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“That was then,” I said and held the door open for her. “This is now.”
“What’s so special about Kate?” she asked, as we stood waiting for rounds to begin.
“Shh,” I said when the department head arrived and cleared his throat. Lisa frowned and turned away, but I knew she wanted to continue talking. I was glad I had a reason to stop. I didn’t like Lisa concerning herself with my life and especially with Kate’s life. Still, I smiled as I thought about my beautiful wife. When I left her that morning, she was snuggled down into the thick duvet, her hair across her face, her luscious curves and belly making me wish I could wake her up with a nice slow fuck, but she needed her sleep.
Lisa stood off to the side of the group of residents as we did rounds. Then, when rounds were finished, she left without saying another word. Perhaps hearing how happy I was would put her off. If so, I was relieved because I had Kate back and I didn’t want to give up my fellowship.
On Thursday night, the group from NYU went out for dinner and game of darts and pool at the local pub so I texted Kate to see how she was feeling, and then left with the rest of the group, taking my car since I’d be a designated driver. I didn’t want to drink more than a pint, for the few hours after eight that I had to spend with Kate were precious and I wanted to be fresh and wide awake when she was feeling her best.
We drove to Shane’s Public House and Grill and piled into the bar, pushing tables together and ordering several pitchers of draft and appetizers, as was usual. Lisa made a point of sitting beside me. I’d grown used to it, although I got the occasional raised eyebrow and two heads bending together to exchange whispers, but that was the price I had to pay to keep her on my side and off my case.
The time passed quickly, much draft beer was imbibed, ribs and other finger food consumed and I checked my watch. The time was getting close to eight and I wanted to get home.
“I’m driving home now, so if you want a ride, now’s your chance,” I said to the group when I stood and pulled on my jacket.
A couple of the residents stood and accepted my offer and Lisa did as well. We said goodbye to the group and walked to my car, which was parked about a block and a half down the street. I asked everyone their addresses, and of course Lisa was the last to be dropped off. After we dropped the other two residents off, Lisa and I were alone in the car.
I drove through the streets in silence, letting her do the talking.
“That was fun,” she said, turning in her seat to face me.
“It was,” I said, hoping to get her to her place as quickly as possible so I could get home to Kate.
“Hey, Drake, I need your help up in my apartment. I have this flat screen television and need to put it up on the wall.”
I sighed, frustrated that she was trying to get me into her apartment.
“Don’t you have a roommate who can help you? Someone in the dorm?”
“No, actually,” she said coolly. “I don’t have anyone.”
“You’re an attractive woman. Why haven’t you got one of the residents at your beck and call? I noticed a couple of them seemed interested.”
She grinned but shook her head. “Not interested. They’re boys, not men. I want someone with some seasoning. So, you’ll come up and help me,” she said, and it wasn’t a request. It was a demand.
I took in a deep breath and tried not to let my anger get the better of me. Kate would be waiting for me, eager to talk after being alone all day with her fatigue. She wasn’t enrolled in her class anymore, although she occasionally did some research when she could and she was doing her art, but being alone all day made her crave someone to talk to.
“I don’t have a lot of time. Kate’s been alone all day so I want to get home as soon as possible.”
“Sure, rub my nose in it,” she said, her voice petulant.
“What do you mean?” I glanced at her, angry that she couldn’t – or wouldn’t understand.
“Talking about your nice little life while I’m all alone.”
“That’s my life,” I said. “I thought you wanted to be friends. Friends talk about their lives.”
“Anyway,” she said, as if she wasn’t listening. “I need you to help me get the television mounted on the wall. It’s too awkward to do it by myself. It won’t take long, Drake. I wish you wouldn’t be so unreasonable.”
I turned the corner too fast, my foot heavy on the gas from anger. “I’m not being unreasonable.”
But I knew arguing with her was futile – and potentially dangerous. She had me by the short and curlies. If I wasn’t nice to her, she threatened to reveal my involvement in the BDSM lifestyle. If I was nice to her, she wanted more. Always more.
“Slow down, for God’s sake,” she said as my tires squealed around a corner. I regained control and drove down the street to her apartment, glad when I was able to find a spot that was only half a block away.
“Let’s go. I want to make this fast.”
“I know, I know. Gotta get home to the little missus,” she muttered under her breath.
