Unstoppable Erica

Meet Erica

These Dreams, go on when I close my eyes. Every second of the night, I live another life.

These dreams, that sleep when it's cold outside. Every moment I'm awake, the further I'm away...

There's something out there, I can't resist!
Heart.

November 1984.
Southern California.

"Hola, Señor Ray! Welcome back from vacation! I have a wonderful surprise for you, a new employee. You are going to love her, I just know it. Bonita Erica is such a sweet girl, and will be perfect for you. Es tiempo por amor!"

I supposed I brought this upon myself. When I had transferred to the quiet suburban location of my restaurant chain back in August, forty-something Anna had immediately decided to be my love facilitator. Taking advantage of a confession that my beautiful and devoted girlfriend Alice might not be right for me, wide and squat Anna had begun her scheming. As a result, I had indulged in a short philandering relationship with our petite and adorable coworker Tracy, before she left for school in September.

I held up my hand in a half-hearted protest. "Anna, I don't really want anything right now, especially with an employee."

As an assistant manager, having sex with women I supervised violated an frequently ignored rule. I had crossed that line enough in my four years of managing, that at some point it would no longer be overlooked.

Emphasizing her toady appearance, Anna tutted, "Mi Guapo, you say that now, but you haven't met Erica! Wait until you see her, Ray. You will surely fall in love. She's looking forward to meeting you, too. I told her what a kind man you are, and how you have so much love to give the right woman."

I was used to Anna's over-the-top flattery and matchmaking, but still appreciated it. Seeing her arms crossed in determination, I relented.

Sure, I'll check out Erica. What's the worst that could happen?

"Ok Anna. I'm going to go talk to Wendy. Let me know when Erica gets here."

She shot me a judgmental frown. "Señor, what are you doing with Wendy? You spend much time with her, but does she make your heart skip?"

I wasn't ready to discuss the complicated feelings for my gorgeous young blonde friend. "Anna, we're... not like that."

"Ahhh, so there's nothing stopping you from being with Erica!"

The triumph on Anna's face pulled a blushing smile out of me.

Erica. I wonder what she's like...

************

With the lunch rush concluded, I took my management walk around the premises. While the purpose was to look for things that needed attention, I used it mainly to be by myself. My high level of introversion required regular breaks from interacting with people, so I took advantage of solo tasks to get back inside my head, where I belonged.

Unfortunately, on that day, the isolation only brought painful thoughts to my stroll. Like so many other times, I re-entered the kitchen with a fake smile, to hide my melancholy.

Alice. I miss her so much. She was the best woman I ever had, and it was stupid to leave her. Oh fuck, I'm going to start crying again. That's it. When I get off work, I'm going to go see Alice. I need her back...