Jim sometimes wondered about his marriage. His work friends talked about sex non-stop. They wanted more from their wives, they looked around for more, their theme was sex and lots of it. He wondered if perhaps he married too hastily. Maybe he had been with Rachel too long, knew her too well. He often felt more like her brother than her lover. He loved being with her, he loved his family. He just found it nearly distasteful to have any sexual contact with her.
It seemed lately as if things had changed. Once, Rachel seemed as disinterested as he was in all things carnal. Lately, though, she seemed to have blossomed. She glowed. She beamed. She radiated something, he wasn't sure what it was. But it was different. Men seemed to have picked up on it. She attracted smiles and stares when they went out. Men couldn't do enough for her. Chairs were pulled out, doors were opened. It almost seemed as if a fight might break out between men trying to be gallant. Rachel seemed different too. More comfortable in herself, happier with her body. She no longer scurried into the closet or bathroom to change clothes. Instead of perfectly useful white cotton undies, she began buying delicate, gossamer lingerie and actually walking around the bedroom in it. He noticed that she wanted to touch him more often, holding his hand while watching TV, snuggling against him at night in their bed.
It also seemed that her work had suddenly become more demanding. She was often out of town for the day, or even overnight. The kids had gotten older, didn't seem to need them as much, and it bothered him. It did not seem to bother her, however. She was busily expanding her consulting business, traveling to meet the clients in towns all over the state.
Jim's career was also on the fast track. He was moving up the company, with all the associated perks. He had a nice office with windows. His own secretary. A place in the executive dining room. He was expected to dress like an executive too. He waited for Rachel to go with him for new clothes, but she always seemed busy. Jim took a day off when Rachel was out of town, and went to the Mall on his own.
He went to the men's store recommended by his co-workers and began looking at suits. He found several that he liked, but, like most men, he was hopeless at adding shirts and ties. One of the reasons his friends liked this store was the personal shopper service it offered. He requested assistance and was immediately met by a lovely lady. She introduced herself as Carolyn and began to help him make choices. She matched ties and shirts to the suits he had selected. She helped him purchase the appropriate shoes and socks, even underwear. Then she sent him to the dressing room to see if alterations were needed on the suit jackets or pant lengths.
