Boy Zone
As soon as Stephanie opened the closet door, she threw up.
Maybe it was the sight of the pile of men's t-shirts, pants, underwear and socks. Maybe it was the faint scent of aftershave and cheap department store cologne. Maybe it was the pressure she has been under. Maybe it was the guilt. Maybe it was the shame. Maybe it was the stress. Maybe she simply didn't want to believe what she saw. She'd felt the need to turn away from the man's intense gaze. She'd felt the need to do something, anything, to distract his attention. Lol and behold. What a surprise. She'd been sharing her life with Joe Morelli. As a couple. Soon to be married. A cold shiver ran down her spine. Her face burned. Her breath caught.
Oh, Stephanie, how far you have fallen.
She opened her mouth and puked out her lunch. The world went black. Her knees gave in. She crumbled to the floor. And when she finally opened her eyes, she was in the narrow queen size bed and the tall dark man had already cleaned up the mess. She looked up at him. She didn't know what to say. Were they friends? Why was he here? What did he want from her? What could she possibly give him? She was going to burn all the clothes and stuff in the closet. And in the drawers. He handed her a cup of steaming coffee. She suddenly realized she was wearing his sleek black shirt and his perfect muscled chest was smooth and bare. Ah, those abs...Her eyes glazed over. The realization hit like a rock. She let out a groan.
Oh God. We have slept together.
"Babe," The man softly laughed.
Then the knocks came. And she pulled the blanket over her head.
Somewhere out there inside the old 3-story brick building, the radio keeps singing The Unchained Melody. She inhales the sweet alluring scent on the pillow. Joe Morelli's rage explodes. Today, alas, is not his lucky day.