Chapter 3: Friday, May 3, 2024

“TGIF,” said Eve as she put her coffee mug in the sink. “It’s been a hell of a week.”

Will refrained from giving his wife grief about the long week likely being due to her overindulgence at the dinner Wednesday night. Instead, he said, “Want to go out for dinner and movie after work?”

“Sure, but it may be close to seven before I get home. Tonight is inventory.”

“Damn, that comes up at the worst times,” Will lamented. Eve worked at a doctor’s office and on the first Friday of the month they inventoried all of their medical supplies so they could place an order on Monday. They did a good job of recording what was used in the computer but the doctor insisted they put eyes on the product to verify the count in the computer.

“It’s supposed to be a slow afternoon. I’ll see if we can get started early and hopefully get out on time. No promises, though.”

“It’s a deal. Call when you are headed home.”

With that, Will kissed Eve and headed to his home office while she turned toward the garage.

As soon as Will got his computer turned on an alert popped up indicating a meeting was about to start. He looked at his inbox and saw that the meeting was scheduled just thirty minutes ago. “Oh, shit, this is it,” he thought as he clicked to join the meeting.

“Will, glad you got the invite and could make it to the meeting,” said Marci as soon as the sound and video connected.

“Yeah, just got online, but I’m here. What’s up?”

“Rumor has it that layoffs are coming on Monday. Some are saying it could be as bad as 20%, while others are offering a more conservative cut of 10% or less. Either way, I can’t imagine a scenario where every team does not lose someone.”

Will had been through this too many times to count in his career. He just nodded his understanding. The meeting chime beeped and Eric joined the call.

“Hi Eric,” said Marci. “Just getting Will up to speed on the layoff rumors.”

Eric said to Will, “Marci and I compared notes a few minutes ago and while we are hearing different specifics, it seems definite that there will be action on Monday.”

Marci took the lead, “And that’s why we’re talking. I got a call from a friend who works upstairs.” She used air quotes for the colloquial term “works upstairs” to mean a member of upper management. “I hear that we are going to sell-off Andrew’s division next quarter. If so, I want to call an audible and bury our association with his group in the doc we wrote and emphasize our strong numbers with Carolyn’s team.”

Will and Eric considered what Marci said and then slowly nodded their heads in agreement.

“Makes sense to me,” said Eric.

“Me, too,” added Will.

“That was easy,” said Marci. “I’ve already made the changes and have the update in a new file. I’ll send it to you for one last review, but we should be good.”

“Yeah, that was easy, almost too easy” Eric said. “I hope Monday’s meetings are just as easy.” He reached to click off the call.

“Not so fast,” said Marci before Eric could disconnect. “Today is the third. Did you both tug one out the past two days?”

Eric neither answered, nor gave anything away with his facial expression. He simply disappeared from the video without a reply.

“Party pooper,” said Marci. “How about you?” she said as she looked into her camera.

Will hesitated for a second, then decided to play along.

“Actually, I did, but haven’t had time yet today.”

Marci’s laugh was loud and boisterous.

“Perfect! And that’s by hand, right? It only counts if it is by hand, no blowjobs or sex.”

Will grinned. “All by my own hand.”

Before Marci can reply Will added, “And what about you? I better hear you are up-to-date after starting this pledge.”

Marci grinned widely. “Of course, though my husband helped yesterday. It was by his hand, but still by hand. And, in fact, I’m diddling myself right now hearing about your exploits. I better hang up or you may hear more than you bargained for.”

Will’s eyes widened as she laughed again. “Until our next meeting, bye!”

He realized hearing that Marci was playing with herself got him hard. He unzipped his pants and tugged one out to run his streak to three days.