time had stopped with an almost frightened look about her. Shelia stammered, "I-I I'm sorry... I um...heh... ya know... I'm clumsy I guess." She then bent down to pick the pieces up. She mumbled too herself yet audibly, "To bad it's not this easy to pick up the pieces of my life." Just then she heard arguing from the front lawn.

Shelia quickly put the done burgers on another plate and hurried through the house. When she went outside she saw Steven and her Dad arguing. Shelia looked to Ted, "Oh no. This is not going to be good." She hurried down and stepped between two men who hated each other like lions from different prides. Shelia said, "What do you want? Why are you here, Steven?!"

He huffed, "Well, Bitch, I just wanted to tell you in person that our marriage is officially ended. And thank God! I'll have my new woman broken in soon. And she is a much better fuck than you! And she doesn't look like an old hag like you!" He threw a sealed manilla folder down to the gorund that must have contained the finalized papers. Shelia was crying at his hurtful words but snapped back, "You Bastard! I stood by you when no one else beleived in you! I took your abuse daily because I loved you and excused you thinking you were just stressed. Now I am thinking God this marriage is over! Get the hell off of my property!"

He then noticed Ted, "Who's going to make me? The frail old man or your new boyfriend?" She sighed, "Steven, just go. Let this be the last time we have to deal with each other." He laughed, "Oh, you'll need me. You'll come begging. And that's fine with me. No one has a better ass hole than yours to fuck." She had enough and raised her hand. She slapped him so hard his neck looked like it would break. He then glared at her and raised his hand to hit her back....

 

[allonblack]

Shelia gave me a soft peck on the cheek. I always liked women that were friendly and affectionate at the same time, without being overly flirtatious.

I bent down to help her pick up the broken plate. I heard her mumble something, I assumed it was self-depricating. She handed me the pile of broken glass as she walked around the house to see what all the commotion was.

There stood a fairly tall man. He didn't seem to be too strong but the veins bulged out of his arm so his size may have been misleading. I could see a blonde woman sitting in the black sports car behind him. The woman didn't look to be more than 21 or so.

I stood back not wanting to draw more attention to the impending scene than necessary. He pushed Dr. Greenburg and stepped closer to Shelia. She slapped them and he raised his hand towards her. The blonde in the car gasped and pleaded with him "Steven! No!" I stepped around the corner and began taking quick steps towards them.

I spoke up "Yeah I'll make you." I said looking right at Steven.

I put my arm around Shelia's shoulder and pulled her close. "She's with a real man now, so why don't you just get back in crotch rocket and you and Barbie get out of here. I'm sure she's late for cheerleading practice."

Steven stepped closer to me, we now stood face to face, only inches apart. "She doesn't need you, never did. And for the record she's wearing flip flops now because I fucked her so hard last night her toes are sore from curling so much during the multiple orgasms she had."

Shelia's eyes darted around nervously but shook her head in agreement as I squeezed her shoulder tightly. Steven spit on the folder and walked away grumbling to himself. I saw the blonde trying to talk to him but he raised his hand to her and she cowered back in her seat as they drove away.

I took my arm off of Shelia and spoke, "I'm sorry I had to use such language, I hope I didn't embarass you." I paused looking around to see if any neighbors were watching, "But in my experience with assholes like him the only way to deal with them is to speak their language. I guess I made him feel inadequate." I looked at Dr. Greenburg and Shelia. "Besides I didn't have a problem with him, but the twins did and they've been drinking all day!" I said kissing my fists and chuckling.

"Seriously though, Dr. Greenburg, Shelia, I apologize if I was out of line. Maybe it would be best we just call it a day." I dabbed her tears away with the towel she had given me earlier. "Nice meeting you sir" I said to Dr. Greenburg as I turned to walk across the street.

 

[MistressAthena]

Shelia sighed as Ted came to her rescue. She had said she didn't want to depend on any man. But, she needed Ted o do what he did and she was glad he did it. As Steven sped away like the jack ass he was, Shelia looked to Ted and to her Dad. As Ted walked away her Dad said, "Go after him. Tell him I'm coming over in a bit to wrap that elbow." He went to his trunk to retrieve the wrap and a sling.

Shelia hurried after Ted and followed him to his house. As he began to walk up the steps to his door she said, "Ted, wait." As he turned she stood close to him she smiled, "Thank you. Hopefully that is the last I'll see of him. Dad will be over in a bit to wrap your elbow." As he began to turn again she grabbed his arm to keep him facing her. She leaned up to him and decided to seize the moment. She pressed her lips against his and put a hand on each shoulder of his. She leaned into the kiss as if it were food and she hadn't eaten in a week. Being so close to him and kissing him felt better than anything she had ever done before.

But then, that fear crept in again. She pulled away, "I-I'm s-sorry. You probably definitely don't want anything to do with me anymore now." She turned to leave.

Meanwhile her Dad gathered up some wrap, a slint and went back into the house. He went out on the deck and put a steak and a couple of burgers on a plate. He also grabbed a bag of BBQ potato chips. He went back out of the house and started to walk over to Ted's house. The dog was close on his heels.

 

[allonblack]

Shelia apologized for the kiss and pulled away. "Hey, it's ok" I said grabbing her hand. "We're both going through the same things, so we know we're vulnerable. But I'm definitely not getting any mixed messages from you. After all you've fed me and kissed me. You even like sports because you've offered to play tennis with me, so that's the trifecta, food, sports, and...uh well whatever you want to classify kissing under." I said blushing a little. "That kiss was mutual and truth be told you just beat me to it. So I guess here's my chance. We'll probably be full from the burgers so it won't exactly be a dinner date." I paused realizing the word "date" may be too presumptious. "But if you want to go out and get an ice cream cone or something later, it'll be my treat."

Her father knocked on the door with his foot. "Oh here let me help you Dr." I said taking the plates from his hand. After we ate he wrapped my elbow and talked to me.

"You know Ted that was a very nice thing you did for my daughter. That Steven is a total nutjob, he should be in an asylum. He's well connected though so if you laid a finger on him you'd go to jail. But I must admit a part of me was hoping he'd trip over our little friend there and fall into your fist." He said motioning towards the dog. He then excused himself to the restroom to wash the linament off of his hands.

I sat on the couch next to her with my feet propped up on a box yet to be unpacked. "Shelia, I've got a crazy idea. How about we go camping? Now hear me out on this, I'm not saying I want to get you alone in a tent but this box I've got my feet on is full of letters and cards and other momentos from Linda. They are of no use to me anymore and since we're within the city limits here and can't have a bonfire I think we should take all the stuff that reminds of our exes and burn it. Maybe not everything but at least things we won't miss."

The dog rolled over onto his back wanting his belly scracthed. I obliged and said "Hey little fella you and me have something in common. If someone scratches my belly my leg shakes like that too." I said hoping Shelia would oblige me but figuring her dad didn't want to walk in and see his daugthers hands out of view and my legs shaking as I moaned. I chuckled softly at the thought and began running my fingers along the ridges of the bandage on my arm.

 

[MistressAthena]

Shelia was relieved that he felt the same way about that kiss yet she thought to herself, “This is crazy. What am I doing?!” She agreed with what he said and stepped inside with him. Her Dad came a few minutes later and Ted helping him carry in stuff. Then Shelia smiled as her Dad wrapped Ted up and gave him the sling to put on. When he mentioned Steven tripping over the dog and landing in Ted’s fist she couldn’t help but giggle.

When her Dad went to wash his hands she sat next to Ted. He mentioned camping. At first it made her nervous. But when he mentioned the bonfire she though, “Oh what the hell.” And when he mentioned a rubbed belly she actually wanted to see if what he said was true. But, her Dad then came out.

He said to Ted, “Now take care of that elbow. And don’t worry about the wrap and the sling. I help out at shelters and free clinics. So, I keep that stuff in my trunk. As payment for handling that jerk we’ll call this a free house call.” He looked to his daughter, “Now you two go on and eat. No sense in letting that jerk ruin your dinner. I’m going over to your house, eating a burger and I think I’ll turn in.” He chuckled, “All this excitement can tire an old man out.” He patted Ted on his good arm, “I can see myself out, son.” Shelia’s eyes squinted in surprise for a moment. He had never called anyone “son” before.

When her Dad left she turned to Ted, “A bonfire sounds great. I have some stuff to add to the pile.” Feeling full of herself for a moment she giggled and crept her hand up his belly and rubbed to see if his leg really would thump.

 

[allonblack]

"Thanks for everything Dr. Greenburg. I work at home mostly so if that jerk ever does show up again, I'll just be right next door." He nodded in satisfaction as he waved goodbye.

Shelia knelt beside me allowing her hand to creep up my stomach, tickling me, using her fingers like spider legs. I wiggled my leg just like a dog would but stopped suddenly when I saw the outline of my cock growing larger inside my shorts. She had noticed it too. I searched my mind for any clever comment I could think but decided honesty would be best. "I'm sorry, it's been a while since I've felt a woman's touch. I'd better strap him down in a tight pair of slacks so he behaves for dinner." I said forcing a chuckle.

"So...uh anyways we can discuss this bonfire idea more at a restaurant. I think maybe we should get out of here before I make a bigger fool of myself. But what are we going to do with the dog? I suppose we should name him first but I mean do you have a place to put him so he'll be safe and out of traffic?" I said still desperately trying to change the subject.

I excused myself to my bedroom. I sat on the bed with my head buried in my hands. Wearing only boxers I walked over to my dresser and looked at my last bank statement. Even with alimony payments I would still have enough left each month to solicit a prostitute 2 to 3 times a month. I sighed wondering if paying for gratification was easier than the whole charade of trying to impress a woman. I wondered if that was my destiny. I got ahold of myself and pulled on a pair of dockers with a button up denim shirt. I came back downstairs and was surprised and relieved to find Shelia still there. "I hope I'm not overdressed but this is pretty much all I own, other than sweat stained t-shirts. I know it's odd I dress like I still work in an office but I did work in offices for 7 years so out of habit I still dress like this." I hoped the idle chitchat would bury any thoughts of my accidental erection.

"Since I'm new to town, you'll have to tell me where the hot spots are." I said jingling my keys in front of her, non-verbally asking her if she wanted to drive. She still seemed uneasy but it had been a long day.

"Warning, stupid pun upcoming." I said mimicing alarm noises. "If we go someplace with a bar I'll be sure not to ask the bartender to "pour me a stiff one"." I said playfully jabbing my elbow into her ribcage.

 

[MistressAthena]

Selina blushed when she noticed the bulge. But she also thought to herself, “I guess he is attracted too.” She could not help but chuckle as he seemed embarrassed and tried to ease the situation. Choosing not to say anything about and risk embarrassing him further she didn’t say anything about it. She just giggled. And she answered his questions about the dog. She said, “I think we should call him Buddy. And he can stay with me.” She giggled, “We can always take turns keeping him.”

When he asked about going out she instantly knew where she wanted to take him. When he came back down dressed she stood and looked down to her clothes and back to him, “Well, I can’t go like this. Get the car ready and I am going to go change quickly. I hope you like Jazz. There is a wonderful jazz club on 18th street. I have snuck down there many times while Steven was away on business.” She blushed a bit, “They know me there. I have even sung a few times.” She turned not wanting to see his reaction. She hurried to her house and changed clothes.

Selina told her Dad quickly what was going on. She rushed to her room and dressed in white jeans, gold toned thin belt, and a dark blue long sleeve button up silk shirt. One her feet she donned white high heels that had blue tips on the toe areas and the base of the heels. She pulled her hair back into a pony tail and grabbed her small black purse on the table near the door on the way out.

She hurried out to find him waiting outside. She strolled over to him smiling, “You put Buddy up? Ready to go? Your car or mine?” Selina felt like a school girl getting attention from the star quarter back and loved it.

 

[allonblack]

I was glad Sheila didn't make a big deal about my "uprising." "Sure we can keep Buddy and have joint custody but the same rule applies to me as it does to him. If no one claims me in two weeks I'm yours." I said with a somewhat serious tone to let her know I was interested.

"I like Jazz and I would love to hear you sing but don't think you're dragging me up there with you. Buddy has a better singing voice than I do." I said with a chuckle.

"I'll drive, perhaps it's best that I keep my hands busy." I said.

Once at the club the atmosphere seemed slightly depressing. Just a dark smoky filled room echoing with the sounds of a lonely bass. But soon scattered applause erupted as short black man took a seat behind the piano and began pounding out an upbeat rhythm. I shrugged and turned to Shelia "I guess he's famous, huh? To be honest I'm not that big of a jazz fan but I wasn't going to turn down a meal and a chance to spend time with you. I probably should've reversed the order of those two, huh?"

"I'll have a cheeseburger and root beer." I told the waitress as I handed her my menu. Shelia still hadn't decided. After she ordered I told her "I know I ate lots of barbeque type food during the day but that's one thing you should know about me, I go in spurts with my eating habits. I don't know if that's attractive or not but just think if you cook many meals for me and there's leftovers, there won't be leftovers for long." I said. "But uh...maybe I'm assuming too much this is just like our first...second date? So I'll try to relax, just nervous, you know?" I said lowering my head.

A few couples took the dancefloor as the jazz group began playing "In the mood." Shelia looked at me "Oh no you don't" I said protesting as she dragged me by the wrist onto the dance floor. "I just ate, I'll get cramps!" I pleaded with her.

 

[MistressAthena]

She giggled at him. She found him so irrestibly cute. Presumptious perhaps, but still cute. As they were on the dance floor she tried to keep things simply and friendly. But, being so close to him made it hard to resist him. Shelia signed and thought to herself, "Damn it! I'm falling for him! Damn him!" She gave in and snuggled close as she rested her head on his shoulder. Their bodies were pressed closed together and moved to the music. She whispered in his ear, "This is nice." The song just did not seem to last long enough. As it ended the people applauded the band.

The man that seemed to spark Ted's attention cleared his throat and said through the microphone, "Well, folks we may have a surprise here tonight if she is willing." Shelia looked to Ted, "Maybe he's talking about someone else." The man then said, "There is a lady here that has a voice like an Angel. It has been too long since this smoky jazz hall has heard that voice. Shelia. Come on up here, lady. Come sing us a song or two."

Shelia blushed and said, "I guess he meant me after all. Have a seat. I hope I don't ruin your hearing." She nervously kissed him on the cheek and then turned away. She stepped up to the stage and to the microphone center stage. She looked over to him, "Thank you George for that warm welcome. I have missed you guys." He said into his microphone, "Not as much as we have missed you, lady." Shelia blushed and looked back out into the crowd. She exhaled, "I'm no pro, but George and the guys like me well enough. I hope you all will too."

She looked to Ted and sighed. She said to the crowd, "I have been through a lot in my life lately. And just when I thought happiness would never again walk into my life.... It did. I'm going to take a chance here. I want to sing a song by Etta James called At Last." The music started and she sang in tune and on time. Her voice now became melodic, smooth and even a bit smokey. Her eyes kept coming back to Ted letting him know the song was for him. (OOC: "At Last" lyrics ) Halfway through the song her eyes began to water as she remembered the feeling of love and how the one she had it for hurt her so badly. Yet, she was determined to sing this song. She was determined to move on. And she hoped it would be with Ted.

Her soulfull voice seemed to surprise many people there. And it took no time to see couples out on the dance floor as she sang. Couples were holding each other close and swooning. Love seemed to be thick in the air. When the song was over, everyone cheered and clapped loudly. She wiped a tear away and smiled out to them all. She gave a quick bow and made her way off the stage. As she sat in the chair next to Ted George spoke, "I told you folks. A treat indeed! Lady, if I didn't know better I'd think Etta James was here herself!" Shelia chuckled with cheeks as red as apples. She liked the attention but just wasn't used to it. She felt so self concious that she couldn't even look at Ted. And then the food came.

Shelia had a simple salad with Caesar dressing and a glass of Root Beer. There were breadsticks on the side as well. She began picking at her food wondering what Ted was thinking.