Time for Change(25)

“Huh? You see, I thought men went for younger women because we’ve got stamina.” Rachel was tired of feeling less than these women. She took a step closer until she was staring down at Tammy. The other woman was thinner and shorter than she was. “And let me tell you, honey. He didn’t have any complaints last night or the night before that. In fact, he’s been using you guys because he couldn’t have me. Think about the fact he wanted me when he was inside you. No matter what you say, Tammy, you don’t win.”

Turning on her heel she stormed out of the office. How dare that woman even try to make her feel less than she was?

She was so angry at the way those women made her feel. Only when she got as far away from the office as she could, did Rachel start to relax.

Rachel had never been mean to anyone in her whole life, and yet she’d just been mean to a woman she didn’t even know.

Feeling angry with herself, she entered the first bar she came to. She didn’t see the sign or care where she was drinking. Going to the bar, she removed her coat and draped it along the back of the stool at the bar. There were several businessmen drinking, eating and going about their own business. The music in the background was quiet but loud enough not to make anyone feel alone.

The barman stood in front of her as she took her seat.

“What can I get a pretty lady like you?” he asked.

“Tequila. I need tequila and maybe a glass of your finest brandy.” She rarely drank, and what she’d ordered would last her a couple of hours.

He poured her drinks and kept staring at her.

“What?” she asked.

“I’m just wondering what a pretty woman like yourself is doing all alone drinking after lunch?”

She saw he was named David, from the tag on his shirt.

“Hi, David, well, let’s see. I just walked out of my job with the man who I believe is my boyfriend.”

“You only believe he’s your boyfriend?”

“I live with him, and we’re a new couple.”

“Wow, and you’re already living together. He must be the most patient guy I know or most committed guy in the history of dating,” David said, interrupting.

He put her drinks down in front of her. She picked up the brandy and took a sip. The dark liquid burned her throat making her gasp.

“Yeah, he’s my sister’s ex. She’s dead, and it has been three years.”

David kept looking at her and added more brandy to her glass. “You’re going to need it.”

She spilled everything to the stranger. Not all the gory details and not names either. Rachel just talked. Every few minutes he left to handle a customer or to fill a glass. She was surprised when he came back for more of her story.

“Don’t you have anything else to do?” she asked, sipping at her brandy. The tequila still sat at the bar, untouched.

“No, you’re pretty interesting.”

“You don’t think I’m a first class bitch?” she asked.

“Not at all. I know most of the story, and if anything, it’s a pretty sad story. At least you tried working with him instead of cutting your losses.”

“Yeah, I know. On my way out one of the women he fucked stopped me to tell me how I’m not good enough for him or something. I don’t know. Maybe she’s right. I’m not a great catch.”

“You’re not a dog either.”

Rachel burst out laughing. “Thank you. I needed that.”

They were silent for several minutes. He topped up her brandy, and she thanked him for it. “What are you doing for work?” David asked.

“I don’t know. I’m out of a job.”

“How about you work here?”

She looked at him. There was no laughter to his face, and he appeared serious. “You’re offering me a job?”

“Why not? You need a job, and I need a new waitress.”

Rachel nodded. “I’d like that.”

“Good, you can start tomorrow.” He made to move away and glanced down. “Why aren’t you drinking your tequila?”

Licking her lips, Rachel felt the tears were close. “It’s not for me. Tequila is what my sister always drank.”

“Okay then. I’ll be back to check on you soon.” David left her to do some work. Staring at the filled glass of tequila, Rachel took a breath.

“Miss you, big sis.”

****

Chris entered his office and was surprised to see it bare. He’d moved another desk into his space for Rachel to work. When he got to his office he loved to watch her work. Her scent covered the small area making him hard and wishing she was there. Heading for his desk, he saw his sandwich left on top of the desk. Next to his sandwich was a letter. He recognized Rachel’s handwriting. Taking a bite of his sandwich, he opened up the letter and started to read.