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The Lonely Salesman. Chapter Two Part Two
Date: 2/15/2024, Categories: Love Stories, Author: JdRobbins
... vase Marsha placed it in before she set it on the sales counter. Every time I looked at it, my heart skipped a beat. I could hardly wait till my six o'clock break to walk to Andover and thank Philly for such an incredible gift. About a quarter of six, Marsha suggested that I take my break a little early since I had someone I wanted to see. I said, "Does it show that much, Marsha?" She grinned and said, "You've been watching the clock for the last few hours. Yes, hun, it shows big time, and it looks good on you. See you at seven, Connie." I bolted for Andover and my new romantic man. I'd have an hour and fifteen minutes to thank him for the beautiful rose and card he'd given me. As I rounded the corner of the display window, only his assistant, Ken, was in the front of the store. Ken smiled as I walked in and said, “Hiya, Connie, what can I do for you today.” I asked him, “Is Philly here?” Ken hesitated momentarily and said, "No, hun, he took a short walk a few minutes ago." “Do you know which way he went?” I asked Ken. "Check over near center court," Ken suggested. I thanked Ken and headed toward the center of the mall. As I approached Center Court, I saw Philly. He was standing near the main exit from the mall and was talking to a woman. She was relatively mature but stunning. I stopped to watch them before I dared approach. She kept reaching out and touching Philly. They were enjoying each other's company, and at one point, he hugged her ...
... tightly, and she kissed him on the cheek. I was devastated. He had another woman in his life. All kinds of ideas raced through my mind. Was she his secret lover? Was he cheating on her with me the night before? Was I setting myself up for a massive letdown with Philly? I had to know; I had to confront them. I slowly walked toward them. As I did, they hugged again, and Philly kissed her softly. I almost stopped and turned away when Philly saw me. He smiled broadly and called to me, "Connie, you found us!" I sure as hell did find them, and I was jealous as hell. This older woman, this mature tart, would ruin my new romance with Philly, and I wanted to lash out at her like a cornered wild cat. As I approached, she put her hand on his arm and smiled broadly at me. She was going to play with me. I almost turned and ran away when Philly said, "Connie, I'd like you to meet my mom." My ears rang with the words “my mom.” Relief flushed over me. I smiled weakly at them as she extended her hand toward me. "Connie, this is my mom, Phyllis." He said, "Mom, I'd like you to meet Connie." Phyllis smiled again and shook my limp hand. I managed to say, "It's nice to meet you." Phyllis said, "Phil has been telling me all about you, Connie. You're all he's talked about for the last half hour, honey." My smile broadened as Philly put his arm around my waist. His touch warmed me, and I instantly warmed up to this woman that I was thinking of clawing her eyes just a moment ...