Especially Jennie

Especially Jennie

          There he is, ladies and gentlemen: a man caught up in the modern world – a world still very much full of ancient problems. He has jumped through all the hoops. Awards of Recognition hang in his study at home. There sleeps Andrea, his girlfriend of some time. Eric’s girlfriend was a little wisp of a thing, just nineteen to his robust twenty-four. She had silky red hair in the early-Beatles’ style and loved to wear shirts that had a tough time deciding whether to cover her midriff or buxom bosoms. Eric liked her – a lot. He and Andrea lived together, drank together, and currently she was the only women he was sleeping with. He was not sure if he loved her… but Eric knew that she adored him. That was good enough for him.

          But, poor man, he couldn’t help but stare at other women. And, as the young star of the office, Eric received a lot of attention.

          “Hi honey. Yes, I remember -- buy some bread on my way back; maybe a little something for you too. OK? OK, I’ll see you in a few hours. Yep. Yep. Yeah, work is fine. Oh, oops, client’s here -- gotta go! Bye. Yeah, yeah, love you too. Bye.”
          “Hey Eric!”
          A goddess had arrived.
          “Uh, hi Jennie,” he managed to say with half a smile.
          Eric didn’t really have to go. That was an excuse. His heart itched at the lie he had just told. Turning back to look at the phone, he considered calling his girlfriend back. But then, he felt a tap on his shoulder.
          “What’s up? Just stopping by my office, or is there trouble on the horizon?”
          “Well, I came over to stop you from day-dreaming We gotta’ get to work.”
          She was a nice girl with a pleasant bottom. They had worked together on a few projects, successfully. When they found a spare minute, she was usually a good person with whom to chat. Not to mention the thrill of watching Jennifer would saunter over.
          He put on a pleasant business face and defended himself.
          “And how do you know I wasn’t working?”
          “True. Look, just because you can talk your way out of anything, and look good in a suit, doesn’t mean that you can lollygag all day.”
          Hiding a smile at the antiqued word “lollygag,” Eric turned, grabbed his portfolio, and stood up to look her straight in the eye.
          “Do you want to get some coffee, and we can discuss business?”
          She was wearing an unbuttoned business coat. Underneath: a white, scoop-neck top that both revealed and clung to her breasts for dear life. Her eyes sparkled at the mention of coffee.
          “I’d kill my mother for a latte, and I’m starving.”
          “A woman who knows what she wants – I like that. And for the record, I think I’m entitled to ‘lollygag’ now and then; my silver tongue did land us the Peterson account.” He made to walk past her, but her hand graced his wrist, giving him pause.
          “You’re right. I can’t win. I’m Demosthenes, and you’re a master debater.”
          Eric rolled his eyes.
          “So juvenile…” he said, heading for the elevators.
          Is it really cheating if we’re discussing business? I asked her out for coffee. Discussion, not a date. I really should stop staring at her, or she’s going to catch on. Damnit.
          “You like the blazer? Yes, it’s new… I glad you noticed.” Jennifer smiled, coyly.
          Phew! That was close… wait…
          His addled mind stumbled on like a pre-teen, awkward and out of control.
          Ah, women… they’re gorgeous! Creatures of God, to be sure. Too bad I’m taken now… I guess. No, I mean, yes! I am. I’m taken…
          Eric looked down at the elevator floor, then straight ahead at nothing at all, trying to keep it cool.
          “Did you hear that Scott is getting laid off? Too many Suits in the middle, I guess. Had to trim the gut, right?” She giggled a little. Tease.
          “Heh, yeah.” Is this elevator ride ever going to end? Gotta keep talking… um…
          “How’s your family, anyway Jennie? Wasn’t your mother sick?” Yes, that’s it.
          “Oh, she’s getting better. First it was that flight of stairs she fell up, then she broke her arm six months later. Who falls UP stairs, honestly?”
          “I’ve done it a few times,” Eric said, turning slightly to face her
          “I’m sure you’ve done a few things a few times,” She said with a wink. Jennie bit her lip and smiled just as the doors opened. “Shall we?”
          “Oh, um, please- ladies first.”
          “Speak for yourself. I’m a business woman.” Jennifer waltzed out of the elevator with such flair, it made his loins burn just watching her.
          I love my little redhead, don’t I? She’s great, enchanting… all women are enchanting. Especially Jennie… damn! Damnit!
          Arriving at the coffee shop, Eric held the door for his co-worker. Glancing down at her long, panty hose clad legs he thought, I’ll have a cup of that. But he caught himself.
          Come on, man. It’s just coffee.
          “I’m thinkin’ latte. Do you want a latte too?” He panicked.
          “Yeah, sure. Uh, gonna’ hit the restroom – be right back.” Usually He waited for his girlfriend while She fled to the restroom. That’s exactly how he felt, like he was running away. But from what? Eric splashed cold water on his face. What was he running from? Commitment? His desire? Yes, that was it; dual desires. He wanted to be faithful, it was true- But I want Jennifer. She could and should be mine… I can’t have both, wouldn’t work. Never has on TV, never will here. Nope, not gonna… unless… no!
          When he returned, Eric found Jennie sitting at a table for two, facing the rest room, as if she was anxiously waiting for him. Her legs were crossed on the stool, and she glanced up from her papers. The gaze almost melted him.
          “So, let’s get down to work. Here’s your coffee.”
          “Thanks.” Their fingers touched just for a second; she didn’t seem to mean anything by it, but they sure felt like heaven to poor Eric.
          “How is your project coming along?” she said, smiling and sipping her coffee.
          “Good, good. I’d say we will have completion in two weeks.”
          “Why two? Didn’t you have an intern doing your crap work?”
          “Yeah, but she had to go back to school.”
          “Sucks. OK. Well my project is right on schedule. Looks like I’ve got you beat this time!”
          “You’d like to think so, wouldn’t you Jennie.”
          “I know so.”
          “Really?” he said, feigning interest and leading her on.
          “Yes, really. I have the numbers and staff to prove it. All you have are good looks and two weeks ahead of you.”
          Did she just make a pass at me? Or was that playful banter?
          “Ach- we should team up on this next project. I get half of my good ideas from you anyway.”
          “Liar. Anyway, there isn’t a next project for a month. Unless you meant the St. Louis conference; did you want to come along? I’ve never liked conferences anyway. All those people, pretending to be happy about sitting in seminars all day.”
          “Heh, I’ve always found it kind of fun.”
          “You know what I find fun?” She motioned with her index finger for him to lean in closer; Eric’s breath caught in his throat. She isn’t asking what you think she is asking, you fool!
          “I love all the food at these things! And it’s all on the company tab! Oh, and the hotels! I could use a day at the spa.” She smiled; Eric leaned back, grinning.
          “Nah, you look great.”
          “Oh, stop. Quit trying to win people over. You’re so bad at it.”
          “That’s not what you said at the office.”
          “Whatever.” She sipped her coffee, looking around at nothing.
          “I’ve seen how the gazes of those office guys follow you around the room. You’re an attractive, smart woman, and you have the whole office wrapped around your finger.”
          Oops. Gave too much ground! Uh-oh.
          “And what about you, Eric?” Her eyes gleamed. Her lips parted ever so slightly, luring him, inviting him.
          Damn.
          “I, uh. Like I said: you’re attractive, beautiful. And, and- you’re very smart. I’m amazed at what you can think up sometimes. Hey, remember that one project where you and Jones-”
          “What do you think about St. Louis, Eric?” She smiled, devilishly.
          “Wha- what do you mean?” Eric nervously sipped his coffee.
          “Want to come along? I’m sure the boss would give it the green light, and everyone at the conference would love to have you. We could get a suite, if you wanted…” She smiled. Jennie knew Eric had been watching her, he was sure of it. Poor guy. He laughed off his nervousness.
          “I’m not sure we could get Accounts Payable to approve that.”
          “I have friends around the office, as you say. Won’t be a problem. Business expense -- tax deductible. And while I know my way around the office, it’s just no fun to go it alone on the road – you know?”
          “Heh, well, it sounds as if you might need my help at this conference.”
          “What if I order too much room service, and need help finishing it? I’m just a little girl, you know.” She fluttered her eyelashes, coaxing him, luring him.
          “I thought you were a business woman?”
          “Cute.”
          “I thought so. Listen, what’ll I tell Andrea?”
          “What’s to tell? You’re a businessman, who has to go to a business conference with a colleague.”
          “Uh huh.”
          Jennie gave her luxurious hair a graceful toss over her lovely shoulder, reached down into her purse, and retrieved an envelope. Her tone was flat and her face composed.
          “Listen, this is strictly business. Don’t get any ideas. Here’s the conference info. Let me know tomorrow. Think it over, talk to your girlfriend, and then let me know.”
          Relieved, Eric took the envelope from her. Their hands did not touch, thank God. He smiled and felt his blood begin to cool again. He put the envelope into his jacket.
          “Better finish that coffee, Jennie.”
          “Oh, yeah, thanks. I’ve been yaking and yaking…” She smiled, innocently.

          The rest of the day was uneventful. Eric lived up to his reputation as an all star office worker once again.
          “Helluva day, Eric. Good work today,” his boss said.
          “Thank you sir. Thanks.”
          “Now get out of here. Go see that girl you’re always talking about!” They both shared a hearty guy laugh.
          On his way home, Eric happened to reach into his coat and found the conference invitation. When he opened it, however, this poor man’s heart started beating, his palms grew sweaty, and dark thoughts flooded his mind.
          Inside the invitation was a neatly folded pair of women’s lace panties. Jennie’s.
          He shoved the indecent envelope and its contents back into his coat.
          He burned for her. He wanted her. Eric thought, just for a minute, about that wondrous Jennie.
          And then he remembered that little red headed girl who loved him more than anything in the world.
          “Shit,” he said to himself. He hit the wall with his fist, grumbling angrily. He felt like the world was kicking him to the ground. Jennie’s invitation both intrigued and repulsed him. The siren’s song lured him, tantalized him – and horrified him.
         A man stepped outside, well dressed, and asked simply, “Can I help you?” It was a jewelry store. Eric walked by it every day without noticing.
         And then the tumblers fell into place. He felt like he had just been awoken from a coma. He had an epiphany. Eric stepped into the jewelry store.
         “Sir, if I can help you with anything, just let me know.” Just at that moment Andrea called.
         “Thank you.” Eric smiled, sheepishly.
         “Hi there. Nope, I’ll be home soon. Just doing some shopping. Do you want any vegetables? Maybe some carats? I’ll bring home two or three. OK? OK. I love you.”