Chapter Six, Untitled

CHAPTER SIX

When Grant threw the door open, I jumped up and went over to him. He was standing there, when I wrapped my arms around him and started kissing him passionately. He stopped me, then closed the door.

We went over to the couch, where we were kissing and I stopped him, then took him by the hand over to the kitchen.
"An idea popped into my head this morning. I couldn't wait to try it out on you, as soon as you got here."
I let go of his hand and opened his shirt. He was wearing an undershirt and I took both off him, then turned away from him.
He undid the rest, while I opened the freezer and took out the tray of ice cubes. I slightly twisted the tray, until a few ice cubes were loose. I took one out, then leaned against the refrigerator. He was watching me, when I slightly sucked on the cube, until it started to melt.
I took it out, then ran the ice cube over his shoulders, while kissing his mouth and neck. I turned him around and was kissing his shoulders and ran the ice cube slowly down his stomache and was about to slide it down over his belly button, before he quickly stopped me.
I was still holding onto the ice cube, when he took it out of my hand. He tossed it in the sink, then took hold of my hand and dragged me back to the couch. He dressed himself, then took me by the hand and led me to the door.

Grant and I were sitting in a car afterwards. He parked it in front of the all night grocery store. I got out of the car and, looked at him, as we got out of his car.
"What are we doing here?"
"How did we meet?"
Pause.
"Oh."
"It was this day, five years ago, when we met. Then, a few nights later, we met again," he said.
Pause.
"At some friend of a friend's party."
"Yes."
We walked over to the front of the store, took a cart and walked in.

We met when I was twenty and he was twenty-four. I was visiting a friend and staying at her place. The both of us couldn't sleep and I felt like going to the grocery store nearby. I wanted some sourdough bread. I was standing in line, when Grant came into the same line. He set the separator down, then set the pepperoni package and shredded cheese down 0n the conveyor belt. He saw what I was purchasing, then looked at me.
We made a little eye contact, but I turned away and stood with my back to him.

It was my last night in town, when my friend dragged me to some couple's home.
My friend was close with the wife of the couple. We walked into the hallway with her, after arriving a little late and were ushered into he dining room. Six other people were already there. I looked over the other faces and stopped when I vaguely recognised Grant among them.

We didn't get a chance to talk, until after dinner. The wife introduced us to each other. I was forced to relax, when she left us alone together. He was, also, dragged along by a friend, because his friend was trying to make him forget about recently breaking up with his girlfriend. I, at that time, hadn't been involved for some time.
Grant and I spent a few hours talking about things. We had a lot of minor differences between us, but, after a while of a talking, we were very attracted to each other. I gave him my number and that was the beginning of it all.
Grant and I had been through so much and I was willing to give it all up. because it wasn't enough anymore. I was unfaithful for a reason. Picking one was the hard part. I mostly stuck with him, because breaking up would be a waste of all that effort put into the five years of togetherness we've shared. I thought I was enmeshed with him, but realized that wasn't the case. Soon, it will be over between us and we can both go on to others.

Grant left the next day and I was anxious to see Clark. I stood at the doorway, as Grant left. I was wearing a bedsheet, as he disappeared down the stairs.
Not long after, Clark came up the stairs. He saw me and waved hello. He came over, looked me over, not so subtly, then kissed me.
"I've got to tell you something," I said.
He looked at me.
"I've changed my mind. Help me end it between Grant and I, now," I added.
He moved closer and hugged me tightly.
"Those are the most beautiful words you ever said to me," he said.
I looked at him.
"Tonight, meet me at the studio," I said, trying to hold back my laughing.
He nodded.
"But, first, we've got business to attend to," he said.
He took me into the living room and closed the door.

After work, I went straight to the studio. As soon as he opened the door, he wrapped his arms around me. He took me inside, then closed the door behind us. We were kissing and undressing along the way to the couch.

We hadn't been kissing long, when he slid off his wedding band and flinged it on the ground.
The phone started ringing.
Clark looked at the phone and was staring at it, before he leaned over and picked it up.
"Hello?"
Pause.
"Hey, Clark. Is Olivia there?"
He looked at me.
"No."
Pause.
"Do you know where she could have gone?"
He sat up and had the phone to his ear.
"I don't know."
He looked away from me and looked out the window. I watched, as he scanned out the window. He was looking at something, when the phone dropped out of his hand.
I was curious what he was looking at and sat up.
Grant was leaning against his car, with the cellular next to his ear. I saw his mouth move, then turn off his phone and walk off.

Clark and I had quickly dressed, when Grant started pounding on the door.
"Let me in!"
Clark and I looked at each other. He went and answered the door, taking in a deep breath, before opening it. Grant was standing there, obviously upset. He saw me, but turned to Clark and grabbed him.
"I knew something was going on, because last right it all clicked. I didn't know if I could trust my instinct, so I followed you here. Imagine my surprise, when I see my girlfriend drive up to he sidewalk."
I didn't say anything.
"Not only that, but what about Miranda?"
"There is no Miranda."
He let go of Clark and looked at his hands.
He wasn't wearing his ring.
"I've been divorced for four years."
Grant looked at Clark.
"Olivia is mine," Clark said.
Pause.
Grant looked at me.
"Sorry," I mouthed.
Grant turned away and ran his hand through his hair.
Long pause.
"Don't be sorry. I'm the one that's sorry," Grant said, then walked off, and out of the door.
Clark turned and looked at me.
I didn't say or do anything.
Clark closed the door, then walked back over to me.
I looked at him and handed back his wedding band. He smiled at me, then turned away and walked over to the bathroom.
Clark looked at me and motioned me over.
I stepped into the bathroom and stood in the doorway. He flipped up the toilet seat, then turned to me and grabbed me, so I was standing next to him. He kissed the ring, tossed it in the bowl, then flushed the toilet. We watched it disappear. He dropped the seat back, then he licked his mouth and started kissing me.

Chapter Five, Untitled

CHAPTER FIVE

Clark was lying on the floor with me in the studio. A couple of the windows were open. The sun was still in the sky and it was streaming in one of the closed windows. He had one arm around my waist, while he smoked. Both of us were still wearing our work clothes, minus his tie and our shoes and socks. His ashtray was near us. He moved onto his side, then put his cigarette out. After blowing smoke out, he licked his lips and kissed my mouth, then stopped and looked at me. I felt one of his hands moving down the front of my shirt. He yanked my shirt out of my skirt. His hand moved down to my belt, which he unhooked. My skirt was next in line. The button and zipper was undone and he put his hand inside my skirt. It slid inside my underwear. His fingers ran over the skin, then through the hair, until it found an entry way.
"I need you," he whispered.
He took his hand out after a while, then kissed my mouth and got on top of me. He stopped kissing me, when he lifted up my shirt and started kissing his way downward. He pulled my skirt and underwear off, when he ran his tongue over my belly button. He got off me and we both sat up.
I helped unbutton his shirt, by pulling it out of his slacks. He undid his belt and took it off. He unhooked his khakis and undid the zipper. He yanked off his pants, then took off his shirt.
Clark dropped his boxers, licked his lips, then kissed my mouth again. He took one of my hands and took me off the ground onto the couch. He pushed me onto the couch. then kneeled down in front of me. I looked at him and put my right foot on his shoulder . He put his and on my outer ankle and kissed my inner ankle. He picked up my foot and started a trail of kisses up my inner leg. He got to the area above the side of my knee and wrapped my leg around his neck. I looked at him smiling, and ran my hand through his short hair. I watched, as he stuck out his tongue and leaned a little forward, licking the line between my thigh and crotch. He ran his slippery tongue up that line and looked at me. The look in my eyes said it all. Clark was still watching me, as he moved his head to his right.
I closed my eyes and grabbed onto his head, while angling my body. The back of my hand hit the big window behind the couch.

I was bending over with my hands palm down and my face breathing warm air against the table. His hands were on my side and he was behind me. Both of us were finished, when I lifted my head and gave a long, drawn out sigh and he rested his head on my back. He pulled out and kissed my bare back, then separated from me. He picked up his boxers and put them on, then picked up his boxers and put them on, then picked up his cigarettes and matches. He took a cigarette out, lit it up, dropped those both on the pile of clothes, the went over to the couch and sat down.
I straightened up, then turned to him. I leaned down and picked up his shirt and put it on. I buttoned the top three buttons.
I was sitting sideways, facing him, and he reached over and put my legs over his. He sat and smoked, as he rested one hand on my nearest thigh. Clark pulled the cigarette from his mouth and blew out the smoke.
"Be completely honest. Are you satisfied?"
I shook my head.
"Good. I'm not the only one."
He traced my lips with his fingers and leaned closer. was looking me in the eyes before he stuck his tongue out and pried apart my mouth. He stopped me and got off the couch. He moved over to the phone and dialed up a number. Clark stood there, smoking, and waiting. I watched, as he culled the cigarette from his mouth.
"Grant, I just called to tell you I'm almost finished with the painting. I convinced 0livia that it would be a good idea to finish it tonight," he said.
Pause.
"I think three more hours would do the trick," he continued.
Long pause.
"Sorry about your plans," he continued. He took a drag off his cigarette and looked at me.
"Don't worry. She's in good hands," he continued.
Pause.
"Ok, Grant. Bye."
He nodded. then hung up the phone.
"That's solved."
He walked over to the ashtray, took a really long drag and put it out. Clark stood there and pulled off his boxers, then came back to the couch and sat down. He grabbed me and sat me on his lap, facing him, then started kissing my neck. He unbuttoned the shirt I was wearing. After undoing the three buttons, he slid the shirt off me and flung it on the ground near the heap.

I found myself looking out the window. We were on the fourth floor, but still close enough people passing on the street could see us. I looked out onto Downtown. Everyone walking by kept their heads straight ahead. They all had destinations leading them to where they had to be. Some of them would never knew it could change, only if they moved their heads around and looked in a different direction.

I arrived home and Grant was sitting on the couch watching television. He saw me and smiled, when I walked in and closed the door behind myself. My body was still on fire, after the many times Clark screwed my brains out, but I still wasn't satisfied and wanted to keep going.
I smiled back at Grant and stepped over to him. The remote was in his hand, which I took it out of his hand and turned off the television. I walked over to the television and set it on top, then came back over and sat on his lap,
"Hello," he said.
"Hi. I could't wait to get home."
I grabbed onto his shirt, then started kissing him. He broke away with the smile still on his face.
"We're a little aggressive tonight."
We were looking at each other, when I undid my hair.
"What's wrong with you?", he added.
I shrugged.
"You don't like it?"
"Oh, God, yes, I do.
"--We don't have time to talk. I need you now, before the moment is gone."
"Yes, bu--."
I cut him off again and resumed kissing him, while my hands greedily unbuttoned his shirt. I assume he had the opportinity to change into casual clothes, before I got home, since he wasn't wearing an undershirt.
The shirt was unbuttoned and yanked out of his pants, when I kissed my way downward. My mouth and tongue got to the area above his belly button, when he undid his belt. I looked at him and was gauging his reaction, when his hand reached for his fly. He undid the button, then unzipped his pants. He was quite excited and it was completely obvious when he almost hit my jaw with his knee, while pulling his pants and underwear to his ankles. Then again, he's usually attacking me, when 1 walk in the door.
I watched him, as I started unbuttoning my shirt. The torture and anxiousness was obvious on his face. My shirt was fully unbuttoned, when I slid it off my shoulders. He smiled at me, ran one of his hands over my face, then rubbed his thumb over my mouth. I playfully sucked on his thumb, until he took it out.
I decided to see how far he'd let me get with torturing him. I got up, casually dropped my skirt and underwear, then nonchalantly walked over to the kitchen. I gave him a slight glance over my shoulder. He was standing in front of the couch, watching me. I went over to the refrigerator and opened it, then took out the little Coke bottle and unscrewed the top. I was drinking, when he came up behind me and started kissing my neck. He took the bottle out of my hand and set it on the counter behind us. He closed the refrigerator door, then took my hand and dragged me to the bedroom.

We were standing in the doorway when I walked in and moved near the bed, while he closed the door. The both off us were standing there, watching each other, when Grant came over and sat down on the bed. I kissed him, then went down on my knees.

It took me forever to finally become satisfied. Grant looked completely worn out, after we were finished. He was lying on his back, when he looked at the clock. I was on top of him, when I looked at him, then the clock. It was 2am.
I got off him and brushed the strands of hair away that were streaming across my face. I wrapped my arms around Grant, then looked at him again. He lifted up his arm and turned off the table lamp, then kissed me.
"Grant?"
He put his forefinger over my mouth.
"Go to sleep."
I didn't say anything and snuggled up to him, looking at him.
He was staring up at the ceiling.
I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. I could feel him looking at me, before he gently undid my arms and got out of bed.
He picked up his clothes and opened the bedroom door.
I didn't move, and, after a while, heard the front door open and close.
He was going somewhere.
Wherever he was going, I forced myself to drift off to sleep.

I woke up and Grant was in bed next to me. He had his arms around me. It was almost six in the morning, when I undid his arms and started kissing him all over.
He woke up and saw me. I was kissing the area above his belly button and my hands were running across his chest. He took a hold of my arm and yanked me up. He started kissing my neck, then got me to go on my back. I watched, as he climbed on top and spread my legs.
I closed my eyes, as he started kissing my mouth.

Grant was exiting the door, while I stood nearby wearing a bedsheet. He wrapped his arms around me, then kissed my mouth.
"Tonight?"
I nodded.
He kissed me again, then left the doorway. I watched him, as he left the hallway and started down the stairs.

A few seconds passed, before he disappeared down the stairs. Not long after, Clark came into view on the stairs, smoking his cigarette and chuckling to himself. He saw me and sprinted over. He looked me over, then pulled the cigarette from his mouth and kissed me hello.

"What did you to do to him? He knocked on my door last night. I opened it and he shook my hand and thanked me. He said, because I made you wait longer to see him--He said you gave him the best sex he could ever imagine. He was so grateful that he was practically ready to get on his knees and kiss my feet. I've never seen anyone so happy."
I smiled.
"I think I'll detain you again tonight. I'm sure he wouldn't mind," he added.
Pause.
"You know what. I want to spend all night with Grant tonight. Today's our five year anniversary. He said he wanted to surprise me tonight."
Pause.
"Yes, OK," he said, then frowned.
I looked around the hallway, then rubbed my thumb over his mouth.
He kissed my finger.
We were looking at each other for some time, before either of us said anything.
"I want to show you something," he said.
We stepped inside and closed the door.

All day what Clark did to me kept a mysterious smile on my face. Everytime I caught my boss staring at me, she would arch her eyebrow at me. She knew something was going on, but I spared her the details.

Chapter Four, Untitled

CHAPTER FOUR

Clark left the studio after I did and went straight home. He didn't bother turning on the light. He just lied there on the couch and continued smoking, keeping the ashtray near himself.
After Grant finally fell asleep, I snuck out of bed, wrapped myself in the thin sheet and opened the front door. I looked around to make sure none of the neighbors were up at this hour and wandering the halls, then gently closed my door and stood in front of Clark's. I softly knocked on his door, until he opened it. He had a cigarette dangling from his mouth and he looked a little surprised to see me. I pulled the cigarette from his mouth, put my hand on the side of his face, pulled it closer to myself and kissed his mouth. I broke away and blew out the smoke. I kissed him again, until he had his arms around me and was holding me really tight. I broke away again, as he tightened his grip.
"What changed your mind?"
"Miranda."
He looked at me and let go.
I walked over to my door and wrapped my hand around the doorknob.
"Was she with the other guy?"
I nodded.
"Did she see you?"
I shook my head.
He left the doorway, walked over and smoothed back my hair.
"Better go. Who knows what he would do, if he woke up and you weren't beside him?"
I looked at him.
"Sorry that you had to hear that."
"Don't apologize. You'll be doing the same thing to me soon."
I covered my mouth and laughed.
"I'll see you later," he added.
I smiled and nodded.
"Oh, and, you better be dressed for breakfast," he added.
I laughed again, then opened the door.

Grant woke me up before he had to leave for work. He was on top of me and his tongue was in my mouth. Below the sheets, my legs were wide open, as he was angling his body. Grant noticed I was awake, when I opened my eyes and clinched my legs.
"Good morning," he said softly.
He dropped his head on the pillow and gave a muffled groan. One of my nails went from my side to his back. I bit my lip and closed my eyes, as Grant started moving faster. Both of his hands left my body and placed themselves palm down on the pillow above my head. He had a head start, so naturally he finished before I was ever close.

After he was finished, he kissed my mouth and rolled off me before I could say anything. Grant got out of bed and started picking up his clothes. He had his back to me, as he walked into the bathroom. I just lied there, unsatisfied and completely pissed off.

When he came out of the bathroom, shaved and dressed, I was lying stomach down on the bed. He saw me and sat down next to me. I rolled over onto my side and looked at him. He leaned down and kissed cheek again.
"I've got to go now, but I'll call you at work," he said.
Pause.
He winked at me and got off the bed, then left my bedroom. I heard him close the front door after a few seconds. I sat up and wrapped the thin sheet around myself and went to the bathroom.
After turning on the shower, I was about to drop the blanket, when there was a knocking on the front door. When I opened the front door, Clark was standing there, holding a big brown paper lunch bag, smoking.
Clark looked at me, then pulled the cigarette from his mouth, leaned forward and kissed my mouth.
We stood there for a few seconds, as his arms wrapped around me. I could feel his hands rubbing my butt over the sheet. I stopped him and looked around the hallway.
"Relax. Grant passed by already," he said.
"That's not what I'm worried about."
"No? What then?"
"Our neighbors. They talk, you know?"
He laughed.
"No, they don't."
Before I could say anything, he licked his mouth and kissed my lips again. We kissed for a few seconds, then he broke away from me.
"Hear anyone talking?"
I shook my head.
"See," he said.
I looked at him and smiled.
He dragged me into the living room, closing the door behind us. He put the brown paper bag on the coffee table, then sat on the couch, pulling me down with him. He leaned forward and put out his cigarette. We were kissing for a while, until I remembered the shower was still on. I broke away from him, got off the couch and went back to the bathroom.
I originally was going to turn off the water and go back to Clark, but I left the the bathroom door slightly open and took the sheet off. I dropped it on the floor and stepped into the bathtub, then pulled the curtain back.

I was running my hands through my hair, as the water was hitting me. My eyes opened, when I heard a little movement outside of the curtain and the toilet seat smack against the septic tank.
"Hope you don't mind. I couldn't hold it in."
"Are you sitting or standing?"
"Standing."
"OK, fine."
I relaxed. when he flushed the toilet and turned on the water faucet.
"Did you put the seat down?"
He turned off the faucet.
"Want to check for yourself?"
Before I could say anything, he pulled the curtain halfway back. I had my hands on the tile and had my head face down. I lifted up my head and found myself look at him, then at the toilet seat, which he put back down, then grabbed the curtain and pulled it back to the way it was.
"Next time, warn me when you're going to do that."
I turned to the shower caddy and took the shampoo. I opened it and applied a little to my hair, then lathered up my hair.
"Yum. Strawberries," he added.
"Are you still standing there?"
Pause.
"No.".
I laughed, while rinsing out the shampoo.
"Go make yourself useful. Pick out the clothes I'm going to wear or something."
"Ok."
I was finally finished rinsing out my hair, when I reached out and grabbed for the towel. I wiped my face and opened my eyes, then wrapped the towel around myself and got the other towel hanging there and wrapped my hair in it, before walking into my bedroom.
Clark was standing in front of my bed, facing it and looking at his two choices. Two things were laid out. One was a dark red knee-length dress and the matching knit sweater, while the other was my fitted suit with a long sleeve red shirt. Obviously, Clark likes red. He picked up the dress and handed it to me. I never wore the dress to work before, but I decided to try it out. Then, he sheepishly took the panty (red, of course) he had stolen from one of the drawers and stashed in his pocket and handed it over to me.
I took the clothes and went back into the bathroom to put it on.

I came back out wearing everything. Clark was sitting on the bed, smoking a cigarette, when he saw me. He quickly looked at his watch, then got up and went to the living room.
I followed him and was nearby, when he leaned down to the table and picked up the brown paper bag. He sat on the couch and put out his cigarette, then took out the two plastic containers, setting them on the table. He opened one container.
Inside was packed with a hash brown, sausage links and scrambled eggs.
He opened the other one.
It had just about the same thing, except, instead of scrambled eggs, there were pancakes.
"Which one do you want?"
"Pancakes."
"I thought so."
He pushed the pancakes my way, then took out the napkins and elastic utensils from the bag. He picked up the bag and dumped the extra on the table. I took the little jam packets and tore them open, then smeared them on the pancake.

We were finished eating, when he looked at his watch again. He got up and went into the bathroom.
I followed him there to see him look at the toothbrushes.
He picked between the two, turned on the faucet, wetted the toothbrush. then picked up the toothpaste, dabbed a little on and started brushing his teeth.
I came up to the sink, took the other toothbrush and did the same.
Both of us were brushing our teeth, when he looked at me and pulled the toothbrush out of his mouth. He looked at the toothbrush, then spit out the toothpaste, before turning the faucet back on and rinsing out his mouth.
"I used his toothbrush, didn't I?"
I nodded.
"That's not good, It's not in the plan."
He turned to the towel and wiped his mouth. I finished brushing my teeth and rinsed my mouth. He came up to me and gently wiped my mouth.
"Thank you, daddy," I joked.
"OK, now. I'm not that much older than you."
"But, you are older."
Pause.
"Better behave yourself. You know what I'm capable of doing."
"What are you going to do? Take me over your lap and spank me?"
A smile slowly spread over his face.
"Don't tempt me."
We were looking at each other, when I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek, then turned away.
"I've got to kick you out now, so I can go to work."
"Ok."
I looked at him.
"Want to meet at the studio?"
"Yes, OK," he said.

After work, I arrived at the studio and he opened the door. He was about to kiss my cheek, when I hurried over to the screen and started changing into the other clothes.

When I came from behind the screen, he was sitting on the couch, having a cigarette, when I walked over and sat down by him. He saw me and put his hand on my knee.
I looked at it and smiled.
"That's the best you can do?"
Clark got off the couch and went over to the ashtray, which was still on the table. He had his back to me, when I got off the couch and went over to the refrigerator. I was thirsty and opened it. Every drink alcoholic and non-alcoholic known to man was in there. Captain Morgan, Tequila, Corona, Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, every kind of bottled water, Jones soda, Arizona, etc. Clark wasn't kidding about it being well-stocked. There was barely any room for food. The only non-drink in there was a canister of instant whipped cream, which took up a small place on the bottom shelf squeezed between beer and wine coolers.
I was in the middle of deciding between a Cherry Coke and something that remotely resembled a fruit smoothie in a pitcher, when Clark surprised me by putting his arms around me. I ignored him, as I took out the cherry coke and unscrewed the top. I drank a tiny bit as he unzipped my dress and touched my back.
I closed the refrigerator door and walked back to the couch, then sat down. I leaned back, when he came over to me and knelt down in front of me. We were looking at each other, when he looked down and pulled up my dress, then put his hand on my thigh. I looked down and noticed he was still wearing his wedding band.
He took his hand off my thigh and ran it across my face. I put my hand over his and ran my finger over his ring, then took my hand off. He must have forgotten that he was still wearing it, when he took his hand off my face and looked at his hand. He took his ring off and set it down on the floor, then brushed my face again. He looked down and lifted up the dress a little higher and bent down. Clark was watching me, when he put his hand on the back of my knee and kissed my knee. I casually lifted up one side of my dress a little higher, which egged him on. He kissed the area above my knee, still looking. I leaned forward and kissed his forehead. He lifted up his head, licked his mouth and started kissing my lips.

We ended up kissing for quite some time. He was on top of me when the phone started ringing. He stopped kissing my mouth and looked at the phone. After catching his breath, he let go and picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey. Is 0livia there?"
"Yeah, hold on. Let me get her."
He looked at me and got up, then handed me the phone.
"Hello?", I said, after putting it to my ear.
"I miss you. Come home."
I looked at Clark, who was looking at me.
"Grant, I'll be home soon. I was right about to change."
Pause.
"All right. Don't take too long. Bye," he said.
I was still looking at Clark.
Bye, Grant."
Clark was about to reach for the phone, but I immediately slammed the phone down, then sat up. Clark watched me, as I got off the couch and went behind the screen, then started unzipping my dress. I had my dress completely unzipped, when I called out to him.
"Clark, I told him that we'll finish the painting at the end of the week. Couldn't you let him savor this final week with me, before we drop the bomb?"
Pause.
Clark peeked his head around the screen and smiled at me.
I smiled at him.
"Thank you."
He moved closer to me and kissed my cheek.
"By the way, it's almost finished. Sometimes, it comes home with me and I work on it over there."
He kissed me again, then left me alone to change.

I arrived home and Grant was on his cellular phone. He was sitting on the couch, nodding his head and laughing.
"Yeah, hold on. She's here," he said.
I was standing next to Grant, when he leaned up and kissed my cheek.
"Do you want to talk to her?"
Pause.
He held the phone up to my ear.
"Hello?"
"Hi. The ring's back on."
Pause.
"That's nice," I said.
"He doesn't even know what's going to hit him."
"I can't talk right now. Bye," I said, before pushing the phone back towards Grant.
He put it back to his ear.
"Yeah, I'm back."
Pause.
"No, I don't know."
I sat down.
Grant, after some time, turned off the phone. He set it on the table, then wrapped an arm around my waist and leaned againt me.
"What did he want?", I said.
"Oh, I called him up. because I was worried about you."
Pause.
"He invited us out for drinks tonight. Want to go?", he added.
Pause.
I nodded.
"Call him up and tell him we'll meet him there," I said.
"Alright.

Grant and I arrived at the bar. We were standing at the bar. We were standing in the doorway, when I immediately spotted him at a small table sketching on a napkin. I grabbed onto Grant's jacket and dragged him over to Clark.
When we were standing in front of him, he looked up and smiled at us. Grant took a chair from a nearby table and sat on it, while I took the unvacated one. All three of us were sitting down and exchanging looks, until Clark lifted up his hand and caught the attention of the bartender.
The bartender turned to the guy standing next to him and whispered something to him. The other guy nodded, then moved from behind the bar and walked over to us.
"Yes, what would you and the others like?", the guy said.
We looked at each other again.
"A single shot of rum and Coke," I said.
"And."
"A Guinness," Clark said.
"And."
Pause
"A Coke," Grant said.
Pause.
"Yes. Coming up," the guy said, looked at Grant, as the guy walked off and went back behind the counter.
Grant didn't notice and was looking at the napkin ClarK was drawing on. He picked it up and looked it over then set it back down.
"Good."
Clark put his hands on the table and turned the drawing his direction. I looked at it, after catching sight of his wedding band. He was sketching a woman and everything was there, excluding the face.
Looking at Clark, he was explaining to Grant what the so-called project he was thinking up, of what it was going to be.
I got up and slid my chair in.
Both of them looked at me, which elicited a response from me.
"I need to go to the bathroom."
"Oh," Grant said, before turning back to the drawing.
I walked away from them and headed to the bathroom.

After opening the door, I went over and turned on the faucet, then held my hands underneathe catching some water. I leaned down and started splashing my face.

I was in the middle of doing that, when I heard the door open. The person approached me and ran their hand down my nape, then started kissing my neck.
"Grant, not here."
I opened my eyes.
Clark was standing there.
"Why not?"
"I've got a reason for you. Grant's sitting by himself. Don't you think he might get suspicious something is going on?"
"You're right."
He took a piece of brown paper towel and handed it to me. He left me there, as I wiped my face.

I came back and the other two were enjoying their drinks. Mine was sitting untouched on a white napkin, until I sat down and silently took a sip.
Grant his glass down and looked at me.
"Hun, Clark just told me that he thinks you're very beautiful."
I set the shot glass down and started coughing, letting the liquor ooze down my cheek, but quickly regained my dignity, wiped my face and swallowed the remainder, before looking at them.
"Um, thank you, Clark."
Clark stopped drinking and set his glass down, not taking his eyes off his beer.
"Don't mention it."
I nodded, then picked up my shot glass and took another sip.
Pause.
"Clark wants my permission to paint another portrait of you. I was initially wary about it, but, just because you're going to be naked, it doesn't mean anything will happen."
I started coughing again and accidentally dropped the shot glass on the table. It landed on its side with all the liquor spilling out. I looked at Grant.
"Did you say what I thought you said?"
Grant nodded.
I looked down at my empty shot glass and waved my hand in the air to get the attention of the bartender. The other guy saw me and walked back over. I picked up my shot glass and held it up to him.
"I accidentally dropped my glass. Can you make it a triple shot?"
The guy nodded, took the shot glass and walked off. I took the napkins out of the dispenser and let them soak up the alcohol, then wadded them up, wiped off the extra moisture and at the ball aside.
Grant was still looking at me, then I turned and looked at Clark.
He was drinking his beer.
Clark turned to me and at his glass down.
"Hmmmmm."
Pause.
"We're all adults here. You don't need anyone's permission to do things."
"OK."
Long pause.
The guy came back with the shot glass and handed it to me.
I took it and drank a bit of it, before setting it down.
"By the my, Clark, how is Miranda?", I said.
"Great. Just great."
"Why didn't you bring her?", Grant said.
I looked at Clark.
He was staring at me.
Grant was looking at the table, when I looked at him.
"She couldn't make it."
"Why not?", I said.
Pause.
"Miranda is out of town on a business trip."
"Oh, you never told me what she does," I said.
Pause.
"She is a manager for a boutique."
"What kind of boutique?". I said.
Pause.
"Lingerie."
Grant looked up.
"Lingerie? The tasteful kind, or the trashy sort?", he said.
"Trashy."
"Oh, never mind, then," Grant said, sounding very disappointed.
Pause.
"Any other questions about her?"
"One more. Am I ever going to meet her?"
I looked at Grant then back at Clark.
Clark was looking at his beer.
"Actually, Grant, I've met her. She seems like a nice enough person," I said.
"She'll be back in town next week. You can meet her, then," Clark said.
"Alright."

The next day, Clark and I were in the studio, kissing on the on couch. He had his hand on my lap, when I looked down and put my hand over his. He was still wearing his wedding band. We were still wearing our work clothes. I took a hold of his finger and slid off his ring, then set it on the couch armrest. He smiled at me.
"Old habit. Oh, I finished the portrait last night."
Clark got off the couch and went to the covered easel up against the wall. He took off the cover, then brought the easel over and set it up in front of me. I looked at it and smiled.
"I like it."
He came up to the couch and sat down next to me, then leaned on my shoulder.
"You can thank me now."
I ran my hand through his hair.
"Thank you, Clark."
Pause.
He took his head off my shoulder, then looked at me.
"You can do better than that."
I leaned closer to him, pretending I was going to kiss him. He licked his mouth and was ready to kiss me. I pulled away and looked at him.
"That's it, you tease," he said.
Clark got off the couch again and pulled me up with him. He led me over to the bathroom and opened the door. A full tray of candles was on the toilet seat. plus some other candles were lit and placed around the room. He led me in, then closed the door behind me. I stood there, as he leaned over and checked if the water still warm, then turned off the running water.
I looked at him weird.
"You had enough time to do all this"', I said.
He shook his head.
"No. I called my friend up and had him arrange it."
We were facing each other, when he casually started taking off his clothes, while I stood there. He started with his tie, which he undid and dropped on the floor. He unbuttoned his shirt and let it fall onto the floor. He undid his belt and slacks, then dropped those on top of the pile. He was left in his boxers.
I kissed one of his shoulders, while running my hand down his chest, until it was over his belly button. Grant didn't have any hair on his chest like Clark did. He put his hand over mine, then took my hand off. He looked down and started unbuttoning my shirt, then slid it off me. He ran his hand down and unzipped my slacks. I was holding onto one of his shoulders, when I slid them down and took them off. I let go, then unhooked my bra and dropped it on the heap.
He quickly took off his boxers, then stepped into the tub and sat down, looking at me. I stepped into the bathtub, facing him. He put one hand on my thigh, as I got in and kneeled in front of him. I ran my hand through his brunette hair, before he licked his mouth, grabbed me and started passionately kissing me again.

We were sitting in the bathtub, with my back to him. I was leaning on him, while he had his arms around me. He brushed my hair back and kissed my neck. I found myself looking around the dimly lit bathroom for a clock. "I wonder what the time is."
Clark detached his lips from my neck.
"The phone hasn't started ringing, yet."
He started kissing my neck again.
"Let me go check the time, before it does."
He stopped again.
"Check later."
I tried getting up, but his arms tightened around me. He didn't want to let go of me, but finally did, after I pinched one arm. I got out 0f the bathtub, picked up his white shirt and put it on, then opened the door and walked into the studio. I looked around and noticed the time. Another fifteen minutes and the phone will start ringing.
I went back over to the bathroom. Clark was leaning over the bathtub edge, when he picked up his slacks and pulled out a cigarette from the box. He put it in his mouth, then picked up a nearby candle and lit it up. He smoked his cigarette. when I stood in the doorway, looking at him.
"I've got to be heading back."
He looked at me, as he set the candle back, then pulled the cigarette out of his mouth and blew out the smoke.
"Now? We've only had three rounds."
I didn't say anything, but took off his shirt, dropped it on the floor, picked up my clothes, then left him in the bathtub, when I went over to the mirror. I put my clothes back to the way they were and took my brush out of my purse, which was hanging on the hook, and brushed out the knots formed in my hair.
I took my purse and threw it onto my shoulder, then went over to the couch, then picked up his ring and walked over to the bathroom. I was standing in the doorway, when he put his still burning cigarette on the ashtray, while he sat there and blew out the smoke. I walked up to him and kneeled down near the tub. I leaned over and kissed his mouth. He took his free hand out of the water and rubbed one of my breasts over my shirt. I stopped his hand, then sat it on the bathtub edge, palm up. I rested my hand on top of his, leaving his wedding band on it, then stopped kissing him.
"Bye." I said.
"I'll see you later," he said, after setting the ring down on the bathtub edge and running his hand over my hair.
He wanted to kiss me again, but I got up and left him there.

I got home and Grant was on his cellular again. As soon as he saw me, he was excited.
"I got to go now. She's home."
I closed the front door. Grant moved near me, when I walked in and sat on the couch. He set the phone on the table and put his arms around me. "You know, I've been wondering something."
"Hmmmmm."
"Clark never described Miranda. Is she pretty?"
I nodded.
"What does she look like?"
"Well, she has long blonde hair, green eyes, tall, things like that." "What's she like, personality-wise?"
Pause.
"She's really, um, nice."
"Nice. Polite and quiet nice, or sweet nice?"
"The first one."
"Oh," he said, sounding disappointed.
Pause.
"Why are you so excited to meet her?"
"Curiousity."
Pause.
He playful my pinched my side.
I turned to him and quickly bit his ear, the got off the couch and went over to the kitchen. I opened the refrigerator and took out the Coke bottle. I went over to the cabinet and took out a glass, then poured myself a little. I drank some of it, then set everything on the counter.
I was nervous and thirsty. Somehow, the first thing was affecting the second. I looked at Grant but he wasn't paying attention and had turned on the television. It was probably a good thing he was always distracted, since he didn't need to know what was going on behind his back. I felt rather sorry for him, because I didn't want to hurt him.

Grant and I were lying in bed. He had his arms around me and was leaning his head on my shoulder.
"I admit I'm a little nervous about Clark painting a portrait of you without any clothes on."
"Why?"
"I mean, I've seen the way Calrk looks at you. It's obvious he's a little taken with you. At the bar, while you were gone, Clark kept asking me about the most intimate details that I would admit to," he added.
"For example."
"For example, what your skin felt like."
Pause.
"What did you tell him?"
"When I'm touching you, I feel like I'm home."
Pause.
Grant touched my face and gently kissed it.
"You're home to me," he whispered.
He smiled and kissed me again.
Long pause.
"Did he ask anything else?"
"He asked if we were madly in love."
"What a stupid question to ask. Of course, we are."
"I love you."
I looked at him and smiled.

Chapter Three, Untitled

Chapter Three

Grant and I were eating breakfast, when there was a knock on the door. We looked at each other, when he got off the couch, then looked out the keyhole and opened the door.
Clark was standing there, smoking a cigarette.
I looked at Clark from the couch.
He was looking at me.
"Do you want to work on the portrait today?"
I looked at Grant.
Grant was looking at me.
I nodded, then Grant turned to Clark.
Pause.
Clark looked at Grant and took his cigarette from his mouth.
"Let me give you the address," he said.
Clark took a little notepad out of his pocket, took a pen from the same pocket, then wrote down the address and ripped it out, before handing it to Grant.
Pause.
"I'll see you later," Clark mouthed to me, as Grant was distracted by reading the address.
Grant looked up, as Clark put the cigarette back in his mouth and left the doorway. Grant closed the door, then turned to me. He walked back to the couch, then sat down.
"What time do you have to be there?"
"I'm not sure. Anytime in the afternoon."
"Alright."

Grant and I arrived at the studio. I rang the doorbell and opened the door.
He was standing there and let us both in.
I walked behind Grant and shot Clark a look.
He saw me catch him glaring at the back of Grant's head and stopped.
"Go change. Everything's already set up," he said.
I walked over behind the screen and changed. While changing, I listened to their whispering. There were laughs and other signals of comradeship.

I finally finished hanging and looked at my reflection. Transformed, I stepped from behind the screen. Both of them were talking, when I saw them. Clark shot me a look, then turned back to Grant, then turned back to me. Grant stopped mid-sentence, then turned and looked at me. Clark got up and went to his stool. Grant watched as I arranged myself into the pose Clark put me in the day before, pulling up my skirt. Grant had a somewhat puzzled look on his face. He didn't say anything, so I didn't know what he was thinking, when he kept looking at Clark.

Another couple of hours passed before Clark stopped and put his brush down. Grant was sitting on the bench drinking out of a water bottle. He looked at Clark again, then got up and motioned for me to move. I sat up and he sat next to me. He possessively put his arms around me and kissed my cheek. Grant put his hand under my chin and made me look at him before kissing my mouth. I felt a bit uneasy, as Grant moved his mouth down and started kissing my neck. I looked at Clark, as he was cleaning his brushes. He set the last one down, then looked at us. He didn't say anything and turned away.
"I don't think here's the right place," I said, stopping Grant.
Grant stopped for a second, then shot a look at Clark, who was walking over to the refrigerator.
"Clark doesn't care."
Grant went back to kissing my neck. I was looking at Clark, who opened the refrigerator and took out a Coke bottle. He closed the door, took off the cap, then started drinking. He turned towards us and leaned against the refrigerator, watching us, I swallowed the lump in my throat, then closed my eyes, as Grant started kissing my mouth. His hand gravitated to my legs and he put his hand on my thigh, squeezing it. My eyes shot open. I stopped him, then pushed him away, got off the couch and rushed behind the screen.

I finished changing and stepped from behind the screen. Grant looked confused, while C1arkk was still calmly drinking out of the Coke bottle.
"What happened?", Grant said.
I walked over to the couch and leaned close to Grant, rubbing my knee against his. I could feel Clark staring at us.
"I had to change. Take me home."
A mischievous grin came over his face, as he shot out of the couch and put his arms around me.

Grant and I were lying in bed. His arms were around me and he had his face buried in the hollow of my neck. He lifted his head and kissed my mouth, then rested his head on the pillow looking at me. I was staring off in the direction of the bathroom.
"What's wrong?"
I turned to Grant.
"Oh, nothing."
Pause.
"I can see right through you."
I hesitated, but looked at him.
"Maybe I'm just making a big deal out of nothing," I said.
Pause.
"Why? What's the matter?"
"Don't you think we should fix Clark up with someone?"
Pause.
"He's already with someone," he said.
"Really?"
Pause.
"What's her name?", I added,
"He said her name was Miranda. Didn't you notice he wears a wedding ring?"
Pause.
"So, he's not that lonely, then," I said.
Grant looked at me and kissed my cheek.
"There's nothing to worry about."
I looked at him and asked a smile.

I woke up to sunlight streaming into the bedroom. Grant was gone, as I looked at the clock, It was 7 am. I got up and wrapped the sheet around myself. I walked into the living room and was about to go over to the refrigerator, when there was a knock on the door.
I went and answered the door.
Clark was standing there, smoking.
"Hi."
He looked me over and was about to say something, when he quickly looked around the hallway. He pulled the cigarette from his mouth, then leaned over and kissed my mouth. I pulled away, blew out the smoke and looked at him.
"It's tradition to kiss any woman who wears a bedsheet to answer the door," he said.
I looked around the hallway, then looked back at him.
"You know, if the sun hits it just right, that bedsheet can become transparent," he continued, loud enough for me to hear.
He was eyeing the sheet, before he bothered to notice that I was staring at him. He looked at me, then back at the sheet with a smile on his face.
"I was going to invite you for breakfast, but I see you're not dressed, yet. Need help?", he added.
Long pause.
"I can do it on my own, you jerk."
I had my back to him and was about to walk off, when he stepped in and closed the door behind himself. I stopped and shot him a look.
He was watching me, which made me a little self-conscious. I turned away and walked off.

We were sitting at the diner, eating breakfast. He set his coffee mug down and his french toast was still in front of him, which he looked down at. He looked at my pancakes and scooted it his direction.
I looked up from cutting and eating a piece of pancake.
He looked at the bear shaped honey bottle on the table and was about to pick it up. I watched him, as he he picked up his knife and started carving into my pancakes.
After he was finished, he put the knife down and pushed the plate back in front of me.
"I want you to see something."
He motioned downwards and I looked down.
He had carved a heart and our initials on my pancake.
Pause.
I looked at him and remained silent, then put my utensils down, got out of my seat and left him there.

I was outside, when he grabbed my arm.
"Just tell me the look in your eyes yesterday didn't mean anything then I'll leave."
I swung around.
He didn't let go of my arm and was looking at me without blinking.
"What are you talking about?", I said.
"Yesterday, at the studio. He was trying to kiss you, but you kept your eyes on me."
"That meant nothing. Making out with would have made you uncomfortable."
"What does it matter how I feel, when you're in love with him? You're in love with him, right?"
I looked at him, then broke out of his grasp and turned away, taking a few steps away from him.
You think you know all the answers. What do you think?"
I looked around the street.
Everyone walking by was ignoring us.
He moved closer.
"I can't continue talking to you like a cheeseball with you over there. Come back here," he said.
I turned towards him and we were looking at each other, when he grabbed me and kissed my mouth again. I broke away and started to walk off again. I stopped after a few steps, then turned back.
"I already have someone, remember?"
"But, does he have you?", he said.
We looked at each other, then I turned away and walked off.

It was lunchtime, when I was sitting at my office desk. I was admiring the roses from the day before and had my lunchbag's contents laid out on my desk. A plastic container of spaghetti and meatballs and a thermos of tea.
I opened the container and dug my fork into the spaghetti. I took a bite into it, then left the utensil in the container. I picked up the phone and put it to my ear, then dialed Grant's work phone number.
His secretary picked up.
"Hello. Grant Kalow's office."
"Hi, Nancy. Is Grant available?"
"Hold on. Let me go get him."
I waited until he picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Grant. I'll be coming by later than we planned. My neighbor wants to work on my portrait again tonight and I promised him that I'd be there."
"Again? I planned to take you out to dinner tonight."
"I guess, you're going to have to call and change the reservations."
"I could, but I want to be selfish. I want you all to myself all night tonight."
Pause.
"I'm not going to be at the studio for more than a couple hours."
Pause.
"Alright."
Pause.
"I'll let You go, then. Bye," he said.
"Bye, Grant."
"Bye," he whispered, then hung up.
Pause.
I hung up the phone and went back to eating.

I arrived at the studio after work. Clark opened the door still dressed in his work clothes. He had just arrived himself. Nothing was set up, as he stood there undoing his tie. I walked into the room and he closed the door behind me. I walked over to the screen and went behind it.

I finished dressing and stepped from behind the screen. He had his back to me. He was smoking a cigarette and facing an open freezer door, rubbing an ice cube over his face and neck. I decided I wanted to play and walked up behind him, with the cube on his nape, and put my hand over his. He stopped and let go of the ice cube. I caught it and walked off, rubbing it over my neck. I walked over to the couch and sucked on it, while he was watching me.
I took the ice cube out of my mouth, then slid the straps of my dress down and rubbed the front of my neck and my shoulders with the ice cube. Clark took the cigarette from his mouth and licked his lips. He put his cigarette back in his mouth, then noticed he hadn't set up. He took the easel that was sitting next to the wall and it up near the couch. His paints were on top of the refrigerator, which he
took and set on the table.
I was letting the ice cube drip onto the floor, while he was sitting on his stool, watching and waiting.
"Ready?"
I nodded, then looked at him.
"Where can I get rid of this?"
"I'll take it."
Clark put his cigarette out on the ashtray, got off his stool and approached me. He reached down and tried to get the ice cube out of my hand. I kept moving my hand so it would be out of his reach. I couldn't stop laughing, until he leaned closer and I rolled over onto my back and held the ice cube on the other side of the couch. He was about to reach for it, but looked at me and leaned down, then started kissing my mouth. Clark sat on the couch and continued kissing me. I was going to push him away, but (to my surprise) relaxed, as he reached for the ice cube. He stopped kissing me and walked off with the ice cube, while I went onto my side, watching him. He moved over to one of the open windows and tossed the ice cube out, then walked back over to his stool and sat down.
"Now, if you behaved yourself, I wouldn't have had to use force," he continued, before dipping a dry brush into a container of water on the table.
"Really. though, with all that flirting you do, I'm surprised you haven't let me do everything I want to do to you already."
Clark looked at me and smiled.
"Stop resisting me," he added.
Pause.
"And, you're not convincing me you still love him," he added.
"How can I convince you, when you keep kissing me?"
He turned to the easel and started painting.
"Admit it. If he was satisfying you completely, you wouldn't need me in your life."
I sat up and crossed my arms. He looked at me and raised an eyebrow.
"What's the matter, darling?"
"You're going to have to," I said, before uncrossing my arms and getting off the couch. "Find another woman to paint. Besides, Grant told me...." I trailed off.
I looked at his hands.
He was wearing his wedding band.
I found myself standing there, staring at it.
"You're wearing your ring."
"Well, if You must know. I'm only wearing it, until you dump him. After all, it's not fair if you're taken and I'm not."
"How'd you get your ring back?"
"During one of my night walks."
We were looking at each other, then I turned away and walked over to the screen, stepping behind it.

I had my dress unzipped and sliding it off, when he came over to the screen and stepped behind it, behind me.
"Do you need help taking that off?"
I swung around.
He looked me over.
"Make up your mind. Do you want to dress or undress me?"
"Don't play coy. You know the answer to that question."
I turned away from him and stood there, trying to wipe the smile off my face. Neither one of us said anything. While I pretended to ignore him and continued sliding my dress off, one of his hands attached itself to my nape.
My dress was completely off and I was in my underwear, when his hand finally left my nape and touched the side of my garter belt.
I closed my eyes and shook my head.
Clark's hand moved down to the top of one stocking. I tried to remain calm. He took one of the straps and snapped it.
I opened my eyes and turned to him, He grabbed me, licked his mouth and kissed me. When he stopped kissing me, we were looking at each other.
A smile came over his mouth.
"Just remember this. I always get my way."
I was about to make a comment, but he stepped away and left me alone behind the screen.

I was finished changing back, when I stepped from behind the screen. He was sitting on the couch smoking a cigarette. He was leaning back and looking up at the ceiling, blowing smoke rings into the air.
"I'm leaving now," I said.
He took the cigarette out of his mouth and looked at me.
"I'll see you later," he said.
I waved to him and walked over to the door, opening it, then took a final look at him. He put the cigarette back in his mouth and watched me.
I turned away and left the doorway.

I drove up to the parking space and parked the car. I could see his apartment from where I was.
After walking up the stairs, I reached the top step and stood in front of the open front door, so he was obviously waiting for me.
Grant came to the door, happy to see me. He threw his arms around me and kissed my mouth, then led me inside. He closed the door behind us and led me to the couch.
We both sat on the couch, with his arms tightly around me. He was covering me with kisses. When I set my purse down on the couch and looked at the clock.
I had only been at the studio for half an hour.
"I haven't had a chance to change. I'm still wearing my work clothes."
Grant let go and looked me over.
"That's all right. I'm sure something of yours is around here somewhere in one of the closets."
Grant took me by the hand and led me to the bedroom. His closet was open, when he let go of my hand. He stood there, as I searched through his clothes. My green sleveless dress was in-between two of his white shirts. I took it out, then walked over to his bed, then set it down and started unbuttoning my cream colored blouse.

I had my blouse undone and laid it down on the bed. I unbuttoned my slacks and dropped them on the floor. I was left in my underwear when I picked up the dress and put it on. After going to his bathroom, flicking on the light and walking in, I turned on the faucet and washed all traces of make-up off my face. He had a hairbrush in the top drawer, when I opened it. I took out all the pins in my hair and put them in a little box he kept there stashed with some of my hair ornaments. I used his brush and smoothed out my hair, then took a jeweled barrette and put it in my hair.

I walked out of the bathroom, back into the bedroom. I left him in the doorway, then went over to his shoe rack in the closet near the front door. A pair of my heels were left there, after I went home in a pair of his oversized borrowed sandals.
I took my own shoes off and put them on.
I went over to the couch, sat down, picked up my purse and opened it. I took out my lipstick and a mirror and applied my lipstick. I was finished with my top lip, when I noticed his reflection in my hand mirror. I didn't react and continued to apply my lipstick.
I finally finish putting on my lipstick and put it back in my purse. I put my purse back on my shoulder and looked at him, standing up.
"I'm ready."
He looked at me and smiled.

We didn't leave immediately, but after we arrived at the restaurant, we were standing at the front desk and very hungry. A hostess came up to us and showed us to our seats. We were given our menus and left by ourselves in the corner. We sat next to each other, whispering. From where we were, we could see everyone else in the restaurant I looked out and saw all the different groups of people.

One particular woman was sitting at a table with a man. Both of them had light blonde hair and were tightly intertwined together. He was talking and she was laughing at the things he said, although I couldn't decipher their moving lips. Her hair was done up with a few loose tendrils. She was wearing a necklace that glittered in the candlelight and a black dress with a deep plunging neckline. Her make-up was heavily done up, especially around the eyes, which were lined in Cleopatra's method. The man wore glasses and a three-piece suit and kept giving her quick kisses on the cheek.
The man said something and the woman responded with laughter, then looked over her shoulder. She seemed vaguely familiar, until I realized I found myself staring at Miranda. And, the man, I assumed, was the one she left Clark for.
The man put his left hand on the table and I could see Miranda had traded her husband for another.

When Grant took me home, I put my key in the door. Grant was leaning against me, kissing my neck, with his arms tightly wound about my waist. I got the door open and walked in, with Grant tagging along. He left me alone long enough to turn on the light, but ended up dragging me over to the couch, as soon as the door was closed. We were kissing passionately, but my head wasn't all there. All I could think of was Clark. Him and I had something in common. We both came to live in this city because passion led us to people who were already there.
As Grant and I kissed, I realised a wall separated me from my future.