Unstoppable Erica

Vivian's Consent.

You don't need money, don't take fame.
Don't need no credit card to ride this train.
It's strong and it's sudden and it's cruel sometimes.
But it might just save your life.
That's the Power Of Love.
Huey Lewis.

"Hi Vivian. Here's the schedule. Sorry it's a day late."

She waited for me to give her some lame excuse. Since lying to Alice last August, I had shied away from the practice, so a simple apology would have to suffice.

All that fantasizing about Erica took up a lot of time, and made my hand too tired to write. Is that what you're waiting to hear, Vivian?

With a sigh, Vivian accepted the schedule book from me. "That's ok."

It was my turn to wait expectantly. When Vivian remained silent, I walked away.

Cold-voiced, she announced, "Wait a minute, Ray. There's something else."

Haha, bitch. I win again

The pettiness of my little dominance games was something I needed to grow out of. But until then, I delighted in the small adrenaline rush.

I'll have to stop if Erica doesn't like it...

Satisfied with myself, I turned and smiled, "Yes, Vivian?"

She crossed her bulky arms. "You fool around with the female employees. Don't deny it. I know you do."

An evasive shrug crossed my shoulders before I could prevent it. Many of my mannerisms had grown out of a childish desire to frustrate and annoy others.

Irritation dotted her face with splotches of red, but she continued.
"Erica really likes you. God knows why she wants anything to do with someone like you, but there it is. She's my friend, and asked what would happen if you and her were together."

A bead of sweat rolled down my spine.

This is it, she's firing me...

Vivian's arms crossed tighter, causing her breasts to devour her elbows. "I never said this, understand?"

I didn't, but nodded anyways.

Waving around the restaurant, she softly said, "Keep it discreet, and I'll look the other way. Don't make me regret this, Ray!"

Wow. Erica really did it. That's a little scary, but also... she's awesome. My girlfriend is awesome.

"Ok. Thank you, Vivian."

I retrieved my coat, ready to leave for home, but she grabbed my arm. "If you hurt that wonderful girl, you'll be out on your ass."

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

While pulling up in front of in front of our house, I tried to appear nonchalant, but the sight of Nick's new F250 truck already parked into the driveway made me giddy. His opinion of Erica should not have mattered so much to me, but I had fretted all day at work, eager to hear what he would say.

I stepped onto our porch, Nick tossed me a beer, and I saw his familiar wry grin.

He's going to fuck with me...

Suspecting he would tease me by not bringing it up on his own, I had a plot to raise the subject without seeming overly needy.

I planned to tell him, "Nick, I'm sorry that those girls interrupted your morning. I told Erica not to show up unannounced again."