Chapter 10 -- Temporary Change
As the sun spilled through the blinds, I realized that I was still in Penny's bed. I reached for her, finding nothing but empty mattress next to me. I opened my eyes and saw that she had gone. There was a note on the pillow next to me. I grabbed it and sat up to read.
Don't miss me. I will be back before you know it. Until then, Brooke will take care of you.
All my love, Penelope
As perfect a moment as I had felt the night before was as much as this moment sucked. I found within this game that feelings, even my own, often changed very quickly. Before I even had time to wallow, the bedroom door flew open and Brooke barreled into the room. She pulled me out of bed, led me to the bathroom and handed me a towel.
"Take a shower and don't waste the day," she instructed me with a brilliant smile.
I did as I was told and it was the perfect kick-start to a peaceful, relaxing weekend. Brooke and I did some work around the house, getting some things in order and making some small changes. Her taste was simple and light, it was comfortable and easy to like. We spent both nights sleeping together without making love. That was also very comfortable and easy. Neither of us said so, but it felt like a very respectful way to share how much we missed Penny.
As Monday morning arrived, I began missing Penny more. I hit the office and enjoyed the distraction it provided. As Monday came to a close, I decided to work late. I feared that going home would mean thinking of Penny and that thought frightened me more than somewhat. It was after 7pm when there was a light tapping on my office door. I was slightly startled, thinking I was the only one left in the office. I looked up and saw a stunning frame in my doorway.
"Why are you here so late," Emma asked me.
"I am a little nervous about going home tonight," I admitted openly.
"Now you understand how a lot of these women felt when you left," she pointed out. "We should have leaned on each other and we didn't, which only added to the ache. I don't think we are gonna let that happen again."
"I don't think you have to worry about that," I suggested. "I am not going anywhere."
"Well, stupid boy, we are not gonna let it happen to you either," she insisted.
"I will be alright," I postured.
"I know," she confirmed. "That's why I'm here. I am in charge while Penny is gone, so get your things and let's go get a drink."
I looked at her and could immediately tell that her terms were non-negotiable. I shut my computer down and grabbed my briefcase while Emma waited in my doorway. I followed her to the parking lot and then to the small local bar right down the street from our office, Millie's. We pulled into the lot and headed inside. It was a small place, that wasn't so much a hole in the wall but more of a local pit stop. The crowd was light on a Monday night, with several locals standing around the bar.
Our conversation was light as we sat on a pair of stools at the bar. Emma had a glass of wine while I ripped through a beer. I was not good company at the moment and I could tell that Emma sensed it as well. She smiled and then leaned forward on her stool.
"Remember the games we used to play in bars," Emma whispered in my ear.
I nodded. I certainly did remember the trouble this hot blonde lawyer could cause. We had several encounters that turned very interesting in this type of setting. I began to wonder what kind of trouble she wanted to cause tonight, though I wasn't in the mood to participate in any games.
Before she could speak again, I stood from where I was sitting at the bar and excused myself to the men's room. I took care of my business and splashed some water on my face at the sink, trying to refocus and get out of my haze of missing Penny. I returned to where Emma was still seated and found that whether I wanted to participate or not, Emma had begun her game for the evening.
Two men in collared golf shirts and khaki pants were now standing next to Emma, talking to her. They were laughing and in good spirits as I approached. The laughter stopped as I reached where they were at the bar. I nodded to both men and looked at Emma.
"I think I am going to head home," I said to Emma.
Her smile disappeared and she glared at me. I knew that I was not up for this, but the look on her face told me that Emma understood that as well. Then her smile returned, now much more devilish.
"If you leave now you will miss all the fun," she insisted.
