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The Lonely Salesman Chapter Three Part Two
Date: 3/1/2024, Categories: Love Stories, Author: JdRobbins
At seven thirty-five, much to my surprise, Connie came in. She smiled broadly and said, "Marsha, let me leave a half-hour early." "That's great. Let me grab my stuff, and we'll get out of here," I said. Ken had just finished with his big sale, and Connie and I waited until the customer left to talk to Ken. "You're opening in the morning, right, Ken?" I asked. Ken replied. "Yep, take your time coming in, Phil. I'll see you whenever." Starting the following day, the mall would be open an extra hour in the evening for the rest of the holiday season, so Ken and I adjusted the schedule. I said, "I should be here by one or one-thirty tomorrow, Ken." "No problem," he replied. As Connie and I left, I offered her my elbow, and she happily slipped her arm through mine as we strolled across the crowded mall toward the exit. She asked, "So, where are you taking me tonight that I need to change into warm slacks?" "Sweetheart, it's still a surprise," I answered. She stopped and turned to me. "I love it when you call me sweetheart, and I love your surprises." I smiled at her, happy with the knowledge that she liked the term of endearment I’d used for her. As we walked toward Connie's car, she snuggled close to me to ward off the brisk air of this early December night. She slipped behind the wheel of her car and started the engine. I leaned down and kissed her softly, caressing her cheek. I suggested, "Wear some warm slacks, sweetheart, okay." She ...
... smiled and said, "Are we going to be outside?" "It's a surprise. I'll follow you to your place, okay," I replied. Traffic was quite heavy on the second Friday after Thanksgiving, and it took us twenty minutes to get out of the parking lot. As we made our way along Rt. 12 toward Wynnwood Apartments, I tried to think of the best way to tell Connie exactly how I felt about our relationship. I wanted her to understand that I hoped our relationship would grow beyond the obvious lust we have for one another without feeling pressured into letting it advance beyond where it was. Connie's car was parked in her assigned space outside her apartment when I pulled into the lot. I parked a few spaces away and shut off the engine. I walked to the entrance and rang her bell. The entry door buzzed; I pulled the door open and stepped inside. Two older women greeted me as I entered the lobby. They were busy decorating the potted trees in the lobby with Christmas lights. Both of them glanced toward me as I came through the lobby door. "Evening, Ladies, getting ready for Christmas?" I said. The younger of the two smiled at me and said,” Yes, we do this every year.” “Who are you here to see?” She asked. "Connie in R-23," I responded. "She just got in from work. And from the look on her face, she's looking forward to your visit too." The woman offered. "We're going out," I said as I walked past them to the elevator. "Where are you going?" She asked. I put one finger to ...