The next three months went well; the friendships they’d all forged, in bed and out, continued to flourish. Shane and Tim became practically inseparable, and spent most of their free time together. The only time Tim and Crystal avoided Shane’s trailer was when his biker friends dropped by.
Tim’s six-month anniversary with A&A changed everything.
“How much?” Crystal gasped, appalled.
He repeated the amount, then spread his hands wide, trying to get her to listen. “I know it’s a lot of money…but it’s for a good cause. A college degree, Crystal! I could be an accountant, a real accountant, instead of just a bookkeeper…and maybe even a CPA! It could change everything for us! CPA’s make a good living. We could move to a bigger city, buy a house, and even start a family. Real security, Crystal. It’s a chance at a better life!”
She understood how much it meant to him, but…
“Tim,” she said slowly, “no one in our families has ever gone to college, let alone graduated. It just seems like a big waste of time and money.
“Besides, you’re doing great as a bookkeeper, and we’re finally saving money.” Helplessly she shook her head. “Your tuition bill would use most of our savings, and that’s even after A&A reimburses you for the tuition.”
“That’s true.” Panic clawed at his throat, and he had to breathe deeply to hold it at bay. “Everything you said is true. My mom never went to college, and neither did yours. And my dad never finished. But that doesn’t have to be our future!” he insisted. “We can chart our own path. We can break the cycle, and have a different life than this…than our parents have.” Urgently he gestured around their compact little trailer. “I don’t want to still be in this trailer fifteen years from now. I don’t want to raise my children here, or in some tiny house in Fredericksburg. I don’t want to be just a bookkeeper for the rest of my life!”
Crystal’s blue eyes chilled. “Wow, Tim, that’s a lot of ‘I’s,” she said coolly. “What about me? Does it matter what I want?”
“Oh, c’mon, of course it does,” he exclaimed. “What do you want? Tell me!”
“It doesn’t have to be big,” she said defensively, “but I want a house, too. And I want a family eventually. But I like Fredericksburg. We don’t need to spend a lot of money on college to get those things.”
“Okay.” He nodded, and motioned for her to continue. “What else?”
“The Ancient Mariner has been good to me…good to us, Tim…and they treat me like family,” she exclaimed. “I don’t want to leave my job. I’m good at it, and I know all the customers. I don’t understand why you want to leave so much, or why you don’t like our life! Aren’t I good enough for you anymore?”
Her sudden outburst stunned him. “Damn it, Crystal, where is that coming from? I love you, and I can’t imagine my life without you. I want to go to college so I can do a better job of providing for you, and for us. Yes, we’re doing fine, but I don’t want to settle for ‘doing fine!’ I want more for us! Why is that a bad thing?”
“It’s not a bad thing, Tim,” she said soothingly. “It’s just that college is so expensive, and we’re doing better than fine now. We actually have money in our savings account. Our refrigerator is full, and we can afford some luxuries. Our life is good, and this trailer isn’t so bad. At least it’s paid off. We’re already doing better than my mom, and almost as good as your parents. If you go to college, we won’t have a savings account anymore. We’ll be back to barely getting by…and that sucks!”
“Crystal, please. We can do even better,” Tim implored his wife. “It’s only for a few years, and then I’ll be done. I really want this, and I’ll spend the rest of my life spoiling you. I promise!”
Oh, she just wanted to scream! He claimed to be thinking of her first, but he wasn’t the one who’d probably have to start working extra hours again…or be left all alone with nothing to do every single night! Crystal gritted her teeth in sheer frustration. Why couldn’t he understand that they just didn’t need a big house in a big town? Why couldn’t he just be happy with what they already had?
But there was obviously no talking him out of it, so she heaved a weary sigh and resigned herself to the inevitable. “Fine, Tim, whatever. Go do your college thing. I’m sure we’ll find a way to make ends meet. I’ll just stock up on noodles and soup again.”
Then she brightened slightly. If money got tight, maybe he’d reconsider letting her become a stripper! Her smile became more genuine as she considered the prospect.
Tim didn’t notice the sudden gleam in her eyes; he was already hugging her tightly. “Thank you, Crystal. Thank you so much. This is a good investment, honey. I promise. I love you so much!”
”Yeah, yeah,” she chuckled, and teasingly ruffled his hair. “You’d better make a lot of money. I’m going to need a lot of spoiling!”
Shane felt despair settle in his stomach like a lead weight. It held him frozen in his chair, barely able to breathe, as his boss’s words echoed round and round in his head.
“I don’t know what else to say, Shane.” Peter studiously avoided meeting his blank expression by toying with his coffee cup. “Business has been off for several months, and I’ve been digging into my own pocket to keep the business running smoothly. It’s not just you. I have to lay off three other guys today, too, and it fucking sucks.”
Shane slowly nodded, but said nothing.
Abruptly the older man pushed an envelope across the desk. “This is three weeks of severance pay,” he said, “and something else.” Shane watched curiously as he shoved another piece of paper across the table. “It’s a letter of recommendation, and my contact information, in case you ever need a reference. This is the only one I’ve ever written, but you deserve it. You’ve worked your ass off for me.
“I called a few other metal shops,” he added soberly, “but none of them are hiring right now. You might try Dallas or Houston. You’re a great welder, Shane. I’m sure you’ll catch on somewhere.”
“Thanks, Pete.” Quietly Shane gathered up the envelope and letter, and rose to his feet. “You want me to finish my shift?”
“No. You’re released.” Pete rose with him, shook his hand, and hated himself for what he’d just been forced to do. “I’m really sorry about this, Shane,” he murmured, and meant that with all his heart. “Best of luck to you.”
“Same to you, Pete.”
He walked out of the building, and tried not to make eye contact with the two men heading for Pete’s office. They’d know their own fate soon enough.
On the way out to his car, he stopped to shake hands with a few of the guys. Then he sat behind the wheel, feeling totally cast adrift from the entire world.
Fuck! Now what the fuck do I do? Get drunk! Then make your decision.
The classic Camaro started right up, and he drove to the Ancient Mariner. His mind was a jumble of thoughts, ideas, and emotions, and he didn’t want to go home and sit alone in his trailer. A drink with a pretty waitress seemed perfect. Out of long habit, he parked his car at the edge of the parking lot, away from everyone else, and walked into the bar.
The bartender was a big guy who looked like a former athlete. He nodded at Shane. “What can I get you?”
“Beer. Whatever you have on draft.”
“Sure thing. Need a menu?”
“No. Just the beer.”
The bartender slid the mug in front of him. “My name’s Cliff. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Crystal working today?”
The big man’s eyes got serious. “I think so. Who should I say is asking?”
“Shane.”
“Let me check,” he said, and gave Shane the once-over before disappearing into the back.
The beer was good, and he sipped it slowly. It was only three in the afternoon, and the place was mostly empty. A few old guys, probably veterans, were sitting off to one side, softly talking and laughing with each other. Friends, brothers in arms, sharing memories, and talking about old friends.
Just like the Blades.
He took another drink, and tried to banish that thought from his head. The Blades were a sharp double-edged sword, too heavy a subject for a Wednesday afternoon, and he just wanted a beer.
“Shane!” Crystal’s delighted voice scattered his thoughts, and he turned in time to see her rush through the open doorway.
“Hey, Crystal.” Just the sight of her warmed his heart…and his blood. He slid off his barstool as she stepped into his arms. She felt his hungry yearning; he could see the fierce echo of it in her eager smile.
Cliff was still standing there, watching them with narrowed eyes. She glanced over her shoulder, and casually waved him off. “Thanks, Cliff.”
He wandered away, mumbling under his breath, then changed the TV channel to ESPN.
Satisfied that he wouldn’t eavesdrop on them, she turned back to Shane. “So what are you doing here, handsome?”
He shrugged. “I just needed to see a friendly face.”
“Why, what happened?” Her eyes widened with instant concern. “Are you okay? C’mere, let’s sit down.” She snagged his beer, then led him to a corner table, and slid in beside him. “Are you hungry?”
“No, thanks anyway.”
“Okay.” Anxiously she laid a hand on his arm. “So what’s wrong?”
“I got laid off today,” he replied with a faint shrug. “Business is just bad, I guess.”
“Awww, shit. I’m sorry to hear that!” she exclaimed, and sympathetic tears flooded her eyes. “Are you going to be okay? Can Tim and I do anything for you?”
Her spontaneous offer touched his heart. “No. I’m fine. Financially I’m in pretty good shape, and my boss gave me three weeks’ worth of severance pay, so I’m actually doing fine.” He took a sip of his beer, then sighed. “It’s just that finding a new job is going to be tough. Hell, it’s going to be impossible. I don’t think there are any companies around here looking to hire an ex-con.”
“You don’t know that, Shane.”
“Yeah, I do.” he said gloomily. “I only got this job because a friend of a friend pulled some strings for me.” He shook his head, and stared out the window.
Crystal’s heart went out to him. “It’ll be okay, Shane. I know it will.”
“We’ll see.” He gave her a quirky smile. “I don’t suppose you and Tim want some company tonight.”
“Ugh!” she replied quickly. “Tim’s at school tonight. Sorry.”
“Ah, that’s right. How’s college going for him?”
“He loves it,” she said, then pursed her lips in a petulant frown. “It’s all he talks about. I’m happy for him, but I’m also getting a little sick of ‘college this’ and ‘college that.’”
“Well, it’ll pay off in the end, right?”
“That’s what he’s always saying. He sounds like a fuckin’ infomercial.” She grabbed his beer, and enjoyed a quick sip. “Anyway, he’s at school tonight, so maybe this weekend?”
“Cool,” he agreed, then took his beer back. “No drinking on duty, young lady.”
She laughed. “Whatever. I could get falling-down drunk and still do this job. I’ve worked here since high school.”
He glanced around the bar. This is more depressing than sitting at home, he decided. Besides, I don’t want pity from Crystal.
He finished his beer in one long pull, and set the mug down on the table. “Well, I’m going to head home. Thanks for sitting with me. I needed a friendly face today.”
When he rose, Crystal anxiously rose with him. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine, Crystal. Thanks for asking,” he assured her, and looked over at the bartender. “What do I owe you?”
“It’s on the house, Shane,” she interrupted, and made a motion with her hand.
Cliff saw, and nodded. “You’re all good. No charge for the beer,” he called across the room.
”Thanks,” he told them both. Then, feeling even more dejected than when he’d arrived, he hugged Crystal one last time, and slowly drove home.
“It’s about time, skippy,” LeAnn teased Tim when he slid into the chair beside hers. Since they were taking the same class, they’d decided to partner up and share a table.
“Hey, it’s only my second week,” he protested. “I’m still learning the campus, trying to find the right buildings…and finding the right room is freakin’ hard.”
“Yeah, yeah, at least you made it. You can’t afford to slack off, mister.”
He rolled his eyes, and grinned at her. “Whatever. Don’t get comfortable, LeAnn. I’m going to catch up to you.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard. I’m only one semester head of you. Accounting is a hard subject. It’ll be nice to have a study buddy!”
“Study Buddy, huh?” He couldn’t resist smirking at her. “Is that anything like being engaged?”
“Hah! You wish! Keep dreaming, buster.”
They shared a laugh while they waited for the professor to arrive. They’d become good friends outside the office, and she’d been instrumental in convincing him to enroll. He wasn’t honestly sure he’d have taken the plunge if she hadn’t pushed so hard. Though he’d been intimidated at first, now he was truly grateful and appreciative of her support.
“How are things with Crystal?” He’d mentioned that his wife was less than enthused about him attending college. She’d been shocked, and more than a little pissed off.
“She’s good,” he replied quickly. “She’s coming around. Once I graduate and get a job as an accountant, I think she’ll really be glad I went to college.”
“Glad to hear it,” she replied coolly. “It’s really a no-brainer.”
The professor entered the classroom, and everyone settled down. LeAnn couldn’t help glancing at Tim throughout the lecture. She was glad he’d become her study partner; she’d always thought he was super-cute, and he’d matured into a really good-looking man. The fact that he was oblivious to his own appeal only made him more attractive, in her opinion.
Now they worked together, and were taking classes together. She looked forward to spending time with her Study Buddy.
It’s too bad he’s married to the slut. Her opinion of Crystal was surprisingly vicious.
Sighing, she shook her head, and focused on the lecture.
“It’s done,” Peter said into the telephone. “I gave him three weeks’ severance.” He was careful to keep regret from audibly coloring his voice.
Lobo smiled into the phone. “Thanks, Pete. I appreciate you helping me out.”
“No problem. You sure Shane’s going to be okay?
“Shane’s going to be fine.”
“Okay.”
“The Blades appreciate your help, and we appreciate you working with Rowdy and the club. I’ll send him to your Austin facility with a present.”
“Does it have to be Rowdy?” Pete asked quickly. This time he couldn’t help sounding nervous. “Can you send someone else?”
“Sure,” Lobo said easily. The message Rowdy had sent earlier had clearly been received, loud and clear.
”Thanks.”
The knock on his front door caught Shane by surprise…and he was even more stunned to find Crystal on his doorstep holding a brown paper bag. “Surprise!” she grinned. “I brought you dinner!”
“Get out!” he laughed, and ushered her inside. “I can’t believe you made me dinner!”
“Made it?” She chuckled. “No, I did better than that. I brought home a meal from the restaurant.”
“Well, I’m sure it’s better than anything I could have cooked…especially since I was just planning on zapping up a TV dinner,” he confessed.
“I’m going to warm it up in the oven. Can I get you a beer or anything?” she asked, slipping past him.
“Glass of whiskey would be great,” he decided. “You can have one, too, if you want.”
One of his favorite movies was playing on TV. He focused his attention on it, and only vaguely heard the clink of ice in a glass.
I could get used to this kind of treatment. I don’t need a wife, but it sure is nice to have a sexy woman take care of dinner, and fetch me a drink.
When an action sequence flashed across the screen, he forgot about Crystal. Then a movement from the corner of his eye drew his attention away from the TV. He glanced over…and time stopped. His mouth dropped open in stunned surprise.
Crystal was standing next to him, holding two glasses. The big smile that curved her lips was all she wore…and she wore it well.
“I brought you your whiskey,” she murmured in a low, husky voice. Slowly she bent down and laid the two glasses on his coffee table.
His eyes were fixed on her naked body, and his cock was ramrod-hard. “Come here!” he ordered.
Obediently she straddled him, and sat down on his lap. When their lips met, hot passion sizzled between them. Quickly she yanked his shirt off and threw it over her shoulder. Then she slid to her knees, and tugged off his shorts and underwear.
A thoroughly wicked grin lit her face as she stared at his proudly jutting cock. Eagerly she curled both hands around it, and began to stroke him. Then she looked up and met his intent gaze. “How do you want me, Shane?” she asked softly.
He pulled her upright again. Without another word, she straddled him, and sank down on his cock. She was already soaking wet, so he slid easily into her. The trailer echoed with her frantic moans and cries as she bounced energetically on his lap. He pinched, licked, and sucked on her nipples until raw pleasure erupted inside her, and she climaxed with violent force.
Breathlessly she sagged against him, but neither of them were finished. As soon as she’d caught her breath, he pulled out from under her, and knelt on the cushions. She opened willingly for him, and moaned with delight when he gripped her hips and thrust back into her. All his anger and frustration from being laid off rose in a hot, savage rush, and he vented it on his friend’s gorgeous wife. When his entire system erupted in hot orgasmic delight, he bucked even harder, then ground his thighs against her quivering ass. His cum jetted powerfully inside her, and he reveled in the heady sensation. He loved taking her.
Despite their close friendship, he didn’t even think of Tim as he grunted and shuddered. In fact, knowing Crystal was married only made it more exciting, more taboo, since he knew she hadn’t told Tim she’d be seeing him tonight.
No, Crystal’s fucking me tonight because she’s a slut, and she obviously needs more than he can give her!
With that realization, his respect for both of them dropped measurably. Crystal was just a slut, he decided, who was obviously willing to cheat on her husband, and she just used the ‘fantasy’ as an excuse. Tim either couldn’t, or wouldn’t, put his foot down, so she walked all over him.
Their marriage isn’t my problem, he thought harshly. I’ve got other shit to deal with. If Crystal wants to fuck, I can help her out. I can help her out with other things, too.
When he finally released her and fell back on the couch, panting with exhaustion, she smiled briefly, and disappeared into the bathroom. He downed his whiskey in two swallows, then picked up her glass and sipped at it. Fuck it. I’m not working tomorrow.
The movie recaptured his interest, and he leaned back to watch it. The double-effect of rough sex and whiskey finally relaxed his taut muscles, and he started to feel a little better.
Crystal slipped back into the room, unnoticed, and kissed his cheek. “I’m going to check on dinner,” she murmured. He barely even noticed, and when he heard the sound of plates clinking in the kitchen, he turned the volume up.
When she returned with a heaping plate and glass of soda, he spared her a careless glance. She was wearing one of his t-shirts. It flopped down to her mid-thigh, so he had no idea if she was wearing anything underneath.
“Here you go, handsome.” She slid the food onto the coffee table, and ran her fingers through his hair.
Brusquely he shoved the empty whiskey glass in her hand, and sat up to eat. “What about you?”
“I’m not hungry,” she smiled. “Go ahead. I like to see a hungry man eat.”
Shrugging, he dug in. The chicken fried steak with lots of white creamy, peppery gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans tasted good, and reminded him vaguely of home, because his mom had cooked chicken fried steak the same way. When he was halfway through, Crystal rose to freshen up his whiskey, and got one for herself. She sat sipping it while he finished dinner.
The whole situation would have been nice if she’d had been his girlfriend or wife, but she wasn’t. She was married to another man…a close friend…and he’d be alone again, and unemployed, when she left.
Why can’t I have this? Why is my life so fucked up? Fuckin’ Tim has everything. A good job, a bright future, and a gorgeous wife. What the fuck do I have?
Self-pity and depression were rare for him; normally he was even-tempered and calm. But tonight he felt embarrassed and humiliated. It didn’t matter that getting laid off hadn’t been his fault; he was angry, bitter, and brooding. And tomorrow looked just as grim. Desperation added to his frustration, leaving him in a vicious black mood.
Scowling, he pushed the plate away, reached for the whiskey tumbler, and began to gulp it down.
Crystal lightly stroked his shoulder, but otherwise remained wisely silent. She’d seen it all before; Darla had always seemed attracted to guys who got laid off, and she’d watched as her mom had picked up each one, and helped them get back on her feet. The combination of sex, affection, food, and support had always seemed to work, and she felt comfortable helping Shane the same way, even though she knew Tim would have been furious if he’d known.
He wouldn’t understand. Shane needs me right now. It’s not a long-term thing…just until he lands back on his feet.
Quietly she picked up his dishes, and took them to the kitchen. It desperately needed a woman’s touch, so she washed all his dishes while he stared at the TV. Then she found some cleaning supplies, and started working on his countertop.
She was only halfway through when he stalked into the kitchen. She smiled up at him, but he didn’t seem to notice. Angrily he whipped her t-shirt over her head, and tossed it aside. She waited patiently, naked and willing.
He didn’t speak when he pulled her roughly against him. Still smiling, Crystal ran her hands over his muscular body, and finally reached his hardened cock. His scent was overpowering. It was part cologne, part whiskey, and part sex, and she inhaled it deeply.
There was no rhyme or reason to her actions, but she found herself kneeling in front of him, slowly stroking his shaft. Her eyes widened when he shoved it in her mouth. He wasn’t being soft, he wasn’t being gentle, and she loved it.
He held her head steady while he pumped his cock in and out. She was able to accommodate his size, so she didn’t gag…and though she should have been outraged by the way he was using her, taking her in such a degrading way, she loved it. Her secret need to be dominated turned it from violence into excitement.
It wasn’t long before he groaned, and released inside her mouth. Crystal loved the hot, urgent feel of him spilling down her throat. It was visceral, and primal, and it satisfied a part of her that she was still afraid to acknowledge.
Coolly he pulled his underwear and shorts up again, and stepped back. “When does Tim get home?” he demanded.
She checked her watch. “He has school tonight, so it won’t be for a few more hours.”
“Good,” he snapped. “When you’re done in here, do the bathroom, and my bedroom.” Then he walked back to the living room without another word.
“Okay, Shane,” she said to his retreating back.
She was halfway through with the bathroom when he stomped in and took her again on the cold tile floor. He was rough, almost punishing, and didn’t say more than a few words. He left Crystal to clean up, and start on his bedroom. Then he took her again on his bed, not speaking, just thrusting vigorously into her with no foreplay.
She was getting sore, and winced when he pounded vigorously inside her. The scent of whiskey and sex hung thickly in the air. He’d continued drinking, and now he was rough and aggressive, holding her down as he fucked her hard and fast. She wasn’t afraid he’d really hurt her…but she didn’t like the way he was treating her with such open contempt, as if she didn’t matter to him at all.
A final thrust, and he finished with a moan. He lay on top of her, breathing heavily, clearly drunk. It wasn’t erotic now. It was tawdry, dirty, and completely devoid of emotion.
I wonder if he’s going to offer to pay me?
Though she could have pushed him off her, she didn’t want to risk angering him. Patiently she waited.
Finally he levered up onto one elbow, and she saw the pain and humiliation in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Crystal,” he whispered. Contritely he eased away, and retrieved a towel from the bathroom. “I’m really sorry.”
“Sorry for what?” she asked shortly. “For treating me like a slut? For having me clean your trailer like a maid? For using my pussy like an ATM machine?” Tears flooded her eyes. “I came here tonight to cheer you up. Yes, I wanted to have sex with you, but I didn’t expect to be treated like a common whore!”
He’d behaved like a total jerk, and knew he deserved her caustic words. “I’m sorry for all of that. You deserve better. It’s just that getting laid off today really affected me.” Frustrated, he banged his fist against his head. “I don’t have any other options, and I’m worried I won’t be able to find another job. I feel powerless, and you made me feel like I was in control of something tonight.” Wearily he sighed, then finished. “I am sorry. It won’t happen again.”
“Okay, Shane.” She wasn’t ready to forgive him just yet, but his confession had cooled her anger. “I’m sorry you got laid off today.”
“It happens. I’m just not sure what to do next,” he admitted. “I can go back to the Blades. I know they want me back, and it would be like going home again…”
“But?”
“But…” He sighed. “The Blades come with a lot of baggage and expectations. It’s hard to explain, but just trust me…if I decide to go back to the Blades, it’s a one-way ticket. I can’t back out.” Wearily he ran his hand through his hair. “That’s why I think I’ll try and find another job as a welder.”
Though she was still upset, she couldn’t help feeling pity for his dilemma. Silently she hugged him, then let him ease her back down onto the bed.
“So what’s going on with you and Tim?” he asked softly. “I take it he doesn’t know about tonight.”
“No, he doesn’t.” She shot him a cautious glance. “I don’t want him to know, either.”
“C’mon, you know I won’t tell him anything,” he assured her, then eyed her curiously. “Why are you with him, though, Crystal?”
Suddenly all her anger came flooding back. “Tim is my future,” she snapped. “I know what my life would be like if I ended up with a bad boy like you. I’d end up single, alone, and probably a recovering alcoholic…and the bad boy would be dead or in prison. I’d be stuck waitressing for the rest of my life, or worse…and I’d come home to an empty house, a cat, and a Bible.”
Shane’s eyebrows rose. She’d obviously thought quite a bit about her future, and it scared her.
“I know what would happen if I married someone like Rowdy or you,” she continued in a bitter voice. “You’d use me up, and then get tired of me. When a younger, prettier woman came along, you’d kick me to the curb, and I’d be alone.”
“Crystal…”
“Save it, Shane,” she cut him off. “I watched my mom hook up with guys like you my whole life. I understand the attraction, and I don’t mind fucking you. It’s a lot of fun. But Tim is my rock, my foundation, my future. No matter what, he’ll always be there for me.”
She’d managed to hurt him with her too-accurate descriptions. It’s the whiskey, he thought as his temper began to spike, but knew it wasn’t true. “But you’re here with me because Tim doesn’t satisfy you,” he sneered. “He doesn’t give you what you want, what you need. How long before you start resenting him for that?”
“I won’t,” she retorted, and twisted away to sit up again. “It’s just that simple. Tim may not give me everything I want, but he gives me enough. He loves me for who I am. He gives me the freedom to make my own decisions.”
“Like stripping?” He hadn’t planned to mention it, and blamed the whiskey for loosening his tongue.
“What do you mean?”
Well, what the hell.
“C’mon, Crystal.” He spread his hands wide in exaggerated sympathy. “You know you want to be a stripper, or at least try it, and Tim is standing in your way.”
“Maybe,” she murmured.
Now that the subject was out in the open, Shane decided to see where it led. Somewhere in the back of his mind was a hint of a plan, a possibility, a use for Crystal beyond the pleasure of her lush body. If nothing else worked and he was forced to rejoin the Blades, he’d need a backup plan. She could definitely come in handy then.
She’s a slut who’s married to a wimp, and if she became a stripper, she’d make a great mule. Don’t piss her off, though…you’ll probably need her in the future.
“Stop it, Crystal.” He laughed out loud. “You know you want to try it, and Tim is holding you back. He told me money was going to be tight if he went to college, and stripping would certainly help you two make ends meet.”
She remained silent.
“Listen, it doesn’t have to be forever, but it’s something you can do while he goes to college. You know it will help with the tuition payments.”
“Yeah,” she agreed softly. “But he doesn’t like the idea at all.”
He decided not to push. “Well, just think about it.” The seed’s been planted. Just water it, and give it space to grow. “Anyway, he’s due home soon.”
They both got dressed, and he walked her to the door. Then he stopped her, and hugged her tightly. “Thank you, Crystal. I really needed you tonight, and it was very special to me. I’m sorry I acted like a jerk. It won’t happen again. I promise.”
”Okay, Shane,” she replied, and managed a shaky smile.
When Tim stepped into his trailer, the scent of cooking food made his mouth water. He smiled as he laid his backpack by the door.
“Hi, honey!” Crystal said brightly from the kitchen. “I’m almost finished with dinner.”
“Thanks, babe. It smells great,” he exclaimed. “I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
Quickly he changed into more comfortable clothes, then headed back into the kitchen. As he slipped up behind her, he thanked his lucky stars again. Holy cow, she’s beautiful.
“Did you take a shower?” he asked as he kissed her damp hair.
She’d needed to after spending the evening with Shane. But she could hardly admit that, so she carefully focused on stirring the pot in front of her. “Yeah, I felt really yucky after work today.”
“Well, you look and smell great,” he said. “How can I help?”
“I’m almost done. Grab a beer, and have a seat.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. Go. Shoo!”
Tim managed to grab a beer from the fridge before Crystal swatted him on the ass. She pushed him to the couch, and he watched TV while she made her world-famous tortilla soup. It was excellent.
“How was school?” she asked.
“Good,” he replied after he’d swallowed his first mouthful. “I’m taking basic classes right now, and they’re not really hard. The accounting classes are next semester, and they’re supposed to be pretty challenging.”
“I’m sure you’ll do great.”
“Thanks. Guess who’s my study partner?”
She spared him a glance over the rim of her glass. “Who?”
“LeAnn.”
Crystal’s smile froze, and she set the glass down very carefully. LeAnn’s brother, Jeff, had been Tim’s best friend ever since grade school. He’d tried to be nice to her, but she’d always known he didn’t like her.
She hadn’t been pleased to learn that LeAnn was Tim’s supervisor…and now his study partner?
“She’s taking classes, too…so we can study together if the accounting courses get too rough,” he said cheerfully.
“Oh. Well, that’s good.”
Tim didn’t notice the sudden cool note in her voice, and eagerly spooned up more soup.
Crystal silently fumed.
LeAnn! That bitch didn’t like me, either.
She was grateful that Tim had never learned of her one tense encounter with the younger woman. They’d still been dating, and she’d dropped by Jeff’s house to pick him up. While she’d waited at the curb, LeAnn had come home from school. She’d started to smile, but the girl’s raw hatred had stopped her in her tracks.
LeAnn had stalked over to her, and for one brief second, Crystal had thought she might actually hit her. “Tim deserves better,” she’d said softly. “I can’t believe he’s dating you!”
That was all she’d said; then she’d shaken her head in disgust, turned, and stomped inside. Crystal had been left standing by her car with her mouth hanging open. Jealousy among girls, especially about guys, was nothing new, but the loathing in LeAnn’s eyes had stunned her.
Now she’s Tim’s study partner. Just great.
“Well, hopefully your classes won’t be too tough,” she said softly.
“Honey,” he began, then laid his hand over hers. “Please don’t worry about LeAnn. She’s a co-worker. That’s it. That’s all.”
“Thank you, Tim. I needed to hear that from you.”
”You’re welcome, baby.”
Tim’s job and schoolwork quickly consumed most of his free time. Since he was attending the university several nights a week, Crystal and he only saw Shane on the weekends.
They still enjoyed living out their three-way fantasy…but like most things in life, gradually their interest waned, and every weekend became every other weekend, and then once a month.
Shane isn’t Shane anymore, Tim thought after he’d left one night.
Tim knew he was unemployed, and actively looking for work. The job search wasn’t going well at all, and he could almost see Shane’s desperation growing. It quickly became a touchy subject, so he stopped asking about it. He also stopped talking about his own work, and college, because it seemed to irritate his friend even more than asking about his job search.
Eventually they stopped hanging out altogether. It was mutual, but it was also sad, because Tim missed his friend. Their lives were heading in different directions, and Shane seemed almost resentful of him now.
Unbeknownst to her husband, Crystal continued to see Shane privately. She saw him with Tim present and watching, but she also saw him without Tim’s knowledge or consent. She dropped by his trailer after Tim left in the morning, and frequently also at night while he was at school. It was perfect for her, because she had a warm, loving husband and a hard, rough boyfriend. The boyfriend knew about the husband, and didn’t want a relationship. Her husband was unaware of the boyfriend, and happy with his job and college. It was perfect.
As the weeks turned into months, though, she also noticed his personality changes. He was obviously different with her, but he became harder, colder, and more distant. As his job opportunities continued to dwindle, he became frustrated, and surprisingly bitter.
He talked about his motorcycle club, the Lone Star Blades, more and more, and the way he talked about them evolved, too. At first, the Blades were not an option. Then he mentioned them as a possible option. Three months later, he was talking about the Blades as if they were his only option.
“Are you sure, Shane?” she asked quietly. They lay together in his bed, enjoying the afterglow of good sex. Sadly she stroked his chest with gentle fingers.
He nodded. “Yes. It’s for the best.”
“I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too, Crystal. You’ve been really great over these last few months,” he murmured. “We can still get together…I’m just not sure what my schedule will be, so it won’t be regularly like now.”
“That’s okay. Just call or text me,” she said, and reached up to kiss his cheek. “If I can, I’ll meet you.”
“You sure you don’t want to become a biker chick?”
That made her laugh and roll her eyes. “I’m definitely sure, Shane.” It had become a joke between them. He told Crystal she’d be a great biker chick, but she always told him to forget it.
The subject of stripping also came up regularly. Now that he’d made his decision, and was going back to the Blades, he wanted Crystal in a position to help the club. Just as he’d expected, she warmed up to the idea, and he knew she wanted to try it.
“Well, they’re going to put me on a probationary period for about six months,” he said, and smiled at her. “Once that’s over, I’ll speak to some friends of mine, and we’ll see about getting you a job as a stripper.”
“You promise?” she asked excitedly.
“Yes, Crystal, I promise.”
“Thank you, Shane.”
He was surprised at the intensity of her voice. She’d confided that with Tim attending college, she was left alone most nights, and it was hard for her to be alone. He realized that she needed attention, she needed company, and being alone scared her. He couldn’t figure out why Tim didn’t understand that.
She’d also admitted that Tim wasn’t comfortable with her stripping and being intimate with Shane at the same time. Now that their sexual relationship was ending, and he was going back to the Blades, he was even more motivated to see her become a stripper.
“Come over one more time, Shane,” she urged. “Tim and I will make you dinner, and say good-bye.”
“Okay, Crystal.”
“But don’t forget about me, okay?”
“I won’t, Crystal. Believe me, I definitely won’t forget about you.”