Steph In The Right Direction
Prologue
The plan came to Stephanie exactly one week, 13 hours and 27 minutes after the 'Slayer Incident', as the newspapers had been calling it. It was at that exact moment when she decided she needed a change and not just any change would do. Only something monumental, something outrageous, something orgasmic would suffice.
After she decided what she needed to do, the next step was deciding exactly how she was going to make it happen. She reached into her nightstand and grabbed a pen and a pad of paper. Her hands could barely keep up with the thoughts of her mind. She scribbled furiously as she tried to make the numbers work. Once she had a rough estimate of a timeline, she quickly moved on to a 'To-Do' list. It contained everything from finding a hotel to picking out a new apartment. Two hours after she began with the notes Stephanie looked over her work then said aloud to the empty room, "With any luck, this just might work."
She tossed the pad of paper to the floor beside her bed, flicked off the lamp then fell asleep for the first time in a week with a smile on her face.
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The next morning Stephanie rose from bed at 7:00am feeling more refreshed than she had ever felt. After a quick shower and even quicker breakfast she nearly skipped out the front door of her apartment.
Connie and Lula were still getting settled in for the morning, when she came bouncing through the door of the office. Both women looked at the nearly giggly brunette then back to one another. Finally curiosity got the better of them and quickly asked Stephanie the reason for her good mood.
Steph crossed her arms across her chest and took a seat on the lump, old sofa. "No I didn't get laid. But I did come to some conclusions. I need a change ladies, and this is what I'm going to do."
Stephanie explained every detail of her plan to Lula and Connie while they listened eagerly. When she was finished both women offered her praise for the plan along with some advice as well. Stephanie thanked them both for being such good friends and for understanding then retreated out the door to head to her parents house.
Unlike Connie and Lula, Steph's family wasn't as understanding at first. But after explaining to them why she needed to take such drastic measures they ultimately gave her their blessings.
The next stop on the list was Mary Lou's house. The moment she pulled in front of the house she spotted Mary Lou outside watching the boys play in the yard. Stephanie took a seat next to Mary Lou on the steps then told her the same story she had already explained twice that morning. Mary Lou nodded and listened as Stephanie talked. Occasionally she gave Steph a reassuring pat on the knee and when it was all said and done she gave her the biggest hug they had shared since Mary Lou's last son had been born.
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Over the next month Stephanie was busy working on the details of her plans. By her own calculations she would need close to $6,000 to accomplish everything on her list. She was taking all the FTA's Connie offered her, as well as working as many distraction jobs that Ranger would throw her way.
She refigured the money in her savings account and was slightly disappointed at the figure. $4,376.41. It was close, but it just wasn't enough. She had hoped to save enough by now, but then she shrugged off the disappointment and convinced herself that should could wait a couple more weeks.
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The following morning at the office she was busy complaining to Connie and Lula about how long it was taking her to save the money when Ranger sauntered in.
"Ladies." He said with a nod of his head then dropped the body receipt for two FTA's on Connie's desk. As he waited for her to write out his check, he glanced to Steph on the couch then said, "Can I see you outside?"
She rose from the couch wordlessly as Connie handed Ranger the check. He held the door open for her then as she passed through he placed his hand on the small of her back. He guided her body to the side of the building and in one quick motion he had her pinned against the wall.
"What's up Ranger?"
He didn't answer her with words. Instead he moved his left knee forward, parting her legs. His right arm reached around her waist as he balanced his weight against his left arm which was placed just above Stephanie's shoulder against the wall. He pulled her to his body and in one smooth move his tongue slid to her mouth. She gave him immediate access as a moan slipped past his lips. When he breathlessly pulled away from her she met his fiery gaze. His eyes were dark and hot but revealed nothing.
When she was able to speak she questioned him. "Why did you do that?"
He took a step away from her then flashed her his biggest wolf grin. "Because I could."
He walked back to the car looking more cocky than she ever remembered seeing him and just as he was about to open the door she yelled out to him. "Hey Ranger."
"Yeah babe?"
"Enjoy it while you can."
And before he could ask questions of his own she disappeared back inside the office.
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The very next morning Stephanie was roused from her dream-filled sleep by the ringing of the phone.
"Hello?"
"Morning Steph, it's Connie. Sorry I woke you but a new FTA just came in. It'll be worth $3,000 if you can catch him. Thought you might want to get started on it."
"$3,000? That sounds like a tough one, can I handle it?"
"I have no doubt. When you get here I'll give you the details."
"Ok. Be there in 15."
Stephanie raced around the apartment thanking God that her prayers may have been answered. If she could just manage to get this one last FTA she would be all set. She really needed that money.
She nearly ran into the office from the parking lot but as soon as she opened the door she knew something was going on. Connie and Lula stared at her with the undeniable look of guilt upon their faces.
"What's going on?" Steph frowned as she asked.
"What makes you think something's wrong?" answered Lula.
"Because you two look like the cat that ate the canary. Now tell me what's going on."
Connie and Lula gave each other a quick glance then they both started laughing. "Sorry Steph, but there is no FTA this morning."
"What!? You dragged me from bed for nothing?"
"Now girl calm yourself down. There ain't no FTA, but we didn't drag you down here for nothing. Go ahead Connie, give it to her." Lula chuckled.
Connie rose from her chair and walked around towards Stephanie with an envelope in her hand. She didn't explain as she handed it to Steph.
"Just look at it girl." Lula yelled as she watched Steph frown at the envelope.
Stephanie tore it open and peered inside. As soon as her eyes focused on what it was, she nearly tumbled backwards from shock.
"What? I don't understand, you said there wasn't an FTA."
Connie laughed and shrugged her shoulders as she explained, "There isn't an FTA."
"Then where did this come from." Steph asked as she waved the $3,000 check at the women.
Connie smiled. "Well, we've seen how hard you've been working lately so we decided to help you out some. We know how important this is to you and you deserve it."
Stephanie was in awe. "I really appreciate this, but it's way too much money for the both of you."
"Don't be stupid Steph, besides it's not just from us. We weren't suppose to tell you but I just don't think it's fair if he doesn't get some of the credit."
"Who are you talking about Connie?"
"Believe it or not, I'm talking about Vinnie. $2,000 of that is from that cheap bastard. He overheard Lula and I talking about wanting to help you out, then next thing I know he's telling me to cut you a check for $2,000. I asked him what it was for, and he said for 'services rendered'. We couldn't believe it. That little pond scum has a heart after all."
Stephanie staggered forward as she went to hug both the women. "I just can't believe this. I don't know what to say?"
"Come on silly white girl, just say thank you then get going."
Stephanie literally jumped in the air and squealed thank you to Connie and Lula. After the three of them hopped around in a circle of joy Steph broke free from them and nearly ran through Vinnie's door. She grabbed the crusty little man around the neck and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. He tried to act upset, but just as she was turning out the door he said, "Steph, this cancels out the duck threats right?"
Stephanie beamed back at him, "What duck Vinnie?"
After one last celebratory lap around the office Stephanie made her way to the door.
Connie spoke up just as she was leaving. "Hey Steph, be careful, we're going to miss you girl."
Stephanie tried not to shed tears as she turned back and said, "Don't worry ladies, everything is going to be better than ever now. See you two in three months!"
Steph grabbed the door handle and flung it open before rushing out onto the sidewalk. She was in such a hurry she didn't even notice Ranger as she ran right past him.
He walked into the office and asked in a hurried tone, "What's wrong with Stephanie?"
Connie and Lula both grinned then one of the responded, "Nothing's wrong. She's just on her way out of town."
"She's leaving?"
"Yup, that skinny white girl has done gone and decided to get a life, don't Batman feel stupid now?" smirked Lula.
To Be Continued…
