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The Meaningless Wedding Band (standard:romance, 3705 words) | |||
Author: Rich Eubanks | Added: Sep 23 2005 | Views/Reads: 3691/2636 | Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes) |
You finally meet that perfect person but that wedding ring, however meaningless everyone says it is, is still there. | |||
Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story what the poor girl might be thinking, “it's the term the guys use for the next customer to come in. They take turns with customers and if it's their turn then they say they're up.” Jane laughed then continued, “You don't even want to know what I thought the first time I heard that expression.” “Well,” Charlotte laughed back with Jane and began to relax a little now that she knew that Jane was mostly just talk and fun to be with, “are there any other expressions in their language that I might need to be familiar with?” “Lots!” Jane quickly replied. “But half the fun is learning as you go along.” Jane continued to lead Charlotte down the hallway that led to the showroom floor. “And you'll find out that it really is a lot of fun working around these people. They're all about half crazy.” “Well,” Charlotte stopped when they entered the showroom floor and she had a chance to look around at the dozen or so nicely dressed men wandering around the large showroom, “And some are more than half gorgeous too.” “Now, now,” Jane chided Charlotte and as she led her towards the first of the salesmen to introduce her she added, “and more than half are married too.” Jane stopped a few feet from the first man they came to. “Jim, have you got a moment?” “I've got all the time we'll need, Sweetheart.” Jim smiled seductively at Jane then noticed the tall bombshell standing beside her. “And just where did you find this gorgeous creature?” “Do I have to throw a bucket of water on you?” Jane spoke loudly enough for anyone around to hear. “Jim, this is Charlotte and she's going to be the new receptionist.” Jane hesitated only long enough for the two to acknowledge each other then quickly asked, “how's your wife and kids, Jim?” “You certainly can be a bitch, Jane.” Jim tried to pretend to tease but it was clear that he was slightly annoyed. “Nice to meet you Charlotte,” he shook her hand but just before letting go added in a lower tone, “my wife is very married but I can be as unmarried as I need to be.” “At least some of these guys seem to be decent men.” Charlotte was relieved to be introduced to a man who didn't come on to her and even spoke of his wife during their brief conversation. “Oh,” Jane chuckled as she spoke, “they're all OK, they're just a little full of themselves.” She smiled at Charlotte and added, “I guess that's what makes them good salesmen. Just don't take much they say too seriously.” Jane turned to look around and see if there was anyone she'd missed introducing Charlotte to. “Wait ‘till you meet this one.” “What's wrong with him?” Charlotte looked in the direction that Jane was looking and saw the back of a man. The guy was at least six-four or six-five, a butt that was made for the nice slacks and a sport coat that had to be custom made for those wide shoulders. When she finally pulled her eyes far enough up from the eye-candy she noticed that his hair was as dark black as her own, and the natural waves made her want to go up and run her hands through it before she even met him. “He's gorgeous.” “He sure is, Sweetie,” Jane shook her head as she spoke, “but you'll have to get in line.” Just before Jane and Charlotte got close enough for Jane to speak to the man, she added, “I think just about every gal who's ever worked here has lusted after Troy but nobody I know of has ever succeeded.” Jane cut her sentence off as the two approached the young man and spoke in a bit louder voice. “Troy? Are you busy?” “Oh hi, Jane.” Troy spoke as he turned from the computer stand he'd been using to research a car for a client who'd called earlier with a question. “A little,” he smiled sweetly as he answered Jane, then noticed Charlotte, “but never too busy for the company of two pretty young ladies.” “Troy Pierson,” Jane nodded to Troy, then turned her head to Charlotte, “Charlotte Townsend.” She hesitated long enough for the two to take each other's hand and noticed that the contact would last a little longer than usual so she added, “Charlotte will be the new day receptionist.” “Well,” Troy was still holding Charlotte's hand as he spoke, “it's really a delight to meet you, Charlotte Townsend, and I look forward to seeing you every day.” “Charlotte?” Jane finally became impatient and wanted to finish the introductions so she could get back to her own work in the office. “We really need to be moving along.” “Oh,” Charlotte's face blushed as she realized that she was still holding on to Troy's hand and staring into his striking hazel eyes, “I'm looking forward to it as well, Troy.” “Almost unbelievable, isn't he?” Jane whispered to Charlotte as soon as they were out of hearing range. “He really is,” Charlotte answered truthfully but with a sound of pure despair added, “but I just noticed the damn ring.” “Oh that?” Jane smiled at Charlotte's disappointment. “It's nothing at all, Sweetie.” Jane shook her head and continued, “Just because I said that none of the women here have ever been fortunate enough to experience this hunk,” Jane hesitated and considered her thoughts, “it doesn't mean that he wouldn't if he met the right lady.” Jane turned to Charlotte and spoke with a knowing woman-to-woman awareness. “I've heard tales from the other salesmen that after work, our Troy, can be quite the womanizer.” “But the wedding band?” Charlotte couldn't believe how little marriage seemed to matter to people at a car dealership. “Oh that,” Jane laughed and reiterated, “like I said before, Charlotte, it's really nothing at all. It doesn't mean a thing.” Before Jane could continue she noticed the owner's son about to leave through the front door and didn't want to miss the opportunity for Charlotte to meet him. “George!” Jane yelled across the floor over the new Lexus between them. “Have you got a moment?” ----------------------------------- “What time do you go to lunch?” Troy had purposefully been quiet as he approached the receptionist's desk and spoke in a near whisper to break Charlotte's concentration on the mindless paperwork she was working on. “At eleven,” Charlotte spoke before looking up and seeing Troy's hazel eyes so close to her own, “but,” she spoke after realizing who it was and hesitated as she gathered her senses, “I brought my own so I'll probably just work through.” “What'd you bring?” Troy backed away a little to allow Charlotte her space after sensing her discomfort. “Oh,” Charlotte found it impossible to not return Troy's gorgeous smile, “just some fruit and juice,” she nervously reached for the paper sack under her desk and opened it showing the man it's contents, “see, an apple, a pear and some juice is all.” “Well,” Troy spoke with a salesman's authority, “nothing that won't keep until tomorrow.” He took the bag out of Charlotte's hand, folded the top back down and, reaching over her counter to place it back where it was, his face brushed against her face sending waves of excitement through both of them. “So,” Troy finally regained his composure and continued, “what kind of food do you like other than rabbit food?” “I really can't,” Charlotte spoke with an obvious nervousness, “I really need to stay in the building,” she hesitated trying to think of an excuse, “I'm expecting a phone call.” “Then,” Troy, being the salesman, quickly overcame the objection, “lunch on the grounds?” He thought and quickly added, “On me.” Before she could object further he explained, “Let me buy the new receptionist one of Ed's great subs. It'll give us the chance to get to knew each other better.” Before Charlotte could answer Troy turned to walk away with the assumptive closing line, “I'll be back at eleven.” “Are you a clock watcher?” Jane had noticed that Charlotte was more intent on the clock on the wall than the paperwork she'd asked her new receptionist to do. “I couldn't help but notice.” “Oh,” Charlotte was embarrassed and also a little worried that her boss, however nice and friendly, had seen her neglecting her work, “I'm sorry, Jane. I was just a little flustered that Mr. Pierson had asked me to lunch in the cafeteria and hadn't given me a chance to say no.” Charlotte looked down at her desk nervously. “I'm just dreading eleven o'clock and wondering how I can get out of it.” “Get out of it?” Jane seemed totally shocked. “Why in the world would you want to get out of lunch with Troy Pierson? Honey, you need to have your head examined.” “I'm just,” Charlotte didn't want to imply that anyone here was beneath her in morals or ethics, so she continued as if on tip-toes, “I just don't feel right about him.” “Your loss.” Jane realized that Charlotte was uncomfortable and decided to let it go. “But you do need to get you mind back on your work now.” Jane turned to leave but added as she walked away, “And lunch in the cafeteria here isn't a date, you know.” Charlotte glanced at the clock one last time as Jane walked away, knowing that she couldn't again when Jane got to her desk and could see her. It would only be forty-five minutes until Troy would come back. Only forty-five long minutes until she would, again, savor his closeness, smell his fragrance, feel the electricity that he exhumed from his being. ----------------------------------------- “Got a lunch date with the new receptionist?” Jim chided Troy after seeing him talking to Charlotte. “Man what a total Babe!” “She isn't married,” Troy didn't usually like to talk with Jim that much but knew that Jim would know anything and everything about any new female in the place, “is she?” “Nope,” Jim felt smug and a bit more important to have the dealership stud at his mercy, “never has been. Twenty seven,” he hesitated before showing his thoroughness, “twenty eight next month, two years of college at State, captain of the basketball team there but left school when she injured her knee.” “Basketball player?” Troy stopped Jim with his interest in the statement. “Cool!” Troy thought of his own prowess in the sport and then added, “We could sure have some really cool kids.” “You've never even considered going out with any of the girls here, Troy,” Jim looked puzzled at his fellow salesman, “and now you're thinking about having kids with the new fox.” “She's just different.” Troy thought out loud, then regained his composure and realized he was actually confiding in a man he thought of as a real jerk. “She's got class.” “She's got ass!” Jim smirked at Troy. “And you're just in heat and want to chase her around and sniff it.” “Screw you!” Troy gave Jim a look that let Jim know to back off. “And screw the horse you rode in on, Jim.” Troy added and turned and walked away from the smaller man, smaller in both body and mind. “You just want her because she doesn't want you.” Jim shot back only after he was out of Troy's reach. “She's probably just waiting for me to ask her out.” “Well,” Troy turned and, even though he knew this guy wasn't worth responding to, returned Jim's insults, “if she goes out with you I'm sure old Ed back in the cafeteria will be with your wife that night.” “Hey there, Angie,” Troy's face turned instantly from anger to the practiced smile that had closed so many deals, “how's the car doing?” He didn't wait for the lady to answer before adding, “already time for maintenance?” “Hi there gorgeous,” the woman was slightly older than Troy but was extremely attractive and very well dressed for going to get her car serviced, “think that wife of yours would give you a kitchen pass to spend a little time with a lady in need?” “Angie, sweetie,” Troy got closer to the woman and smiled flirtatiously, “if I were single you'd be the very first woman I'd ask out.” He then leaned back regaining the space he'd had before as he added, “But isn't the reason you like me a lot is because I don't cheat on my wife?” He held up his left hand and emphasized the golden band as he spoke. “I could care less about that piece of gold, Troy,” the woman made no qualms of her intentions, “you can even keep it on in my bed if it'll make you feel more secure.” “I sure bet I'm missing the opportunity of a lifetime,” Troy looked at the sexy woman and realized that this wasn't just one of his lines, “but just can't.” “Your loss,” the lady made a point of moving her nice butt in just the right way as she turned and walked away, then turned her head back and added just before she was out of hearing range, “but, if you gain your senses you've got my number.” ---------------------------------------------- “Ready?” Troy realized that he, again, had managed to slip up on Charlotte and enjoyed the pretty flush in her face due, probably, from his unexpected presence. “Troy,” Charlotte tried one last time but didn't sound convincing at all as she finished, “I really shouldn't.” “Come on, Charlotte,” Troy reached over the counter and took Charlotte's hand and pulled her gently to her feet as he spoke, “it's just lunch with a co-worker.” Before she could speak he turned and, still holding her hand, led her down the hallway and continued to talk himself, “understand you played basketball in school?” “How did you know that?” Charlotte didn't attempt to pull her hand from his strong hand even though she knew she should. “Have you been checking up on me?” “I've been checking you out ever since I met you.” Troy tried not to sound like a salesman but it just came too naturally after all these years. “I just can't get you off my mind, Charlotte.” Troy had stopped and turned to Charlotte in the empty hallway and pulled her close enough that only a breath of air could pass between them. “I really find you irresistible.” “And I you,” Charlotte closed the small gap between them and felt that same electricity she'd felt before, only this time her whole body, not just her face, convulsed with the charge, “but I just can't.” She regained her composure and, as much as she regretted it, stepped back. “What is it?” Troy spoke in a sullen tone as the two of them slowly walked on down the hallway to the cafeteria. “Is there someone else?” “Yes,” Charlotte spoke with impatience and distain, “have you forgotten, again, about that band on your left hand?” “But,” Troy sounded confused, “it doesn't really mean a thing to me,” Troy reached over with his right hand and removed it and put it in his pocket, “see,” he held up his hand showing only the faint tan line on each side of where the ring had been, “all gone now.” “Damn you!” Charlotte's hand moved in a motion so fast that only an athlete of her ability could perform. As her hand hit its mark on Troy's face she reiterated, “Damn you, Troy!” “But,” Troy felt the first painful slap on his face and only had time for one more, “but,” before feeling the second volley, “please, Charlotte,” as he tried to grab her hand she managed a third strike before he did catch her hand and pull her to him, “I want you.” “Damn,” before Charlotte could finish she felt his lips on hers and became helpless in his embrace, “damn you, Troy,” she finished quietly after their lips parted, looked down at the floor but she made no attempt to pull away from his embrace, “I want you too.” She lifted her head back up, looked into his hazel and very serious eyes before finishing, “I hate you for what you're doing to me.” “Why?” Troy looked questionably at the woman he desired but just didn't understand at all. “What's wrong, Charlotte? Tell me and I'll fix it.” He didn't give her time to speak before repeating, “What's wrong?” “You're married,” Charlotte began sobbing and tears streaked down onto her face as her words came out in muffled spurts, “it's not fair, but you are married.” “Oh!” Troy began to laugh in an almost insensitive way, “that.” “Damn you, Troy!” This time Charlotte's hand was caught before the fatal blow could be delivered. “You're as bad as Jim!” She tried to turn to leave but Troy's hand still had a firm grip on her arm. “I'm laughing,” Troy tried to look more serious but still couldn't hide the grin caused by his own newly discovered relief, “because now I understand.” He tried to pull Charlotte to him, wanting to kiss this beautiful young woman that he now knew he'd be spending his time with. “You jerk!” Charlotte was still crying and resisted Troy's magnetic draw. “How can you think it's funny?” She was unable to control her own body and found herself pressed tightly to Troy but, in the only act of defiance she could maintain, pounded her fists into his chest. “It's funny, my precious discovery,” Troy couldn't resist hesitating before clearing up the misunderstanding that had kept them apart but also had a part in getting them together, “because I'm not married at all. I use that ring to keep from having to seem rude to the women I sell cars to.” He felt Charlotte's hands move from his chest to the back of his neck. “I found it's better to be married in the car business if you want to be successful.” “Well then,” Charlotte came up on her tiptoes and allowed her lips to touch the lips she'd craved for days, “I hope I can help you be very successful.” Tweet
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