Maria turned off her phone on her way home. She had not felt this way in ages. In all of her twenty-six years of partying and messing around, she let herself feel for someone once, and he ended up with her sorority sister. However, the emotions that poured out of her at Rich's, in his arms, looking into his blue eyes, were full and made her feel like she had too much champagne. It was too much to handle.
She took a bubble bath and drank a glass of wine to decompress. Afterwards she dressed for bed in a T-shirt and some lacy panties. Then she turned her phone back on to two texts. One was from Uncle, the other from Rich. She read Uncle's nightly instructions first.
Show me those titties I paid for. After class tomorrow, come to the office in business attire. The white suit from Macy's. I will give you a cash advance if you accompany me to Ernesto's. Jenny's out of town.
Maria replied with the picture and simply Yes Sir. There was no avoiding Rich. His text read:
Hey darling. I wish you didn't leave so quickly. That was a lot, I admit. I got wrapped up in the moment and if I did something I'm sorry. Call me if you want to talk. Or text. Whatever makes you more comfortable.
He was so gentle. He treated her like a human. She poured more wine and texted him back.
I'm sorry I left too. I had some wine, but... Can you come over?
Rich replied immediately. He was on his way. Maria quickly threw on some pajama pants with little dogs on them and brushed her hair. She paced back and forth trying to decide where to start. How to start. Suddenly there was a knock at the door and there he was in a Pokemon shirt and sweatpants with a sheepish grin on his face.
He shrugged, "Hi."
"Hi," Maria whispered. They hugged in the doorway for what seemed like an eternity. Finally she pulled away. "You know my arrangement with Jay?"
"I haven't seen it, but in theory yeah. What about it?"
Maria crossed to the counter and handed him a weather beaten folder. "I highlighted the part where it comes to others. In summary, I can be with others but if I want to move forward into a real relationship, I need his approval. I've never asked."
That explained Jay's question all those months ago. Rich read on, " 'Approval is subject to a reduction of financial assistance up to fifty percent for a period of one year. At such time, we will reconvene and discuss dismissal of your services.' How much does he pay for, sweetie?"