made me blush so hot I thought I’d pass out.
Once I got over my embarrassment, I liked that they could stay on and I wouldn’t have any jiggly bits if things got vigorous.
Oh gawd.
Just in case I changed my mind when I got home, I bought a second set of bottoms, fully sewn shut.
As for the dress, we went with an empire waist round neck and half sleeves. The skirt flared around my knees, and in the mirror, I couldn’t help but smile at the hourglass shape.
“I love it.” I twirled left then right.
“It’s flattering and has easy access,” Trish declared with satisfaction.
“I just wish we didn’t have to go to the party.”
“You have to go.”
“I’d rather spend it with Darryl at his place, or mine.” Just him and me.
“Where’s the fun in that?”
I could think of plenty.
Trish and I split up at the food court. Her to go home to get ready for dinner and card night. Me, I had a salad with grilled chicken and daydreamed about my New Year’s Eve date.
We’d go to the party and dance, kiss at midnight, and then he’d take me home.
No, his home where there weren’t any kids.
We’d make love in front of his fireplace.
Wait, I didn’t know if he had one. Didn’t matter, we’d make love, and I’d wake up to him touching me. Sliding into me from behind like they did in the romance books.
I couldn’t wait. It would be just the start of sleepovers. Which had me biting my lip. I’d bought a few sets of matching lingerie, but I’d neglected a nightgown. I dropped off my bags at the car and back to the store I went. A big girl who didn’t need a friend in order to choose something slutty to wear for her boyfriend.
I settled on trying three different styles, the baby doll one being my top favorite. As I did the shuffle to ditch my clothes and put on the first sexy lace gown, I heard the changing room door beside me slam shut and then two voices.
“I’m not even sure I should bother buying any lingerie. He told me that after spending time with her, he likes to see my perfection.”
“How long before he can stop the charade with her?”
“Not until it’s all done. He doesn’t want to mess anything up.”
I wouldn’t deny I listened to the sordid tale. A mistress waiting for her lover to leave his wife. Would he? Martin had.
“I don’t know how he does it. She’s so old and hideous.”
“He hates it so much he’s extra ardent,” boasted the mistress.
“Are you seeing him tonight?”
“Yeah. We’re meeting at his station.”
I froze at the words. She could mean any number of places. Fire station. Police even. It seemed unlikely she spoke of the gas one.
Still, my paranoia made her words about me. Me and Darryl. Not true of course. I was hardly a wife he couldn’t leave.
I bought the tamest nightgown and fled. Prepared myself to drive straight home when I saw the gas station sign ahead. Before I knew it, I’d slowed down, searching for Darryl’s truck. It wasn’t there.
A part of me sighed. I kept going and gave in to my earlier impulse. I turned on to the road that would take me to Darryl’s place.
The gravel drive to his house was packed with cars. The family situation he was obviously dealing with. Had someone died? Shit, I did not want to walk in on that kind of family matter.
I stopped midway up the line of them and started to reverse.
As I reached the road, I had to pause; a vehicle was passing. Before it cleared, I heard a honk.
A glance in front of me showed a blue pickup, and Darryl getting out of the front seat.
15
What seemed like a cute pop in for a hello had just turned tragically wrong. He would think I was crazy, driving out to his place and not stopping in, now staring at him like a deer in headlights about to get murdered. As he leaned down to peer through my window, I lowered it. Waited for him to ask me why I was being so creepy stalkerish.
Instead he smiled. “Naomi. What a pleasure to see you.”
“I chickened out,” I blurted out. “I saw all the cars and…”
“I’ve got a few guests, as you can see.”
“For how long?”
“Awhile.”
There went my New Year’s Eve fantasy involving his plaid couch. “I’m sorry. I should have called or texted before coming over.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m always happy