Peyton

 

 

I was feeding my cat, Lucifurr, when John called me.

“Dom insists that you be at the house viewing,” he told me. 

“No problem,” I replied, watching as Lucifurr began inhaling the soft food I’d given him. Every Saturday it was his treat and the only time he showed affection. Like clockwork, he’d watch me open the cupboard, and then he brushed against my legs. I’d put the slimy stuff into his bowl, and then he’d ignore me for the rest of the week, until Saturday came along once again. I loved my cat, but he wasn’t the cuddly, social type and never had been. I’d adopted him from a shelter when he was a kitten and although, he allowed a few pets, now and then, Lucifurr like his space.

“Can you meet us there at eleven?” John asked.

“Yeah, of course.”

“I asked him if he was pre-approved and he isn’t yet,” said John, sounding ticked. “I hope I’m not wasting my time.”

I wanted to point out to him that I was the one not getting paid and that if things did go his way, he’d be making a good commission. But, I held my tongue. Only because I liked Dom and wanted to be there.

“Maybe he’s paying with cash?” I replied, remembering how Dom had mentioned that he’d been saving for a house.

“That’s unlikely, but I guess one never knows. Did he tell you what he does for a living?”

“I think he mentioned something about bartending, part-time, and being a stage performer,” I replied, deciding that if Dom wanted to tell him about his stripping career, I’d let him do the honors.

“What in the hell does that mean? Is he an actor or a circus performer?”

“I don’t know. You can ask him,” I replied, unwilling to give him any more information. John was a pompous dick and I knew he’d belittle Dom if I told him the truth.

“Hmm. Well, I gotta go. You have the address to the house?”

“Yes.”

“Good. See you then.” He hung up.

Sighing, I put my phone down. I really needed to find a new job or write faster.

“Lucifurr.” I leaned down and scratched behind his ears. “I’m going to be gone most of the day.” I straightened up and smiled. “I know how much that bothers you.”

He lay down on his side and began cleaning himself.

I showered and dressed, choosing a pair of white slacks, a summery peach blouse, and white sandals. I took a little longer applying my makeup, put my hair in a soft up-do, and dug out a bottle of perfume that I hadn’t used in a while. I spritzed some on, hoping Dom would like it. I couldn’t help but relish the little thrill in the pit of my stomach. It was the first time in a while that a man had given me butterflies.

“Not bad,” I said, checking my reflection in the mirror from different angles. Although my ass wasn’t perfect, the pants made it look smaller and my waist a little slimmer. I was tall, five-foot-nine, and by no means a size six. But, standing next to Dom yesterday, however, I’d felt small and feminine.

I looked over to find Lucifurr watching me. “What do you think?”

He turned and walked out of the room.

The house for sale was only a couple of miles away from mine. I arrived a few minutes early and sat in my car until John pulled up in his Cadillac. I met him by the front door as he was opening up the lockbox. He smelled like sour booze and cigarettes.

“Good morning,” I said, taking a step back.

“Morning,” he mumbled, opening up the front door.

“Late night?” I asked, noticing that he had bags under his eyes.

He grunted. “Why do you ask?”

“Just, making conversation,” I said innocently. 

John went silent, which didn’t bother me one bit.

I followed him into the house and looked around. We were in the great room, which opened up to the kitchen area, and it had been updated. There was plush, new carpeting under our feet, and I could tell the hardwood floors in the kitchen had recently been re-stained.

“This is nice,” I said. Much better than the dump from yesterday. I had a feeling that Dom was going to love it.

John shrugged. “It’s not bad.”

Hearing a motorcycle pull up outside, John walked over to the window and frowned. “Is that him?”

“Yes,” I replied, looking over his shoulder.

“A Gold Viper? You never mentioned this guy was in a biker gang,” he said, irritated.

“I didn’t think it was relevant,” I answered. “And whatever you do, don’t refer to it as a gang. He said they’re a club.”

“Same thing as far as I’m concerned.” He sighed. “Fuck it. As long as he has money and gets approved, I don’t care who he is.”

When Dom stepped into the house, John flipped the switch from pretentious prick to friendly, outgoing salesman. They shook hands and then Dom greeted me warmly.

“How was your friend?” I asked. “Did you find any Peeping Toms?”

“No, but she was fine. I’m sure it was just some teenagers horsing around,” he replied, looking around the great room. “Wow, this is nice. How long has it been on the market? One day?”

“Two days, now,” said John. “I have a feeling it’s going to go quickly, too. It’s a great house, especially for the price.”