Personal Trainers.....Gym...

SEVERUSMAX

Benevolent Master
Joined
Apr 1, 2004
Posts
28,995
Okay, here is another one...very different from my Roman Senator Roleplay, which I plan to continue....

Here it is...several characters....based on an idea I had for a TV script....

Stan (Stanislav) Belek- played by me.....32, despite being very cultured, he seems a very typical jock at first...until you get to know him. He's straight, a skirt-chaser, and a bachelor content to stay a bachelor. But he also has a crush on Nicole, receptionist at the health club where he works. He just thinks that it's hopeless, because she doesn't seem interested and he knows that he can't give up other women. It's not in his nature, and everyone knows that about him by now.

Nicole Procter- 24, a receptionist at Max's Health Club, a bit loose, but not as much as Stan. Liberal and open-minded, but still wants a relationship at some point. Just sees Stan as a friend, whom she doubts finds her attractive, since he tends to act calm and non-chalant, and she is used to men chasing her. Besides, she doesn't think that he wants a relationship at all. Basically a rebel against her strict Quaker family.

Gail Procter- 20, a cashier who has only recently gotten on her own, after 2 years of a private college that she tired of. She admires Nicole but doesn't quite have her guts. She is very old-fashioned, romantic, and will only have sex if she is in love with the guy. She is still somewhat devout about her Quaker beliefs, despite her recent departure from home.

Svetlana Beleka- 18, Stan's cousin and a ballet dancer studying in the US, she is from Minsk. She is a chain-smoker, a habit that annoys Stan, with whom she lives. A little naive too, which will become important eventually. Superstitious and ambitious, she secretly has an eating disorder.

Kris (Kristin) Bjornstad- 30, Stan's co-worker and roommate, she is in a long-term relationship with Amber Dumont, and hopes to marry her in the future. She has been openly gay for a long time, which is okay with everyone, including Stan, of course.

Amber Dumont- 26, a fashion consultant, she secretly cheats on Kris with Lars, Kris's own brother. Vain and selfish, she doesn't have any compunctions about acting jealous about Kris's apparently subconscious flirting with Gail, who is oblivious to it anyway.

Lars Bjornstad- 37, Kris's older brother, an ENT doctor who is cheating on his wife with Amber, his sister's lover. Doesn't let that interfere with his pretense of being a "family man", which he puts on with friends and relatives.

Max Lavoisier- 43, owner of the Health Club and main PT. He is a busy fellow, especially with his engagement to Bridget, his live-in girlfriend. Despite some desires toward Kris (which he never admits), his tastes in women are rather specific and he has never cheated on Bridget. A Creole from New Orleans, his relationship with Bridget is sometimes troubled by the cultural issues of his half-hearted Roman Catholic faith and her Jewish roots. Loves Afro-American "soul food" and Creole cuisine. Also likes R & B music.

Bridget Jacobs- 35, a widow who has turned to martial-arts to survive financially and physically in the city of Sacramento (where this is set), she is engaged to Max and loves him passionately. She would never dream of cheating on him, as she is a one-man woman at heart. She is a Reformed Jew, but not exceptionally observant.
Has issues with his tastes in music and food tastes (she prefers Country/Western and Pop). She teaches martial-arts and women's self-defense at his Health Club.

Ralph Procter- 28, a policeman with whom Nicole and Gail are living, he was the first of his family to get out on his own and move from Iowa. His sexuality is an unknown as of yet, since he never discusses it with anyone. A little shy on the surface, he is enigmatic and reclusive. Also a workaholic rumored to engage in police brutality on occasion.
 
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"We'll see you at two, tomorrow. Remember to come dressed in loose clothing so that you can move around. Bye."

Nicole Proctor pushed the phone's close button and tossed the pencil back into the small cup which held pens and pencils. Raising her hands over her head, she stretched out her long limbs, arching her back like a cat, before sitting up straight in the chair again. Her green eyes ran across the room of chrome and black equipment, mentally checking on each of the clients and trainers. Not everyone that came into the club used a fitness trainer for every trip but most met with trainers once or twice a week. Some of the women wanted the trainer with them every time they came in and for every piece of machinery they used, but everyone knew it was more about wanting the trainer at their beck and call than any real desire to be deeply trained. A few women were as serious as a few of the men and wanted the trainer beside them to push them harder or to make sure they wouldn't hurt themselves, but for the most part, the trainers could work with two or three people at a time.

There was a few people on the equipment, and through the large plate glass window, Nicole could see a group of people doing some step aerobics to a tune that must have been pretty fast judging by the movements of the clients. She couldn't hear the music for that room or the room next to it which was a dance class. One of the reasons Nicole liked working here, more than the last two places she had worke, was the soundproofed rooms where the groups met. This place had four of the rooms where aerobics, yoga, martial arts, etc. could be carried out at the same time without the clash of music that is often common in many clubs. Here, where she sat at the reception desk, the cashier's table across the way from her, the juice bar, dressing rooms and equipment room all had the quieter sounds of classical or jazz music playing in the background. It lent an air of elegance to the ambiance and allowed people to carry on quiet conversations instead of having to yell over the rock music used in the aerobics groups.

Nicole spotted Stan and Max standing at the bottom of the staircase that led to Max's office. She didn't know what they were discussing but their body language seemed to say that they were chatting more than discussing business. Stan was leaning against the wall, arms cross over his chest, biceps bulging. She noticed humorously that a couple of women on the treadmills were eying both men. She had to admit they both looked good, very good. Max in his loose fitting pants, tshirt and jacket, with the Miami Vice feel to it, and Stan in his red shorts and tank top that were the uniform for the club. While she was wearing the same outfit, somehow on Stan it just looked better. Nicole's eyes lingered on Stan for an extra moment while she emitted a soft sigh, she was as bad as the other women, longing for something that wouldn't happen. Well, actually, she laughed to herself, the other women had a better shot at spending time with Stan than she did.

They were friends and that was good. Although sometimes she had a yen for more from him, Nicole knew that they were very different. She preferred one on one relationships and Stan preferred to play the field, hopping from one woman to the next. In her better moments, she was pretty sure she didn't want a guy with that much experience anyway. Who knew how disease free all these women were? At the rate he was going through women, she wouldn't be surprised to find out that he did pick up some unwanted things. And yet, there were times, when she was almost half in love with the man, the times when he was being himself and not Super MachoMan. Times like now, when he was just talking to someone that he knew well, when his game face was off and the real man shone through.

The phone rang and Nicole shook off her thoughts. Pushing the green button on the console, she spoke into the mic attached to her headset buried in her black hair, "Max's Health Club, this is Nicole, How may I help you?"
 
Chatting with Max before returning to work from his lunch break, Stan saw Nicole looking at him. He always regretted having to discourage her, but he didn't really think that she wanted what he did out of life. It wouldn't be fair to her. It was quite possible that she would prefer monogamy, despite her occasional one-night stands.

Those seemed to be less frequent lately, anyway. More of a "killing time" sort of thing, whereas his deal was a simple desire for variety. She probably didn't really want him on a more than physical level, but there was a strong chance that she might become more attached to him than was best for either of them. He wanted to avoid destroying their friendship over what might well be hopeless romance, since he wasn't exactly a hopeless romantic.

Despite her rebellion against her family's Quaker teachings, he knew that they left an impact on her, a desire for mystical experiences. He wondered and feared that such might happen if she was really attached to a guy. A one-night stand with her might get confusing, due to their friendship and higher expectations. He knew that he could compartmentalize feelings, and he hated to "penalize" someone for being a good friend, or treat her worse than most women, but he feared that she might get hurt. He was very protective of Nicole, in a friendly, but also fraternal sort of way. She brought out in him the closest that he ever came to an idea of chivalry.

Oh, well. At 32, his nature was fixed and he was set in his ways. He didn't think that he could "settle down" or even wanted to. He liked the bachelor life of chasing girls. He was also smart enough to use protection most of the time. Those few times that he didn't, he got himself checked ASAP afterward. It's not that he was shallow. He just liked the variety.

In any case, he made sure not to look distracted while Max complained about Bridget. Now, THERE was a man who had settled down! He was going to be a husband and father soon. Well, he was happy for Max, even when the man acted like he was dissatisfied with his life. Stan knew better. Whatever her flaws, Bridget made his boss happy. And vice versa. It was just usual relationship stuff. Not that Stan knew much about girlfriends. He hadn't had one since high school. He had cheated on her and felt guilty about afterward. After that, he had sworn off making promises to girls that he didn't see himself keeping. Better safe than sorry.

"Max, you love Bridget, and you know it. This other stuff is a minor nuisance. Don't get your boxers in a wad. I know women, buddy, and they get like this when they PMS. It's normal. Plus, she feels pressure from the engagement, the whole interfaith thing, and her biological clock. Women get like that. Take it from me. That's why I like MILFs a lot of times. They have had kids, so they are in no hurry for more a lot of times. And she is probably obsessing over fears of you dying on her like her last one did, before she can have kids. It's normal, especially for widows."

Max shrugged and headed back to the office, shaking Stan's hand to thank him. Stan was no suck-up, thankfully. He could always count on a candid opinion from that old Russky. Oops, Stan didn't like being called a Russky. Better not say THAT out loud.

Stan, meanwhile, returned to work. God, that Nicole was hot! Too bad they couldn't get together. He laughed at himself as he started to deal with the newest client. Why use the term "God". He was an atheist. Kind of pointless to him.
 
Nicole was sitting with her chin in her hands, her eyes looking out over the room but not really focused on anything or anyone. Usually she read between phone calls or clients coming in, but for now she was looking back, wishing she was different than she was, wishing she could find someone that would accept her for who she was and who she wished she was.

She left home when she was 18, tired of the arguments with her parents over beliefs. She still sort of believed in God, but she didn't feel that she should spend her whole life focused on Him. She wanted more out of life, something she didn't understand and couldn't explain, not even to herself. So she had used college as a reason to leave home, and after a year decided that she wasn't going to find what she was seeking there. She had been an okay student but she hadn't fit in with the immature fraternity and sorority group nor had she a clear major in mind so she didn't fit into any specific department. When she left, she headed west, leaving behind the staid middle class middle American life she had known and determined to find the way to fill that empty place inside her.

Two years in Los Angeles had toughened her up some but not been the life she was seeking. She lost her virginity, discovered she wasn't bi, and that she couldn't spend the entire day at the beach saying phrases using the work 'like' every three words. So she had headed up to San Francisco with a resume of receptionist at a couple of offices and a fitness center.

In San Francisco, she had met a guy, thought she was in love with him, maybe she was, maybe not, she didn't know. But when he asked her to move with him to Sacramento, she had dropped everything and gone with him. A month later she had come home from her new job at Max's to find him occupied with a redhead. She gathered up her few belongings, put them into a box and the suitcase she had used when she left home, and walked to the bus station.

She wasn't sure where she was going but she wanted to be gone. Away from him, away from the pain inside her, away from the empty hole that even he couldn't fill, away from life. She sat on the bench at the bus station for three hours, then got up and went to a pay by the week motel. Shaking out the bed for any six legged creatures, she had curled up under the blankets fully dressed, and cried herself to sleep. When she woke up she called Max, told him she was sick, which was true, and spent the day looking for an apartment she could afford. Grateful she was in Sac and not in SF, where there was no where she could have found that she could afford, Nicole finally found a tiny guest house that was being rented out by the owners in the main house. It had a tiny kitchenette, and tiny bathroom and a pull out bed. It was home.

During the next year, she had gotten familiar with the employees and some of their relatives. She had brought home a couple of guys that had hit on her at the club, but realized that she wasn't really into one night stands. And while she appeared happy and content on the outside, the hole inside her was still there. Maybe someday, she would figure out what it took to fill it, but in the meantime, she liked her little house, liked her co-workers, and enjoyed the work she did for the most part. Sometimes it was a little boring but it left her plenty of time to read, which she did prodigiously. Maybe next fall she would go back to school, take a class or two, see if something sounded interesting. But for now..

She jerked alert when the headset suddenly ran in her ears. With a chuckle at herself, she answered the phone and booked a client for later in the week. Still half chuckling, she picked up her book on self-exploration of the soul and began to read.
 
Stan looked closely at Nicole after he finished with his most annoying client, a man who kept insisting that he needed more weights when he clearly had to take care of his abs first. That abdominal fat can be a killer.

None of that to worry about with Nicole. While not a fitness freak in the same sense as himself, she clearly took advantage of her employee discount to keep in good shape.

Now, what was she reading? Probably something very mystical or spiritual. Not to Stan's taste, but he knew relatives like that, most immigrants from Belarus like his father's family. The Russian Orthodox Church was heavily mystical, as he discovered with the more irritating of his new roommates: his cousin Svetlana from Minsk. For some reason, his Uncle Yuri had never left Belarus and his family had that strong fatalistic and superstitious tendency, especially Svetlana. She was also a little naive. It was a good thing that she had Stan as a sponsor. She'd be easily manipulated and gulled by some asshole otherwise, particularly the Russian mob. They loved to trade in girls like Svetlana.

He looked forward more to watching TV tonight with Kris, his co-worker and other roommate. Now, she was nice company, even though he knew that he could never fuck her. More proof that God didn't exist, as far as Stan was concerned. Any sane God would not make a great gal like Kris a lesbian. Then again, maybe he would. Gods might have a sense of humor. And lesbians needed some eye candy too, he supposed. She wasn't really his type anyway, not in a serious sense. Too tomboyish for him. It was nice to have a woman around who was different, but he doubt that he could handle a female version of himself for long in a relationship.

Not that he wanted a relationship. Well, not at the price that it would cost him: his soul, his self, his nature. Become something that he wasn't, just to find a girlfriend? No thanks. Truth be told, he shared the Russian (or Byelorussian here) inclination toward fatalism. He was just not meant to be anyone's long-term partner. He wasn't built in the same mold as Max.

Anyway, he admired that Nicole could be herself too, even if it bothered him that he knew that they couldn't be together. Well, he was glad that she seemed mostly happy. He was mostly happy, and he wanted everyone else that he cared for to be. Complete happiness was impossible. But being mostly happy was enough, he reminded himself as he emptied his water bottle and dealt with the last client of the day. This gal at least had some serious intention of getting in shape. And she was into it for her health. Then again, she was a 50 something woman who had realized how bad her cholestorol was. That would, or should, be enough to motivate anyone.
 
Nicole closed the book with a sigh, her shift was almost over. The book had been a waste of time. Not only was it poorly written so that reading it was a struggle but it had been filled with axioms, adages and poorly structured sentences. Not one of which would help her on her quest. She sighed again.

While the club was open until late at night, Nicole's shift ran from 9 - 6. She had asked for that shift so that she wouldn't be on the bus late at night or too early in the morning. Although Sac wasn't as populated as SF or as filled with perverts as LA, Nicole was smart enough to take care of herself. She worked out at the club for her physical health and took the martial arts class for her mental health. She wanted to know that, should the need arise, she could protect herself.

Standing up she took off her headset, took off the red scrunchie, and than ran her fingers through her black hair, erasing the headband look the headset gave her. Arms over her head she twisted from side to side. Sitting in the chair all day, tended to tighten up her muscles. Stepping away from the desk, she did a couple of knee bends and toe touches, then twisted again. Feeling the majority of kinks invading her joints, slowly popping into place, she smiled at one of the clients as he left. The guy was a jerk but came frequently which was good for business.

Heading for the stairs, she waved at some of the people she knew, and headed up to the employees lounge and dressing area. Slipping out of the shorts and tank top of her uniform, Nicole slid into a tshirt and pair of jeans that she had worn long enough for them to fit perfectly. Sliding her feet into a pair of high heeled sandals, she picked up her purse and headed back to the lounge, pausing to get a drink of water at the water cooler. Then she planned to head home by way of the library where she would return the book she had read. Maybe in the new book section there would be a book that would help her find what she was seeking, answers to her hole.
 
Stan, having finished with his final client for the day, that eager mature lady, carefully avoided Jake as he walked over to the water cooler. Then he saw Nicole. Damn, she was pretty! And friendly. He knew that she detested Jake as much as he did, and yet she was friendly to him. Professional duty, of course. He had to swallow his disgust and do the same thing a few times. Jake was the sort of man who had seemed to not have a clue. He kept showing up to pick up Kris, even though Kris had repeatedly told him that she was gay. What's worse, he had even insisted on having her as a PT. This made her uncomfortable, but she knew that Max would back her in the long term if he went too far. So would Stan. He preferred not to think of Jake.

He enjoyed thinking of Nicole more. Well, when it didn't torment him that he couldn't have her, that is. He decided that she would wonder more why he DIDN'T say "Hi" than why he did. He knew that she saw him.

"Hey, Nicole. Library tonight? How are Gail and Ralph getting used to Sacramento, by the way? Haven't seen Gail since she showed up and I have never even met Ralph," he chatted with her in a friendly, but not overtly flirty way. He didn't want to give her the wrong idea and string her along. Just show his usual interest in her as a friend. Damn, he had never known jet-black hair that lovely! Even prettier than Gail's dirty blonde, in his opinion. He just hoped that she didn't read his mind.

He DID wonder about Ralph, too. The shy brother that Nicole mentioned didn't seem like the man who ended up being transferred by the Highway Patrol to the state capital on charges of brutality. Surely, he wasn't guilty, right?
 
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I would like to join if you don't mind

Max Lavoisier- 43, black, engaged, brown eyes, shaved head, very sexually driven but his fiance is still a virgin and he is starting to need it more and more and he is very attracted to one of his coworkers.

Max walked into work later than usual becuase he needed to go to the strip club to get some entertainment to get himself some material for later tonight's masterbation session since there will be no sex. Nobody really noticed he was gone. He checked the gym floor looking for any hott girls he could go and try and help but none to be seen. He went and sat at his office...
 
Stan walked with Nicole to the doorway, asking questions in his usual friendly way. She really did like him, thought Nicole, if only...

"Yes, I am off to the library to return the latest book. I would invite you to go along.." she let the words drift off teasingly. Both of them knew Stan would not go near a library, but he was fun to tease.

Pausing at the door, she turned to him, once again noticing how handsome he was. Perhaps not movie star good looking but more handsome in a male way. Rugged features on a well proportioned body.

"I haven't seen Ralph in awhile, there were rumors that he was being sent to some meeting regarding rumors floating around about him. I don't know why people can't leave him alone. He is a great cop, just quiet and withdrawn. It is something he has always wanted to do, but for some reason, because they found out he was raised a Quaker, there are some policemen and I use the term loosely, that just have to give him a bad time. Why do people always choose to pick on things they don't know, rather than to try to understand people with different views?" Nicole looked up at Stan, the pain of being different in her eyes. "It isn't as if any of us kids follow the tenets, we were just raised that way. And yet, one would think we were some horrific aliens or terrorists or something." She sighed.

"As for Gail, you would have to ask her yourself. I do believe she is 'in love' again," Nicole laughed softly, "YOU remember what it was like to be young and in love with every person of the opposite sex that said hello. She moved into an apartment with Ralph as you know but if things go bad with Ralph, I don't know what she will do, she can't afford the apartment on her own and there isn't room at my place. I suppose I could give up my house and move in with her, but I don't really want to, but ..." with a deep sigh, Nicole finished the sentence, " I probably will. Goodnight, Stan."

Her shoulders down at the possibility of losing her little guest house, Nicole said goodnight and headed down the street to catch the bus. She walked slowly, her mind on what to do about her siblings and wishing she could do more, even if she wasn't sure what 'more' was. Not for the first time she wondered why they had followed her out to California, wondered what was really the truth about Ralph, wondered how at the age of 24, she had some how become responsible for both of them. Seeing the bus coming, she focused on that, catching the bus, riding it to the library, then walking home. Maybe she would splurge and get some pie from the bakery down the street from the library. Hot pie and ice cream always seemed to make her feel better, and she could always do an extra round on the treadmill.
 
Damn, Stan thought. She still thinks that I don't read. Oh, well, it must be the dumb jock facade I put on. Plus, it is true that I don't go to libraries. I tend to buy a few books from bookstore, because my busy schedule doesn't leave me time to worry about book returns. Hell, I avoid video rentals lately! It's a good thing that I have moved on to older women for a while. I am having trouble keeping up with the younger girls and their tastes. Oh, not physically. My body is in fine shape for sex. If anything, I am more active and energetic than most of these inexperienced girls. But their music and movies, just too much to worry about. And they are VERY annoying of late. I just want women closer to my own age.

Though Nicole is an exception. She is rather mature for a 24 year old. I just being the middle child and in charge of helping both her younger, naive sister and her older, supposedly more independent, but now psychologically scarred brother must be part of it. The other part is her precociousness. I'm surprised that she doesn't believe in Buddha, given her mindset. She would have little difficulty with the idea of reincarnation.

I just hope that Max doesn't try to get me to go to the strip club with him. Strippers are not my scene lately. All of that cash for the illusion of sexual release. Not for me. If I wanted to pay for sexual pleasure, I'd hire an escort and get the whole thing. Plus, you get drunk and are more likely to waste money. No, I do my drinking in a regular bar or, more frequently of late, at home. And I never go to women's houses anymore. Not after that husband caught me in bed with his wife. Damn, she should have told me she was married! Some friend with benefits! REAL friends, benefits or not, will TELL you if they are wed!

Well, it's not my rule with most women to cut off the sex abruptly after one time, as I like to have friends with benefits (especially of late); in fact, lately, most of my sex has been with FWB. It's usually safer and easier. Not this time, however. I am cutting EVERYTHING off. The friendship, the benefits, everything. That woman is POISON! Give Nicole credit, she might be frustrating right now, but she is REAL. She is not putting on a facade. She is herself all of the time. She wouldn't cheat on a spouse. She doesn't have double standards. If she ever got in another exclusive relationship any time soon, the man would not have to worry about her. She would be faithful to him.

Oh, well, here is Max. I'll have to make a flimsy excuse about needing to accompany Nicole to the library. Yeah, this time I WILL join her at the library. I don't have to check anything out. Just shock her by reading. That would stun her, especially the topic. I am into Tchaikowsky lately. Must be a Russian thing. I know that I am not a family man. I am not cut out for that, but I wish sometimes that I could pass on my culture, with its flaws and virtues, to someone else. Someone would still be American, but be proud of their Slavic heritage. I am a White Russian, a Byelorussian by descent. Nothing to be ashamed, although Svetlana can be a pain in the ass.

Another reason not to stick around the house tonight. She needs to grow up anyway. I KNOW that she is smoking, no matter how much she promised me that she would quit. I can smell the tobacco on her. And those men she hangs around lately. Morons, mostly. She is tolerable when Kris is around, but that's only because Kris can do girl talk with her and take some of the pressure off of me.

Odd about Kris, she's a tomboy, but very girly in other ways. Including the chatting and gossip. But she won't be home tonight. She's got a date with Amber. Now, THAT is another woman that I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole. I can TELL that she cheats on Kris, but I can't prove it. And you can't walk up to your lesbian roommate and tell her that the woman she loves is cheating on her, probably with men. Hell, I have noticed her flirting with me! I just haven't encouraged her. Maybe I should. Then she can slip up and I can embarrass her and prove to Kris that she is unfaithful. I would hate to see Kris get hurt. She's a sweet girl in many ways. Really nice and helpful. A good friend. NOT with benefits, of course, but that's life. She's gay, and that's the hand that she was dealt. Facing that has enabled her to get off drugs and tobacco. Another reason that Svetlana's smoking bugs me. It makes it harder for Kris to stay away from nicotine.

Oh, there is the library. Should be a short drive. I can catch up with Nicole quickly. She will be stunned. Luckily, Max seems busy talking on the phone to Bridget. Now, that Bridget is something else too! By any logical assumption, she would be sexually experienced. She IS a widow, after all. It just turns out that hubby was not as well as he let on. He was dying, and apparently not able to get it up. But I think that they did other things. Just not THAT. So, technically, she is a virgin widow, like Katherine of Aragon. I'll bet that they do those OTHER things too, since they live together. Just not that, I think. I get the impression that Bridget is scared to try yet. So, she is putting it off until the wedding as an excuse. After all, losing your virginity at 35 MUST be intimidating. Especially if you've been married before.

Ah, there's the library. Well, I don't see Nicole's car yet. Probably stopped to get some comfort food. Can't blame her, with all of that stress in her life lately. She'll work it off too. She's a smart girl. If I WERE a one-woman man, I'd snatch her up in a heartbeat and never look back. Only the different sexual attitudes keep us apart. I don't think that she is a prude, but one can only rebel against one's parents but so much. Some mindsets are going to continue. Like my dad's philandering, for instance. I know that he cheated on Mom repeatedly. I also know that she never brought it up or even threatened to leave him. Probably because he was such a great father in every other way. Very much a man and a husband. Even a "family" man. Except for the infidelity.

I've sworn to myself that I will never do that part. I will never take vows and break them. No matter how great a guy, a husband, and a father I might be otherwise, that wouldn't justify deceit. Since I seem to have inherited his nature, I will not take a bride. But Nicole tests that resolution, I'll have to admit. She is the first girl to ever REALLY test my solemn vow to myself never to become my father. Only the fact that I would rather die than cheat again, especially on her, keeps me from taking that step, yielding to the temptation to approach. But I know her. And myself. She would insist on monogamy, and probably marriage at some point. And if I agreed, I would be cheating inside of a year. And that's just not something that I can let myself do. Because I AM a good guy. Better safe than sorry.

Ah, there her car is....Now that I see it, I can go inside and surprise her. I admit, I want to see the look on her face. That and I was worried about her. Even though I knew that she was probably just eating something bad. I was worried about her anyway. Why so worried? She's a grown woman, perfectly capable of protecting herself. But this is a dangerous city. Especially at night. Ah, there is the front desk. And that must be the reference section. Tchaikowsky. Where is Tchaikowsky?
 
Stan is very surprised to see Nicole already there, and looking at him from her table like he is a Martian. Then he remembers that she had dragged her unreliable car across the scales and not gotten a new one yet. It's not surprising in a city with mass transit, though. Cars can be a bit expensive. That must have been someone else's car, and she must taken the bus. She still beat him there, which is not surprising, given how distracted he was with his thoughts.

"Hey, Nicole. What's up. I thought that I would go ahead and take you up on your library offer. I have wanted to do some research on Tchaikowsky, after all."

She doesn't have to know that I worried over her safety now, does she? Stan thinks to himself. He very much doubted that they could ever be a couple, due to the differences in their sexual natures, but he couldn't deny to himself that the crush was getting stronger. That just made it more frustrating to him. Oh, well, that's fate. It can be rather cruel. If I believed in God, I'd be pissed at him by now.
 
Nicole shut her mouth, quite aware that her chin had literally dropped open. Stan came to libraries? Setting her book in her lap, she looked up at him from the corner of the bench she was occupying. She tried to think of something to say that didn't sound silly or worse stupid. She didn't want to admit that she always thought that Tchaikowsky had something to do with music and never knew he was a writer. Maybe when she went back to school she would take a class on Russian writers and expand her knowledge.

Clearing her throat, she whispered in an acceptable volume for the library, "Tchaikowsky is Russian, isn't he? I am not very familiar with Russian culture. Perhaps one of these days you could tell me more about it?"

She wasn't sure what Stan would say to that, she hadn't expected to say it. But now that it was out, she realized that she would enjoy spending time with Stan discussing literature or other topics. Usually their conversations tended to center on the fitness club or family members, they hadn't really ever just sat and talked. Nicole had a feeling that she would really like doing that.
 
"Yes, he was a composer. I tend to like classical, particularly Tchaikowsky. I thought that I would do some research on his work and what would be the least known of his masterpieces that I might listen to some time. Yes, I know, I seem like the strictly rock type, but I also like other kinds of music. It is the music of my heritage, practically speaking. I grew up listening to it the way some do with Country/Western. My parents always had Rachmanichoff and Stravinsky too."

"I am not totally the nekulturny fellow that you thought me. In any case, it seemed like the best policy. I rarely go to libraries, because I would rather not deal with the pressure of return dates. But it sounded like a better idea than going home tonight and watching TV with Kris. That can be fun, but with my luck, it would just be Svetlana there. And she is hard to deal with lately.

"And I don't care for stripclubs these days, which I was afraid that Max would suggest. All that money, just to leave the place even more frustrated than I entered it. No thanks. I can understand Max, with his situation. But not me. If I want women, I will find women. But I don't feel like calling any FWBs tonight. Not right now, anyway. And I don't feel like the bar scene. Sorry if I am bothering you. I just feel like you have the wrong idea about me, even though we are friends.

"Yes, I sleep with plenty of women. But lately, it's mostly older women who are friends and have slept with me in the past. It's not like I do it for my ego or to rack up conquests. It's about mutual pleasure and I find their company more enjoyable than some brat out of high school. I admit that I like variety. If I didn't, I'd be married by now and probably raising kids.

"Anyway, I'm glad that I have opened up a little, and am more than willing to listen to you tell me more about yourself at any time. Otherwise, I will leave you to your research and go ahead and start on mine. For the record, I think very highly of you and believe that if and when you do marry, your husband will be one lucky bastard. And you are as serious about it as I think you are, you will be one lucky gal, because he will be a great guy, no doubt."

Stan unloaded this, because he felt that he had to clear the air. Having done so, he smiled at Nicole and started to look for Tchaikowsky.
 
Nicole blinked. Then she blinked again. "Talk about sensory overload," she thought. "Where did THAT come from?"

Nicole felt that someone had shut off her brain, suddenly after Stan's outburst she felt as if she was shell shocked. Her mind raced in circles while she scrambled to gain some control over it. "What had she done to get that? Was it something SHE had done or said? Was it something someone else had said and Stan unloaded on her because she was there?"

She let out a whoosh of air. "OOOkay," she thought, "Stan is a leeetle bit upset. So what are my options? Try to talk to him or leave him alone. But which is the right thing to do?"

Nicole went back over the day seeking something that would have set Stan off like that. She was pretty sure that she had never implied anything that was at all deragotory about him, his family, his lifestyle. Well, maybe she had teased him a little about his revolving door, but she hadn't ever meant anything bad by it. Was it possible that, because of her own wishes and desires, she had said something that had come out wrong? Was it possible that he had been harboring this hurt because of something she had said? She didn't know, but she felt really bad that someone had hurt him.

Setting down her book she stood up and slowly moved towards Stan who was standing in a section of books about musicians. His body language was tense, almost angry, and she hesitated to say or do anything that would set him off again. He was perusing a text on Russian composers and, while anyone passing by might think he was totally engrossed in the tome, she knew him well enough to know that he was completely aware that she was behind him.

Nicole took the few last steps needed to bring her up next to him. Standing slightly behind and to the side, she remained silent. She laid her palm on the back of his shoulder and gently rubbed his back, the way you would an upset child. Light circles that widened from his shoulders to include his spine. Slowly the tension seemed to ease and she moved closer. Laying her head against his upper arm, she continued to rub his back. She didn't look at his face, just kept her head down, her cheek against his arm, and her hand gently caressing his back. She could feel the change in him, the soft sigh, the sudden lowering of shoulders, the way his head dropped.

"I am sorry if I ever said anything to hurt you. I would never want to hurt you. Your life is your own."

He didn't say a word but she knew he was listening.

"I never meant to say or imply that you were not intelligent. I never meant to say or imply that you were irresponsible towards women's feelings. I have known you almost a year and have never heard you say anything mean or cruel to anyone. I know that the women that you see enjoy being with you. I know you are not interested in marriage or a family, but I truly believe you would make a great father."

Nicole could feel him start to tense at her words so she figured it was time to change the mood. "I will admit, however, that being at the library definitely beats spending time with Svetlana. Of course you could have gone to someone to have them put bamboo under your nails and had more fun than she has been lately." She said the sentence lightly, playfully, and smiled up into his face, her eyes teasing him. Although he was more relaxed, he hadn't said a word, just looked at her with eyes that showed the hurt under the tinge of humor regarding his cousin.

"Come on, I know just the way to spend some time when you are avoiding going home."

Grabbing his book, she slid it back into the large space from where it had come. Taking his hand she tugged lightly until he was moving with her. She pulled him outside of the library and realized it was getting darker. Looking around she spied his car. Tugging harder as her pace sped up, "Hurry or it will be too late!" she practically ran to his car. Impatiently she tapped her foot while he pulled out the key and opened the door for her. Sliding into the car, she urged him to hurry. Although he hadn't said anything his eyes were speaking volumes, but she just smiled. As soon as the car was in gear she began to give him directions. Within moments they were heading out of town on the old state road.

Fifteen minutes later, Stan set the brake and removed his key from the ignition. Turning to Nicole he said his first words,"Okay, we are at the far end of the lake in a bunch of bushes. This is what you were in such a hurry to see?"

"No, silly, come on," Nicole was out of the car and racing around to his side tugging the door open and then tugging on his arm. "Hurry, Hurry!!"

Stan wasn't sure what was happening but he got out of the car. Nicole grabbed his hand, not even aware that she had, but tugged him behind her. They cut through some bushes, and went up a small dirt incline.

"There, we made it," she sighed happily. Pointing with her finger, she grinned widely up at Stan. "Have you ever seen anything like it?"

Over their heads, flying into the orange and red sunset was a flock of geese in a perfect V shape. The sun seemed gigantic as it neared the horizon. The geese were black against the red sun, appearing to be ablaze as they flew straight towards the center of the huge red orb.

Without realizing she had moved, her eyes glued to the picture perfect scene, Nicole turned her back to Stan, and leaned back against him. His arms came up to cradle her, his chin resting on her head, she laid her arms over his, while she sighed deeply. In a soft voice filled with awe, she sighed,

"Nature at its best."
 
Stan finally decides to tell some truth about why he seemed angry and unloaded on Nicole back at the library. He doesn't want her to think that he resents her or is angry at her.

"Look, I didn't mean to sound hostile or angry. But between Svetlana's smoking, Kris's trying not to smoke, Max constantly trying to get me to join him at stripclubs, Max and Bridget planning their wedding, my being best man for said wedding (which will mean stripclubs at some point, I suspect), Kris planning to move out soon, my need to find a new roommate if she moves out, my suspicions about Amber's cheating on Kris, constantly making sure that Svetlana keeps her paperwork right for the INS, being Svetlana's chauffeur until she finds a car, being essentially another parent to Svetlana, and my infatuation with you, which I know to be futile, I have a lot on my plate. Didn't mean to snap. I was just frustrated. Plus, I am tired of being judged and pressured by my parents to live as they wish. Didn't mean to rant at you. My life has been great until recently, and now it has taken a crazy turn, mostly since Svetlana moved in," Stan explains.

"I'm sure that you have plenty of frustrations too. If you ever want to vent your spleen, you've certainly earned my ear."

He then quieted a bit, as he looked at the lovely natural vista.
 
As they stood there watching the sunset, Nicole was surprised to hear Stan's speak quietly about all of his problems but the one thing he said that stood out in her mind was "my infatuation with you". After that anything he said sounded like a buzzing in her ears.

Stan was infatuated with her?

Nicole didn't know what to do or say. He had never implied or acknowledged or even hinted that he was interested in her in any manner than coworker/friend. She knew she had a crush on him, but she also knew that she wasn't interested in someone that was interested in playing the field. Yet, earlier he had said something about getting tired of that game, about only seeing women he already knew instead of picking up a new female every night.

Should she say something about his feelings, her feelings, leave it alone, not leave it alone? She was so confused.

Leaning against his chest the way she was, she could feel him taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly. He still cradled her in his arms, his chin resting lightly on her head. She liked that he was tall enough to be able to hold her this way. They fit well together, at least their bodies did.

It was obvious that Stan didn't want to be infatuated with her, he was overloaded at home, he was stressed over Max, he was stressed period.

So she decided to just stand there with him, watch the sun set, and listen if he wanted to talk.

In a soft voice she commented, her eyes still on the sun, only partially peeking up above the horizon, "It sure sounds like things have been crazy for you lately. I didn't realize your home life was in such upheaval. I am glad you came out here with me tonight. It feels wonderful to just ...," she chuckled as she mixed her metaphors, "stop and smell the roses, sort of."

She sighed softly as the last bit of sun sank into the horizon and suddenly it was much darker out. "I guess we should head back to the car before it is so dark we can't see where we are going."

Despite her words, she stayed where she was, enjoying the warmth of his body as the air began to cool off. She knew they should leave right away, but she just didn't care. She couldn't really solve any of Stan's problems, but maybe, sharing a little peace with him would be helpful for him.
 
Stan thoroughly enjoyed Nicole's company, he had to admit. She was a lot better company than most girls her age. Most were rather annoying and immature, at least it seemed to him. Give her credit for knowing what he wanted and needed, which was just to stand there with her and enjoy the view. It reminded him of the Northern California countryside in which he had grown up. The Redwood forests in which he hiked as a youth and developed an interest in sports and fitness. Had he grown up sickly, he might have turned out less athletic. But he was always somewhat robust and he grabbed at the chance to become the buff sort of guy, the outdoors type.

He remembered talk of the relatively smaller forests of Belarus, islands in the steppes of the former USSR. He was sure that they were mostly gone now. Too bad. It would be nice for a visit at some point. Especially with Nicole. As much as he didn't think it wise or practical, due to their differences, he couldn't help but imagine taking Nicole on a tour of his ancestral homeland. They could both see Minsk for the first time. They could visit WW2 battlefields. They could drink homemade vodka in a placed that exported vodka. They could.....well, it was a fantasy, nonetheless. As many fantasies as he had fulfilled, that one didn't sound feasible.

He knew that they needed to get back, so he could drop her off home from their impromptu date. It was sort of a date, despite the fact they didn't share a meal, plan it, or do anything "romantic" beyond the Nature vista. Of course, a stranger would no doubt assume that they were a couple. They felt natural and healthy together. But that was just a feeling, right? Reason cautioned him against letting his feelings for Nicole put a romantic twist on their friendship.

He wanted her, but he dared not admit just how much. Had he already given her a hint? She didn't act like it. Sure, he mentioned his infatuation, in a way that would not attract as much attention to it, but she didn't overtly react to it. She just showed concern for him, as he felt and showed for her a lot of times. He wondered if she recalled that, even. Whether she remembered the time that she had suddenly cried and Max and he took her into the office after the incident with her cheating beau and the redhead.

He thought that he started falling for her right around then. The woman cared about things. He was not as old-fashioned as her, nor as inclined to view sex as a romantic thing, but he appreciated how vulnerable she was with them. It was nice in a woman. It wasn't whining. It was real passion. He didn't understand the jealousy, but he understood that she had been hurt and she had shared that hurt with him and with Max.

It wasn't WHAT mattered to her that counted with him. It was that something did. As rational a person as he was, he still felt that everyone should care about SOMETHING, whether it was politics, sex, music, etc. For him, it was mostly fitness, but also sex. For her, it was apparently love that counted most. Love as a mystical experience. That could be appealing. The monogamy thing wasn't to his taste, but the notion of love as being something noble and spiritual apparently worked for many. It was hard for him to feel that way. No matter how much he cared about a girl, nothing was mystical to him. He was just not wired that way. For him, the material counted for more. Always had. The tangible. The concrete. What he KNEW existed. What he could experience with his senses. However, he could appreciate that she didn't always share that outlook. Well, you could take the Quaker girl out of the Meeting, but you couldn't take the Meeting out of the Quaker girl.

He wished that he could have a relationship, but he still sensed the price: an exclusive arrangement. Could he do that? He had strong reservations, born out of his own experience as a man and his knowledge about his father. He could experiment with monogamy again, but if he did, he might end up hurting her. And was it right to deny his true nature?

But was it his permanent nature? Or was that a thing only permanent and fixed in some people, like his father, but more malleable in others, like himself? Did he owe to himself to try it one more time, to see if he would happier with just one girl? If it didn't work out, THEN he could say for sure that he was not a one-woman man? But would it be fair to Nicole to experiment with her like that? Maybe if he told her that he was giving it a shot, but would break up with her if he came too close to cheating? It had been a long time since he had last tried to be exclusive. Still....that could be disturbing and she might well say no to being a "guinea pig".

Hmmm......was it wise to even try? Or was it doomed from the start, and he was so hungry for her and her company that he was talking himself into something that wasn't good or right for him?

"Hey, Nicole, thanks for the understanding and company. I appreciate it. Do you think that we should get going, so I can take you home? It's getting late and we both have work tomorrow. Much as I enjoy spending this time with you, I think that we need to get in the car before it gets too dark and dangerous anyway," he finally said.

They both moved toward the car and glanced at each other. He felt like he could read her mind and she his. Could it be possible that they were BOTH debating internally the idea of a relationship?
 
As much as Nicole was enjoying watching the sunset in his arms, she knew that Stan was right. They didn't want to be out here in the pitch dark, it would be too easy to twist an ankle or something. As she followed him down the ridge, she grinned to herself. If she got hurt he would be able to carry her out, but if he got hurt there was no way she was going to be able to carry muscle man.

She glanced at Stan who had been really quiet most of the evening. Nicole was pretty sure he had enjoyed the quiet as they stood there but she didn't really know what he was thinking. It was ironic really, she had very little trouble figuring out what most guys were thinking but with Stan, it was different. He was not as shallow or immature as most of the guys that hung out at the club, at least not in some ways. Nicole couldn't help but wonder if he ever thought of settling down with one woman or if he planned to be a player for the rest of his life. Despite his earlier comment, which Nicole wasn't going to spend too much time taking to heart considering it was lumped together with his disgust of Svetlana's habits and behaviors, she didn't have any wild fantasies about Stan suddenly wanting to set up a picket fence with her.

As Stan took them back to town, Nicole turned her head to look out the window. She didn't want him to see the grin that suddenly broke across her face. She might not fantasizing about the reality of a wedding ring and kids with Stan, but she sure had had a few risque dreams involving the man.

As they pulled up in front of her door, she turned to him and lay her hand on his forearm. "This was much better than reading in the library. Thank you for taking me out there and going with me. I really enjoyed it. I am really glad we are friends."

With a soft squeeze of her hand to emphasize her seriousness, she went on, "If you need someone to listen or if there is every anything I can do to help, just ask. Okay?"
 
"I appreciate that, and it's mutual. If you want to talk to me about anything at all, just let me know. And I enjoyed it too, much better than Tchaikowsky, even. This evening turned out a lot better than I thought it would," Stan replied, touching the hand on his forearm, as he headed back to his car.

Well, he thought, nothing might come out of this but a closer friendship with Nicole, but there are worse things than a platonic friend of the opposite sex. Too bad they didn't seem compatible. He did catch an interesting look in her eye, though, one that suggested that she wanted his body a little. Even if it were a fantasy of a fling that she would not actually to live out, it was flattering in the extreme. Oh, well, he thought. I've had plenty of those about Nicole. So, she's not TOTALLY conservative about sex. Just a one-man woman, that's all. And if I were a one-woman man, she'd be perfect for me.

Life's not fair, though. Best to live the life I have been given and follow my instincts and reason. Maybe I'll get lucky and reincarnation will be true. Who knows? I doubt it. For that, there would have to be a God, and I don't believe that for a second. If there was one, Nicole and I would be compatible enough for a relationship.

He waved goodbye as he headed home. Arriving there, he found Kris smoking a cigarette with Svetlana. Damn, she's gotten her back into that trap. I was hoping that Kris would influence Svetlana, not vice versa. But Kris looked pretty upset, which explained her reverting to that nasty habit.

"What's wrong, Kris?"

She gave him a look that was far too familiar for his comfort. The look that his mother got when she smelled another woman's perfume on his father. The look that his high school girlfriend gave when she caught her 18 year old beau (him) fucking an older woman. The look that Nicole had when she sobbed and he and Max led her into the office. The look of a betrayed woman, or one who suspected betrayal. A hurt look. A jealous look. An angry look.
 
Kris

She sat on the couch with Svetlana, smoking her first cigarette in… God! She couldn’t even remember how long! The girl was prattling on about something, but she didn’t hear a word of it. She was lost in her thoughts. She felt angry, and confused, and hurt… But mostly she felt betrayed! Then Stan walked in. She knew he disapproved of the whole smoking thing, and he’d been rooting for her to stay on the straight and narrow… but she was just too upset to care.

"What's wrong, Kris?" Stan sounded worried. Kris got up and started pacing around the apartment, her lit cigarette still between her fingers.

“Nothing.” She replied flippantly with a shrug, her voice trembling a bit as she tried to mask her raging emotions. “Why should anything be wrong?” She turned to face him. Oh god! He was giving her that look again! That ‘come on, what do you take me for’ look! She hated that look!

“Oh don’t…” She half groaned – half whined, turning away and sighing. “You know I hate that look!” The room was dead quiet. She knew he was waiting for her to say something. She bit her bottom lip nervously as she looked out the window without seeing any of the world outside. She took another drag of her cigarette, exhaling a large cloud of bluish smoke. She wanted to feel something other then doubt, fear and confusion. She wanted to know what was going on. She refused to believe what her mind was telling her, her heart overriding her logic. No! She loved Amber! And Amber loved her…! Didn’t she…?

“Do you think Amber’s cheating on me?” Her words were soft, tentative, her voice filled with worry. A thin stream of smoke issued from her lit cigarette. “I found a condom in her purse when I accidentally knocked it over…” She continued, her voice trembling just a bit. “It doesn’t mean anything, but…” Stan and Svetlana remained quiet. Kris turned to face them, the look in her eyes pleading. She was wrong! She had to be wrong! It didn’t mean anything! Lots of people had those things in their bathrooms!

“I- I… I was looking for my eyeliner… and I thought Amber might have borrowed it or something…” She explained hesitantly. Her voice was shaking now. “We do that sometimes…” She added with a nervous chuckle before her doubts and worries over took her again. “But… Whh- when I looked in her beauty bag… I- I found this…” And from her pocket she pulled a tube of spermicidal jelly! It had definitely been used! “Why would she need something like this?” She whispered, looking at Stan with pleading eyes that were rapidly filling with tears, silently begging him to tell her that her suspicions weren’t true. Amber loved her! She loved her!! Right?
 
Stan hated to hurt Kris by telling her what she didn't want to hear. But he had sensed it about Amber for a while anyway, and Kris's revelation just confirmed it. He just hated that it had to be such a painful awakening as to Amber's conduct. He really liked Kris as a friend, thought of her almost like a sister after years of working together and more recently being roommates. He knew that Kris was madly in love with Amber, and that Amber apparently didn't care enough about her to be honest with her. Or did she just want to have her cake and eat it too?

He knew that the condom might be a misunderstanding, but there was no way that the jelly was. Spermicide meant one thing: a man having vaginal sex with a woman. Kris was not a man, so Amber must be cheating on her with one (or more).

"Kris, I really hate to say it like this, but, yes, I think she's cheating on you. With a man, it would seem. I would say that she is probably bi, but has passed herself off as gay with you to have you. If I were you, I'd confront her. But use the jelly and condom to do so. And let us be there, so we can back you up. Amber needs to know that she can't deny it and convince you. I know that you don't want to believe it. You want Amber to be faithful. You want to marry her, have kids with her, and grow old together. But I don't think that this will be possible, with her or anyone else, until you confront her. You deserve better from a lover than cheating. Especially a lover who acts insanely jealous if you even talk with an attractive woman. Sounds like hypocrisy, Kristin," he finally stated. He knew that using her full given name would add some seriousness to the talk. Few people called her "Kristin", except for her parents.

He also worried about her and Svetlana smoking, of course, but he wasn't going to raise that issue now. At the moment, what was needed was moral support. His friend had her heart broken by her girlfriend. That was a crushing event for anyone. He would need to back her up, not criticize her.

"Maybe you need a drink. We can make Svetlana drive us there. She's got her permit now, and needs to get a license. So she can be our designated driver. You need some liquid courage to help you face Amber and confront her with her cheating. She shouldn't get away with it. Here, have a martini with me. One martini. No more for now. The rest can wait for when you get back home. You need to be sober enough to refute her denials," Stan offered her, pouring himself a drink and putting an olive in it. He got out a 2nd glass for her.
 
As Nicole pulled her dinner of leftovers from the microwave, she realized she was humming. "Not a good sign," she muttered. She knew she had no business reading anything into her evening with Stan. After all, she had practically kidnapped him from the library and forced him into going out to watch the sunset. He had been very polite and had, it seemed, to enjoy himself, but that didn't mean anything.

"Still," she said outloud, "it brought us closer together as friends and that is good."

Quickly washing up her dishes, she settled onto the couch and picked up the phone to call Gail. Hopefully her sister would know more about what was going on with Ralph than Nicole knew. Nicole was concerned about both of them, but wasn't sure what she could do to help. Ralph had always been a moody person even as a child. While she and Gail would be at one of the gatherings to shuck corn or work on quilts, Ralph had kept to himself. When she was sent to find him for dinner, she would often have to search the corners of the big barn or go down by the creek. Sometimes she would find him lying on the ground between rows of corn, watching the Pedersons, the family whose farm bordered that of the Proctors'. When she would ask what he was doing, Ralph would whisper, "Shhh, I am practicing my surveillance skills."

Ralph had always planned to become a spy or an agent. Nicole wondered if, now that he was a policeman, he was happy with his choice of career. She wished he would be more open with her. She had been so surprised when he showed up on her doorstep last year, saying he had a job with the local police department. With all the departments in the country, the fact that he had ended up in the town where Nicole was living meant he had been worried about her. Nicole smiled to herself. She loved her brother very much, but she worried about him also.

They had lived together for about three months, until he had enough pay to move into his own place. "For privacy, girls you know," he had winked at her as he told her he was moving out. Nicole had laughed and understood. At the same time that she valued her own privacy, she found that she missed him coming home at all hours of the night, talking to her quietly about the good parts of his day. He never mentioned the bad, and Nicole had constantly asked him to talk so that he wouldn't carry all the evils he saw, but he never did. She knew that eventually all that bottled up horror would either come bursting out of him in a million words all at once or come out in some form of action. They had made it a rule to get together every week for dinner but over time, the dinners started being twice a month and then even less frequently.

When Gail had called Nicole and said she was at the bus station, Nicole had been shocked. Apparently, Gail and Ralph had been talking and Ralph had agreed to let Gail move in for a couple of months while she saved up for her own apartment. Nicole had talked to Gail frequently since she had left home , but she hadn't known Gail was going to join them. Nicole wondered how her parents had taken the desertion of all three of their children. The Proctor children certainly were not the only Quakers to have left eastern Pennsylvania, but still, she knew her mother had hoped that her girls would marry local Quaker men and that her son would take over the family farm.

Nicole had picke up Gail at the bus station, questioning her about their parents and why Gail had chosen to come to Sacramento. Gail had been sullen, defensive and Nicole decided that Gail had fought with their parents about something and left on a whim. Nicole and Ralph had expected Gail to go home to the farm once she had gotten over her pique with the parents, but Gail had stayed. Although the idea had been for Gail to move out when she had enough money, somehow, Gail never seemed to have enough money and was still at Ralph's. As a consequence of losing his privacy, Ralph had started taking even more undercover jobs that kept him from the apartment for longer and longer time periods. For Gail that had worked out well, it was like having her own apartment without paying the rent. For Nicole it had meant fear for her brother as he became more and more involved with the underbelly of that part of the state.

On the surface, Sacramento was a large town in the northern end of the San Joaquin Valley, the center of politics for the state and the home of the State Fair. But the politics of the state involved a lot of connections to underworld crime bosses all over the country. California may have one of the largest populations of below poverty citizens, but it also was one of the richest income states. The movie industry, the aerospace agencies, farming consortiums, shipping magnates, and innumerous lobbyists for special groups all did business in Sacramento. There was more wheeling and dealing done in the two square miles around the capitol building than in all the rest of the huge state put together. Most of those deals were under the table or just under handed. Ralph was deep in that world and Nicole worried constantly.

"Darn it," she muttered as she hung up the phone. Gail wasn't home. She was probably out partying at one of the clubs. Another reason for Nicole to worry. Gail had become more and more withdrawn and sullen lately and while Nicole hoped it was because of some man, she was very very worried that Gail was involved in some kind of drug use. Lately, at the club, where Gail was cashier, Nicole had noticed moments of high emotions that seemed out of control and lows that bordered on depression.

Nicole had tried questioning their mother as to whether Gail was possibly manic depressive, but her mother had not picked up on Nicole's oblique hints or Gail had shown no symptoms at home. According to her mother, Gail was a typical teenager, rude and moody, never wanting to hear anything anyone had to say. Nicole understood Gail's attitude, their mother was not the stereotypical Quaker woman who was all low voiced and calm, not at all like Grace Kelly had been in that movie. Instead their mother had a whine to her tone of voice that made everything sound as if she was constantly complaining. After a few minutes of the nerve grinding tones, she had broken off the call with her mother. Nicole loved her mother and had been given a perfectly fine homelife, she just couldn't stand listening to her mother speak, especially over the phone.

Now Gail was out on the town and Ralph was undercover, Nicole felt the tendrils of worry moving over her nerve endings, leaving her restless and edgy. Glancing at the clock she noted that it was only eight thirty, so she grabbed her jacket and tucked her wallet and keys into the pocket. Turning off the lights, she closed the door and went down to the street. Pausing on the sidewalk, she looked both right and left, not sure what she was going to do but the need to do something was too strong to ignore. She, wished for the millionth time that she had a car, but the cost of the car and insurance was more than she could put together every month. Maybe next year, with the raise she would get, she could get some kind of used car. But for now her choices were bus or walk. So Nicole turned right and started to walk.
 
Stan and Kris quickly downed a vodka martini each and had Svetlana drive them in Stan's car to Amber's place to confront her. With any luck, she would be caught off-guard and unable to put on a good defense. Stan wanted Kris to hear Amber confess. That way, she could dump Amber and find herself a girlfriend who wouldn't cheat on her. Stan was sick of seeing Kris hurt by Amber's selfish behavior, which frankly struck him as immature in general. He also found her obsession with fashion to be annoying anyway. Sex or no sex, he would have dropped Amber like a hot potato on the first date. He really didn't know what Kris saw in her.

He also wanted this to be an awakening for Svetlana, so she could learn that some people were just manipulative and cruel. He still thought of his Byelorussian cousin as being rather naive and gullible. He feared that she would get hurt by some lying bastard after several years of an abusive relationship. He hated assholes who pretended to be what they weren't. Whatever others thought of his lifestyle, he was upfront about everything. Even his father, for all of his infidelity, was not an abusive prick. He was a good husband (aside from his deceit) and a damned good father.

Uncle Yuri, on the other hand....well let's just say that Stan had heard stories about him and about his grandfather that were not so flattering. With such an example, Svetlana might take that kind of conduct from a man as normal. He hoped not, just as he hoped that Kris would at last stand up to Amber, who tended to berate and insult her at times (conduct that seemed abusive to him), sometimes even in public (inexcusable action by a lover in Stan's view).

It was even worse (and better) from Stan's perspective. Kris had a copy of the house key (something that Stan had pushed her to demand from Amber, otherwise she would never have gotten the nerve to insist on it), so it was not too difficult to get in without Amber noticing. Once inside, the 3 of them overheard the sound of a woman climaxing and a man grunting. Kris snapped and kicked open the door, sensing what she didn't want to know, but also knew that she had to find out. The suspense and anger were catching up with her, and the martini had given her some courage after all.

Stan and Svetlana quickly followed, after hearing Kris call Amber a "cheating slut".

Amber was naked, in bed, with Lars. She was fucking Kris's own brother. Her married, older brother. A supposed family man and conservative Lutheran. A respected ENT surgeon with his own private clinic. Apparently, Amber had no qualms about not only cheating on Kris, but also sleeping with a married man. And Lars had few compunctions about betraying his wife and sister like that. The very sort of behavior that Stan avoided by staying single in the first place. Stan hated lies. He hated seeing his father lie to his mother. He hated it in himself the one time that he betrayed his last girlfriend by lying to her and cheating on her.

Well, on the rare bright side, Lars was wearing a rubber. The same brand as the one that Kris found. That made it clear that Amber was regularly fucking him. It was no fluke. Who knew how many other men she was fucking on the side? How many women, for that matter? Or how many other women Lars was fucking around on his wife with, come to think of it. Stan had met Lars's wife. She was a bit quiet, but also rather pretty and didn't sound as judgmental as her husband. He really doubted that Lars was doing this because she was withholding sex. She didn't seem the sort to do that. Lars just liked the lure of the taboo, and what could be more taboo than cheating on your wife with your sister's lesbian lover?

At least, he was smart enough to wear a condom. Given how many other secret partners Amber might have, he could pass his wife an STD otherwise. Same thing with Lars giving Amber an STD and her passing it to Kris, for that matter. Still, cheating was cheating. It was a double betrayal here, and everyone who was in the crowded bedroom knew it. There was no point in lying. It was in flagrante delicto. Kris was no fool. She slapped Lars across the face for being such a cruel brother and threw the tube of jelly at Amber. She then kissed her on the mouth and stormed out.

Stan followed her, along with Svetlana, who stupidly asked her why she kissed her cheating gf.

"It was a goodbye kiss. I was telling her it was over."

The pair drove out and saw a solitary figure walking out in the open, talking on her cell phone. It was Nicole. Damn, that was twice in one day! This time by complete accident. Stan figured that he should offer to drive her home, yet again, and find out why she was walking alone. Then again, she might be wanting some peace of mind. Oh, well, she could tell him that. It was the gesture that counted.

"Nicole, need a lift?"
 
Nicole had walked for awhile, not really paying attention where she was going, only keeping the slightest amount of attention to her surroundings since it was after dark and she was alone. Although slightly embarrassed, she wasn't totally surprised to find herself standing outside of Stan's apartment. She hadn't really been thinking of him but rather she had had thoughts of him swirling around in her head with thoughts of her brother and sister. She kept moving, not wanting to be caught hanging around outside his place, when she knew he had worries of his own with is sister and roommate.

She was almost down near the river when she decided to walk that far and then turn back to her place. It was getting much later than she had planned to be out, but the walking felt good and, although she hadn't solved anything, she was feeling less panicky and restless. As Nicole walked she pulled out her phone and tried Gail's place again. She was listening to it ring for the fifth time when a car pulled up next to the sidewalk. She hung up but kept her finger on the button for 911, as she checked out the car that had pulled over.

It was with a sigh of relief that she recognized Stan's voice. Leaning over to look into the car, she saw that he was with Svetlana and Kris. The tension inside the car was palpatable, Svetlana in the back seat was smoking hard while Kris had tears on her cheeks. Nicole greeted the three of them but declined the offer of the ride. Since it was Kris's window that had been rolled down to hail Nicole, Nicole put her hand on Kris's arm and squeezed it lightly. She didn't ask what the problem was but said only, "If you want to talk to me, call me."

Whatever was going on was pretty serious, because Kris teared up as she nodded. Nicole looked at Stan's face but in the light of the streetlamp, his face look cold and hard, although his voice when he asked if she wanted a ride had been friendly enough.

With a nod in his direction she replied,"Thanks for the offer, Stan, but I think I will keep walking for awhile more. If you need anything, call." Stan nodded and pulled away. Nicole wasn't sure if his jerking of the wheel was because she had said no to his offer or if it had to do with the problem going on.

As she made her way down to the river she figured that she would know all about the latest problem in Stan's household tomorrow at work. One of the three was bound to talk to someone that would talk to someone that would...

Once at the river, she watched the current for a few minutes. "It is odd how the movement of water can be so soothing," she thought. She had found the same thing with the ocean when she was in San Francisco, and even the creek out back of the farm. She tried Gail's number again, then headed home. This time she took a more direct path and within a half hour was climbing the steps to her apartment. It was getting late, almost ten, and still no answer from Gail. While Nicole could have left a message for Gail, she figured she would see her at work in the morning, so she gave up for the night and headed for bed.
 
Stan wasn't surprised that Nicole refused his offer of a ride, but he did worry about her walking around so late at night. He had taken a chance by driving again, despite the martini, because he felt that he was sure now that his system hadn't been too adversely affected by the alcohol. Besides, Svetlana was in a pissy mood, and he didn't really trust her to drive right now.

Anyway, what was Nicole doing so close to his apartment? Oh, well, no point in being paranoid. She was probably just wandering about, he thought as he headed into his parking lot. He and the girls got out and he led the way back into the apartment. A clearly distraught Kris was in no mood to argue with him.

Stan poured all 3 of them drinks. He didn't care about the legal drinking age at this point. Svetlana drank plenty already in her native country. He knew that she was going to drink again when he wasn't looking. Better to monitor and control her drinking instead. A few vodka martinis and neither of them would be feeling any pain.
 
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