Well, this is going better than I thought it would.I’d dreaded this evening all week, ever since She
Well, this is going better than I thought it would.I’d dreaded this evening all week, ever since Sheryl had insisted I invite Melissa over for dinner. I thought it was a setup, a chance for my wife to finally meet and then systematically scrutinize, denigrate and eventually destroy the voluptuous but woefully underqualified young woman I’d hired as an office manager. We’re both painfully aware of my history, my indiscretions with past employees, and at the very least I expected this evening to be Sheryl feeling out the situation…what was the story with this girl? Was there anything going on already between the two of us?And so I have to admit I was quiet, reticent, a little shamefaced when Melissa first arrived through our door, a middling bottle of white wine in hand. I knew, as tempting as it was going to be, I had to fight the urge to look anywhere south of her chin tonight. Because as sweet and polite as she was being, there’s no ignoring her remarkable figure. Even though, thankfully, for my sake, she was dressed conservatively in a high-necked (albeit tight) white sweater and long skirt, I knew Sheryl would be startled the dramatic curves of Melissa’s body. And so, the elephant in the room - well, the two elephants in the room - had me walking on eggshells. What was my wife thinking? Seeing Melissa now, in person, for the first time. In that sweater. Her bimbo alarm must be ringing on all channels.But, wow…Sheryl’s actually being really nice.I have to admit though - even with Sheryl’s pleasant attitude, even after the two Manhattans Sheryl had made me earlier and the one I’m plowing through now - I’m still a bit on edge, watching the two of them talk like fast friends. Sheryl is acting like a different woman than the one with which I normally live. She’s being warm, she’s being friendly, she’s engaging and smiling and doing her best to make Melissa feel comfortable and at ease. My wife, as a successful corporate attorney, certainly has impressive social skills, can turn on the charm when she wants to. I just…haven’t seen it in a while, and I’m impressed. And a little wary…So, I’m a bit on edge but as time goes on while we enjoy cocktails I’m getting more and more relaxed. I’m really more watching them talk than anything; I’ve never been one for chit-chat, I tell myself. Sheryl, always great in conversation when she needs to be, asks a lot of questions. I’m half paying attention as they gab about their diets but my ears prick up as…“I have to say, you really have a remarkable figure!” Sheryl lauds, bringing a blush and a dismissive little wave from Melissa. For someone who probably gets complimented on their, uh, physique quite a bit, she seems honestly flustered by the attention. “What’s your secret?” “Ohmigod thank you. I dunno, I try to get to the gym once in a while,” Melissa answers, modestly downplaying what I’m pretty sure is a strict workout schedule, “But it’s mostly just, uh…” If I didn’t know any better I’d say she was struggling for the right words, “…good genetics.” ”Oh. Were your parents tall?” Sheryl asks, candidly. Melissa’s not outrageously tall for a woman - maybe 5’9”, 5’10” - but she nonetheless…strikes an impressive sight. And she’s wearing a higher set of heels tonight than I’m used to seeing her in. So, uh, yeah…impressive.”Well, I didn’t know my father,” Melissa answers, her nerves maybe answering with information probably more personal than necessary, “but he was some sort of professional athlete, my mom tells me, a football player. She’s tall enough, I guess, too.”“And what does she do?” Sheryl questions, taking a sip of her white burgundy.“Well, she…I dunno,” Melissa responds, she…does all different stuff. My mom’s crazy.”“Well, she must be very proud of you,” Sheryl extols, “seeing where you are, what you’ve accomplished, at such a young age.”“Oh, my,” Melissa responds, visibly taken a bit aback by the praise but looking my way, ”I really have Dr. J to thank for so much, for giving me a chance, for…everything.”Despite myself, I feel myself stir. The earnestness in her voice, the promise.“Aw did you hear that, honey?” Sheryl beams a big white smile brightening her face as she turns towards me. Sheryl really has a wide, splendid, arresting smile. Big teeth. “Well, he’s lucky he has you at work, taking care of things for him.”“Oh, we all take care of our Dr. J,” Melissa adds, encouraged by my wife’s reaction, “The girls at the office absolutely adore him.”“Oh they do, do they?” Sheryl says, gaze still locked on me, a wry smile raising her brows. “Did you hear that hun?” she jokes, mischief in her eyes, “the girls adore you…”That, I know, is not true. But, I laugh, as dismissively as I could, and gulped at my drink, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks..“Oh look you made him blush!” Sheryl laughs, stepping my way to put a hand on my shoulder, where I sat. Her grip feels firm, steadies me. ”You finished your drink?” she offers, taking my glass, “Here, have my wine.” She bends, kisses me on the cheek.“He’s so smart…” Melissa continues. “And handsome…” Sheryl adds, “the reason I married him…” “Oh yes..!” Melissa