Monday 19th November
Tom
I can’t believe Jack and Erica are getting married. It’s insane! I mean, I guess I always knew he was in it long term with her, but marriage is a whole other step and one I thought was a few years away. Just the thought of spending my entire life with someone fills me with dread. To think Jack is ready to take that step scares me.
I look at Alice who’s busy washing up after breakfast. Shit, does she want all this eventually too? Am I even able to give her this? I’ve only ever been good at seducing women. Not having to please them long term. Fuck, I need a shot. Not another day of being pressured by this boss of mine. I’ve decided that today I’m going to tell her once and for all to back off.
The problem is I’ve been too polite. Too scared of losing my job to tell her to stop. I think once I stand up for myself and let her know I’m having none of it she’ll get embarrassed and back off. Well, that’s what I’m hoping for. I need to get it sorted now I’ve lied to Alice and said I’ve already done it.
I’ve been at work fifteen minutes when I feel her behind me. It’s like every hair on the back of my neck stands up to attention when she’s around. Alert and alarmed at her presence.
‘Tom, I’ve just sent you a spreadsheet. Open it up please.’
I cringe inwardly, begrudgingly opening the attachment. She leans over me, one arm on the back of my chair, the other caging me in. Her slutty perfume completely overpowers me. I have to stifle a cough.
‘As you can see,’ she says pointing at the screen with her long red nails, but at the same time managing to flash her cleavage. I turn and deliberately keep my eyes on the screen.
She starts waffling on, dragging out her explanation so that she can stay close to me.
‘Tom.’ I snap back to reality to find her staring at me. She licks her lips suggestively. Her lipstick has run into the lines around her lips. ‘Can I see you in my office for a moment?’
Oh God. I’ve used every excuse possible up to now, to avoid going into her office with her alone. But for the life of me I can’t think of a single reason why I can’t go with her. Maybe I should just accept my fate. Stop running from it. That’s what I came in here to do today; confront her.
I nod and numbly follow her into her bland blue office.
‘Shut the door behind you,’ she orders as she sits down behind her desk.
I begrudgingly shut it. Keep it together, Tom. She can’t do anything to you that you don’t want to happen.
‘So,’ she begins chewing suggestively on a pen. ‘How do you think you’re getting on working here, Tom?’
I put my hands in my pockets to stop them shaking and rock on my heels. ‘Okay, yeah.’ I shrug, wanting to appear laid back and in control.
She stands up and walks slowly towards me. Her walk is predatory, her gaze challenging.
‘I’d say your performance has been pretty standard. Under normal circumstances I’d be arranging your P45.’
‘But...’I ask, knowing she wants me to bite.
She comes so close I can feel her breath on my ear. ‘But I’m sure there are ways for you to improve on your performance.’ She leans forward and cups my dick.
I inhale sharply. Fuck. I haven’t been imagining it. She’s a predator. My dick shrivels in her hand.
‘I have a girlfriend,’ I blurt out, hoping to God it’s enough to get her to leave me the fuck alone.
She smiles cruelly. ‘She can’t know the tricks I do. Trust me, Tom. With age comes experience.’
I close my eyes, trying to block her out. How can she be so sure of herself? I’ve never been so repulsed in all my life.
‘I’m happy with my girlfriend,’ I insist, trying to stand firm. I move away from her, so her hand isn’t cupping my dick anymore.
‘And how will your little girlfriend feel if you get fired and have to move home to Peterborough?’
My shoulders turn rigid. ‘I’ll just get another job.’
She laughs cruelly. ‘Don’t think for a second you’ll be getting another job down here. I know a lot of people, Tom. A lot of influential people. You won’t stand a chance in this town again. So, I really hope your little girlfriend is ready for a long-distance relationship.’
Fuck, how can this be happening?!
‘So, what do you suggest I do?’ I ask sarcastically, glaring back at her.
‘I suggest you do me,’ she grins. I grimace. The woman has no shame. ‘You have until Wednesday to think it over. I hope you come to the right decision. That’ll be all.’
* * *
Tuesday 20th November
Alice
Tom arrived home last night in a weird mood. He was a bit distant, like he had a lot on his mind. I’m worried Jack proposing to Erica has freaked him out and made him realise that what we have is a lot like a committed relationship.
That could be a lot for a manwhore like Tom to take in, so I decided to give him some space and have a relaxing bubble bath. Well... it would have been relaxing if Pickles hadn’t have kept throwing herself against the bathroom door trying to get in.
If I’m honest with myself, seeing Erica so happy with her huge rock of a ring has made me feel jealous. It’s not that I want to get married right away, but I’d like to think that it’s possible for my future.
It might have helped that Jack picked Erica the most fabulous ring I’ve ever seen. It’s a vintage style white-gold ring with diamonds set all along the band and the most exquisite star shaped diamond.
I mean, I know that I’m always banging on about factory mass-produced jewellery, but this doesn’t look it. He’s also got it engraved with the date they first talked back on that little caravan holiday.
But today things are looking up. I got a call from the zoo to say that I won the charity raffle. Two tickets to Barcelona! Can you believe it? I’m still in shock. I rang Molly to double check it wasn’t a joke. I’ve decided that I’m going to surprise Tom when he gets in tonight.
This is just what he needs right now; to see that I’m not an old boring wife type. That we have years of fun ahead of us. Of living our lives to the fullest, just together.
As soon as the key’s in the lock, Pickles scuttles around the corner to meet him. I quickly pop on a bit of lipstick. God, look at me. I’m like a bloody stereotypical 1950’s wife.
‘Hey,’ he says as soon as he sees me, a tired smile on his face. He still looks gorgeous. Damn, I’ve got it bad.
‘Hey,’ I grin. ‘Guess what?’
His eyes wander across my face. ‘What?’
‘I won the raffle at the zoo. We’re going to Barcelona!’
His eyes widen, his smile growing. ‘Are you serious?’
‘Yep!’ I grin, throwing myself into his arms. He instinctively picks me up and spins me around. See, things like this; these things show that we’re meant to be. Surely? Anyone that can spin me has to be a win, right?
‘I can’t believe it. When do we go?’
I grimace. ‘That’s the only thing. It’s this weekend, so I was wondering if you could get a half day Friday? We fly at 6pm, but you know, with checking in and everything...’
‘Okay,’ he nods, again deep in thought. ‘I could ask.’
‘Great.’
He presses his lips against me in a kiss so desperate, if I didn’t know any better I’d think he was saying goodbye.