Chapter 15

As she pulled into the driveway, Monica quietly talked herself back to reality. She loved Greg, and more than once he had shown himself to be a man she could love forever. For all his flaws, Greg had been kind and caring, and on occasion he had rolled over and held her in the deep of night and told her that he loved her. Cole was a temptation, but she also knew him as a man not above child abuse or using force to get into her pants. Given all that, she was stymied by her desire to turn around and give herself over to Cole. The damn man was like a drug and she was hooked in a way that calm, rational thought did nothing to stop.

She hated herself, but such self-loathing didn’t do anything to help her with the present. Right now she had to figure out what to make Greg for dinner. She didn’t mind that, but the thought of pretending nothing had happened that long day at Mrs. Flynn’s would be difficult. Her ass ached, her pussy stretched out and complaining, and her mind a complete mess.

She climbed out of the car, grabbing the Life magazines but leaving the cleaning materials. That’s when Greg stepped out of the side door to give a short wave, saying something about having made his mother’s recipe for Bolognese sauce. He wasn’t smiling, not like Cole would, but he was wearing an apron which was never a bad sign. Guilt filled her, shame as well, and Monica had to again reassess herself. If she did leave Greg, it might be because of her not feeling worthy of the man. For all his faults, he often showed himself to be as unique and special as maddening and self-absorbed.

Her prayers were answered when Greg told Monica that dinner would take another half hour and that she had plenty of time to wash up and relax. While in the shower, Monica was ashamed to find herself worrying about Greg possibly needing a little physical attention after dinner. She was exhausted and literally had her fill of men, in all her holes and all across her body. She pushed her need for sleep to the side, resolving to give Greg anything he wanted, even if his lusts lasted beyond the midnight hour.

Fine, but with double the aspirin and a large glass of wine. Then she could see to Greg.

Dinner was amazing, and exactly what Monica needed after a long afternoon of being fucked raw by two very virile men. But she couldn’t let any of her aches show, or let on to her need for a long bath before crawling into bed. Greg was on a high, something about a project back east going right, and then a sudden request that Monica join him for a couple of days in the city. A person to meet, a little work to do, but also with plenty of time to relax and enjoy themselves as a couple.

Monica was thrilled with the possibility of leaving town and spending some alone time with Greg, and yet as she gave Greg a kiss and asked what she should pack and wear, guilt consumed her. She tugged on his arm, telling him that she’d clean up the dinner dishes, demanding that he take a walk with her and tell her about his day. It was nice, but with every step all Monica wanted to do is crawl under a rock. Then, back at home, he gently but firmly reminded Monica that dishes needed to be done and that he’d be up in the office finishing off a few things. Monica didn’t know whether to meekly comply or scream out what a clueless idiot he was. She didn’t know if she’d ever get used to Greg’s two-sided nature, but resisting another glass of wine, Monica convinced herself to get through the night without strangling him.

The two-night excursion to the city included more work than Monica liked, but it was still wonderful to be off and spending time with Greg. He was romantic, making sure flowers were sent up to their hotel room, but also distant, disappearing into some law office, taking calls and sending messages that pertained to things Monica felt could be handled later in the week. It was difficult to sit through the symphony that first night, Monica’s ass continuing to remind her of what a cheating whore she was. Cole and his friend had done wonderful things. Unacceptable, but wonderful, and the repercussions of her behavior were wreaking greater havoc in her mind than within her over-exercised twat or abused ass.

Monica felt guilty, but Cole’s own interpretation of Greg kept coming back to her. Cole was right, but he was also looking at Greg as an interloper, a man who had moved in and taken Monica away from him. For all Greg’s faults, Monica felt a bond with him and couldn’t simply walk away because Cole was better at talking his feelings out. Besides, Cole had come right out and admitted to what June had said. If she were to move in with Cole, other men would follow. First Ron, then his brother, and she didn’t want to think of who or what Gordo was. And others? There was no way even a favorite piece by Mendelsohn could drag her mind away from such thoughts.

They had gone to the city in high spirits, but as they prepared for the drive home, Greg went quiet and became moody. Monica knew something was wrong when he asked her to drive.

“What? Drive? All the way home?” She felt stupid even as the words tumbled out of her mouth, but Greg had never offered this before, even after drinking more than he should.

“Of course. You’ve mentioned that you’ve driven stick before. I’m not in the mood. You’re not afraid of city traffic, are you?”

The real problem was that Monica had never before driven such a nice car. A two door Mercedes that handled like a dream. She was flustered, worried that some mistake on her part would lead to a scratch or bump, but Greg seemed to take no notice. He was nice enough to give some basic directions on how to get to the proper on-ramp, but then leaned into the door and went to sleep. It amazed Monica that the man was trusting her with a car he didn’t like to leave with valets. When she pulled into the garage and woke Greg, it took him a second to recognize their surroundings, but then he leaned over to give her a kiss, thanking Monica for driving. He didn’t even ask her to return the keys to his precious car. A small thing, but it made Monica smile.

They took over the gym for an hour, switching with each other in using the various pieces of equipment. Then a shower, and suddenly Greg was just as exhausted as before. He went to bed early, having only a small salad for dinner. That’s when Monica called June.

The teen had been texting and leaving messages for Monica, none of which Monica wanted to return. She knew what June wanted to talk about. She didn’t want to face it, but knew she’d have to have a one-on-one with the girl eventually. With Greg safely off to bed, Monica went outside to sit in her poor excuse for a car to call June.

“What the fuck Monica? I told you, didn’t I? Didn’t I tell you what Cole was going to do? And the way he put it, you screwed him and Ron into the ground and wanted more. Tell me he’s lying. You prove to me he’s lying and I’ll buy you lunch for a week.”

“Um, listen, it wasn’t like that.”

“Bullshit. Right there you admitted it. I’ve been watching and listening to you fuck Cole from one end of the house to another for a year now. I know you too well blondie. He just rolled you over and you opened your legs, didn’t you?”

“Stop it June. You know what Cole’s like, better than anybody. It just happened.”

“Unless you screamed and hit Cole with everything within reach, you’re just as much to blame as him. Face it Monica. You’ve got a thing for Cole, and even after everything I’ve told you, you still let him and that asshole Ron do whatever they wanted to you. But was it worth it? You better decide right now, because one more slip, one more time with Cole having his way with you, and I think you’ll be lost for good.”

“Stop it. Just listen for a minute, will you June?”

“Fine. Talk yourself silly. I’m listening.”

“You know what Cole’s like. I didn’t have any choice in the matter. Was it rape? Maybe, but you know guys. Maybe half the guys I’ve been with in my life could be considered rapists. You know, roll you over, trap you underneath them, and their dicks suddenly slipping under your panties. Yes, my fault, I should have run the second he walked into the house. I don’t know what else to say.”

“Hey. Admit it. No sin here, but you’ve still got a soft spot for Cole, don’t you? I bet you’re wetting your panties just talking about it.”

“Shut it June.”

“But I’m right. I’m just talking here Monica. Pretend I’m your friend. What would you admit to a friend? I’m assuming you don’t have anyone like me who you can open up to. I’m it, so go ahead and spill it. What’s going on in that slutty little head of yours?”

Monica paused, unsure of just how far she could really trust June. But the girl was right. June was the only other human being who could understand what Monica had been through, and she thought she knew June well enough to be able to weigh any responses the teen might make.

“Yeah. It was a long glorious fuck, and I hated Cole all the way through it. Him and Ron. Just met him that same day. Sounds like you know him.”

“Oh yes. I know Ron pretty well. Sad that you’ve come to know him, and with a little will power on your part you’ll never meet any of the other members of the gang.”

“You mean like his brother. There are others? Cole mentioned a ranch.”

“Yeah, the ranch. You allow yourself to be dragged out there and I’m washing my hands of you. I’ve got a life of my own to live. Not going to go there again.”

Monica had a hundred questions about Ron and Cole and the ranch, most especially the ranch, but she pushed them away and was direct with June. “Only one thing I want you to tell me. Cole said you wanted him for yourself, that you were jealous of me taking up his time. Is that true?”

“He’s playing you Monica. Told you this before. Last fall, sure, I wanted Cole back. I was even willing to push you into Greg’s bed and fuck that loser husband of yours to get back at you. But that was then. Not now. You go back to Cole if you want, but all I’ll feel is sorry for you. I’m done and soon to be out of there. You feel the need to empty Cole’s balls on a nightly basis, you go right ahead.”

Monica let out a sigh of relief. “Yeah. That sounds more real. I was kind of worried, but you know Cole. He spins a good story. I should have known better.”

“Just in case you’re wondering, and maybe as proof that I’m not sitting on Cole’s dick even as we speak, you should know that I’ve already set up an escape house. Two weeks to graduation and then I’ll be out from under him. Couldn’t be happier.”

“Wow. Didn’t see that coming, at least not so soon. Where are you now? At Cole’s or this new place?”

“Nina’s. Hah! Bet you’re surprised. Can’t stay here for any long period of time though. Nina’s kind of protective of her man, but she’s also got a good heart. A day and a night, then back to Cole’s. Just nice to know I can leave when I want to. I’ll have to find something more permanent quick.”

“Nina’s! I’ll be damned. I’d asked Greg if we could put you up, but he went quiet on me and insisted that you and Cole figure it out on your own. I’ve got a couple of other friends I can call. I’ll get back to you tomorrow. How’s that sound?”

“Yeah, but don’t worry. I’ll be okay. And I understand about Greg and Cole and everything.”

“But I don’t. Is he afraid that putting you up will ruin his relationship with Cole? I think I’m the bomb that blew up that bridge. Sometimes I just don’t get Greg. Moody and self-centered one minute, then demanding to the point of being crazy the next. I think being around Cole so much spoiled me. I could never go back to Cole, not after what I’ve learned from you, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to put up with Greg forever.”

June started to say something then stopped, a long silence filling the connection before beginning again.

“Listen, Monica. I’m going to tell you something that you’re not going to like. Don’t go all ballistic on me, and don’t go running back to Cole. Like I said. What you and him and his man Ron did together is nothing compared to what Cole has planned for you. He’s a man with a lot of imagination and you’re just the juicy slut he’s been waiting for to have some fun with. Think it through and don’t act out of anger or spite, okay? I really am telling you this as a friend. And if you hate me for it, talk to Nina. I know you can trust her as someone who doesn’t have a foot in either court.”

“You’re not making any sense June. You haven’t told me anything yet.”

More silence. “Not now. I’d better wait until we’re face to face. This is real personal. Let’s meet in that park. You know the one. Can you make it tomorrow about one or so? It’s a half-day for me at school.”

Monica met June not in the park but at a greasy burger place just across the street. It was nearer two, so no long lines, and the food was just as delicious as the grease stains on the take-out bags promised. Delicious, but messy, and June and Monica must have looked silly, carrying on a serious conversation while seated on a public bench, all the while devouring their food and working hard not to splatter any of the juices on their clothing.

Monica was nice enough to wait until they were at least half-way through their burgers before bringing up the main subject. Taking a pull on her diet soda she looked around to check for privacy and told June to get on with it. “Okay June. I’m here. Something’s on that chest of yours, so spill it.”

“You put your food down first. I don’t want you to throw anything at me.”

“I promise, but you’re making me nervous. Every time we have one of our little talks you break my world in two. Just get it over with.”

“Well, you were talking about how nervous you are about getting into a serious relationship with Greg. I can see how after being with such a boring straight as Jim or being conned on a daily basis by a man like Cole, you’d wonder if you could ever be able to deal with the ups and downs of a man like Greg. I don’t think you’re dumb enough to go back to Cole, but you seem unsure about where you are with Greg. I get that right?”

“I guess. I’m not blaming the man. I’ll take some of the blame too. Maybe its just not meant to be as a long-term relationship.”

“But you love him. You’ve said so. And now you’re thinking of backing out because he hasn’t turned out to be the perfect prince you’d thought he was. You’re a real coward Monica.”

“And you’re being way harsh June. And what right do you have to call me out here to lecture me on adult relationships and me and Greg?”

June said it all quickly and in a single breath. “Because back when you and Cole had taken over the house, I was playing at being Greg’s secretary. All summer. And you know what that means.”

Monica stiffened, her eyes narrowing, starting to stand but then returning to sit on the bench as her remaining fries slid to the ground. June remained quiet for the moment, waiting for Monica to think it through.

“All summer, huh? And why are you telling me this now? You want us to break up so you can move back in? Over and done with Cole, so now you want back in with Greg?”

“Jesus, bitch! The opposite. I’m not bragging or trying to break you two up. Think it out Monica. Stop going all hormonal on me and let me walk you through it.”

Monica immediately felt regret for her words, knowing it was stupid to think June was trying to move in on her relationship with Greg. But why did June bring it up now? She was smart enough to shut her mouth and nod, indicating for June to continue.

“So, a lot like you. Got to know Greg through Cole. At first he was just another old guy, but like I told you, I was getting tired of Cole. Started looking around and there you were, ready to take my place in Cole’s bed. High school boys were fun, but Greg slowly started to grow on me. We didn’t really know that much about Greg back then, and when he mentioned that he was looking for someone to take care of the office, Cole volunteered me. I’m betting that this was the one time Cole was the one being conned. Cole thought I’d have some kind of internship and learn about business stuff. Instead Greg had my legs splayed out on the couch within a week, and I loved it. While you and Cole were tearing our house apart, your Mr. Greg and I were doing the same thing in his office and back at his house.”

“Did you fall for him, like have a crush on him?”

“At first. For the first month he was everything Cole wasn’t and I really got into him, but by July I was getting bored. He was all serious one minute, then asking me to sit naked next to him, then demanding I blow him, then pushing me aside to do something else. I think we went to one movie all summer, and we never just hung out for the fun of it. At least back with Cole I could do my own thing, hang out in my room, call a friend. Living at Greg’s, I was like some prisoner, and it got boring real fast. By August I was losing my mind. Even started getting rides home with some of the plant employees. Greg didn’t seem to mind. I think by then he was over me too.”

Monica nodded. “And that’s when you wanted Cole back from me and thought I’d make the perfect replacement at Greg’s side.”

“Yeah. It was pretty clear Greg was in need of a really special kind of woman. Cole was happy to have me back and didn’t think you’d last any longer with Greg. Just the opposite. Seems you two make the perfect pair, and I’m here to tell you so. Don’t go second guessing yourself blondie. It’s easy to see. Stick with the guy. You leave and you’ll hate yourself for the rest of your life.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Monica brought up her one main worry. “Yeah, I know, but what do I do with him? Or with me? He’s moody one moment, then trying so hard to be romantic the next. And sometimes I think he’s bored with me. Maybe like with you. Maybe we’re both too young for him.”

“No. I don’t think it’s the age thing. I think you’re suffering from lazy slut whore syndrome.”

“Fuck you June.”

“Right back at you. All your life you’ve been able to throw your legs open and get what you want. You did it to Jim, and now you’re doing it with Greg. Everything you’ve told me so far says Greg is making an effort. Yeah, he’s a moody two-way street. He drove me up the wall, no lie. But I’m betting all you do is what he tells you to do. That’s the way it was with you and Cole. That’s exactly how Cole sees you and why he thinks you’ll be great at entertaining all his friends.

“You like sex. You’re sure good at it, but that’s no sin. The problem is that you’ve gotten lazy. You’re used to being hot and sexy, just waiting for a guy’s dick to go hard and fuck you. It all comes too easy for you, and maybe not just in the sex department either. Step up and fight for this Monica. Talk, flirt, dress sexy, do some wild shit, force him to have some fun. I was an underage teen. You’re the adult in the room, and with a lot more to work with, so don’t go whining about how everything isn’t working out just right.”

Monica sat on the bench looking stunned, her mind trying to go through everything June had just thrown at her. After a long silent minute, June asked, “So, how’s that sound to you? It’s not just me either. Cole really thought you’d lose interest in Greg and would run back to him. He’s not wrong. You almost did. Bet you right now you’d be in Cole’s clutches if it weren’t for me.”

“Yeah.” Monica looked over at June. “Yeah. I’ve gotten lazy. Don’t care about Jim. He got lazy long ago. You really see me as a lazy whoring slut?”

“Yeah, but a good one. Guys like that, especially when you have this sexy but pure look that you’re so good at pulling off. But you’ve got more. Know what Greg said about you to Cole? Cole told me, back last fall. Greg said you were a gem, but more delicious. Cole and I laughed at that. Imagine the big guy saying such stuff. You, a delicious gem, and we’re not talking sex here. Greg liked you back then, knew you were special. He probably sees you slipping away and he’s going crazy, trying to figure out how to keep you. Question is, are you up for it?”

Monica sat in silence, then smiled and said, “So, you and Greg. You really moved in for the summer? And sex, like all over the house?”

“You really want to talk about this? Fine. Yeah. Lots of sex. The man’s pretty good at it, right? Only he got into these dark moods sometimes. Not to get too personal, but does he still do the choking thing? I mean, Cole likes to tie me up sometimes, but its all in fun. Didn’t know what was going through Greg’s mind. Kind of scary. I was happy to push you his way.”

Another moment of silence, then June cleared her throat. “One more thing. Better get this out there. Last Christmas, when Greg’s brother dropped by and you stormed off and went back to Cole. Remember that?”

Monica nodded, waited, and suddenly her eyes grew wide. “Them. They were the guys you spent the weekend with. Why? How did you know? I don’t understand.”

“Greg’s brother. Big reason why Greg isn’t so fond of me is because of his brother. Big Jerome. He showed up last August and we kind of made a couple for a long week. Didn’t make Greg happy at all, but you know his brother is like the opposite of Greg. Obviously brothers, but so different. The man was fun. We made it up into the mountains for a few days, then back to hang out by the pool. Greg pretended he didn’t care, but of course he did.”

“And Christmas? You just walked up and rang the doorbell and...”

“Yep. That easy. A long drunken weekend party. Told you back then it was good and the memory’s only gotten better with time. Except Greg, of course. He got into some black mood, didn’t join us until Sunday night. By then I’d learned more about Greg and almost felt sorry for him. It’s something I need to tell you, but you’ve got to swear not to tell Greg you know. This is really private. Something you’ll have to wait for him to find the strength to tell you.”

“You’re scaring me again June. Just tell me. I’m already numb from everything else you’ve thrown at me. I haven’t tried to kill you yet, so we’re good. Spill it.”

“You know Greg’s wife and kids? The two boys? Not his.”

Monica thought that through for a full second, but still wasn’t clear. “So, he married a...”

“No. Much worse. Think it through. He was married to the woman, then she had the twins. But it didn’t take long for Greg to figure out they weren’t his.”

Another long second. “Someone else’s. His brother’s, right? Damn.”

“There you go. Now you’re on track. That’s the main reason why Greg took off, why he’s walled himself off from the family.”

“So how is it that his cheating brother gets to visit? They seemed friendly enough. They should be at war.”

“As Big Jerome put it, ‘blood is thick.’ I think that means it was easier to blame the wife. Their mom’s not one for divorce, so things are just hanging where they are for now. Jerome is sorry, loves Greg, but can’t change the past. I’m sure there’s a ton more to it, but we only had a little time to really talk about it. I bet if Greg goes into another dark depressive dive, this is what he might be thinking about. Give him a break, but don’t mention my name. Better wait and let him bring it up.”

Monica suddenly stood, walking over to a waste basket to dispose of her trash. She had enough to keep her mind busy for a month. Part of her wanted to leave June if only to keep the teenager from opening up about anything else. Before the two parted, Monica had some news of her own.

“Talked with a friend of mine about your need to get out of the house. She can give you something a little more permanent than Nina’s. At least through the summer, if you’re up for that. Cheap, and your own bedroom, and near a bus line.”

“Yeah. I’m interested. Like I said, Nina’s real nice, but would rather I visit when its convenient. Doesn’t want me there every day and night, but she understands what’s going on with Cole and my need to escape.”

“My friend’s name is Patty. She’s gay, but I didn’t tell her any more about you other than your overriding need to get away from your dad. If it comes up, she knows plenty about me and Cole and Greg, but I’d rather you leave all that alone and not talk about it with Patty until I’m there with you.”

Lazy whore slut. Monica had to give a shout out to the accuracy of the label. June was right. Monica couldn’t pin all the blame for Greg’s moody behaviors on Greg alone. All she did is sit there and take it in, watching Greg from a distance and interacting only when he wanted it and when it best suited her. Sex was always on the table, his for the taking whatever his mood, but what about the giving? There was probably a lot more to it than June could know, but Monica decided that if the relationship were going to fall apart, it wouldn’t be because of her laziness or lack of caring.

Back at home, she found Greg in the office, conversing with some disembodied voice on the computer. Monica put on her skimpiest piece of lingerie, fixed herself up, and went in to sit across the room from him. Greg continued with the conversation, but his eyes went her way and stayed there. Then she showed him the controls, a small hand-held device that he well knew was connected to some other item meant to go between her legs. One of his eyebrows went up, as did a slight smile. Knowing she had his attention, Monica walked over and put the controls on his desk, then returned to the small couch and kneeled, ass pointed back in his direction.

Ten minutes later, Monica’s face was drenched in sweat, her thighs wet with secretions, her loins screaming out for Greg’s attention even as her moans filled the room. She smiled when Greg excused himself from the boring meeting, knowing his attention had been taken over by his control of what she had pushed up her twat. The last of the afternoon went just as she had hoped, Greg forcing himself on her, filling Monica in a way no electric gizmo ever could. That one long fuck seemed to exhaust him, but Monica had a long history of bringing weak and dying men back to life.

Monica offered to make dinner, but Greg waved her off, saying a salad would be enough. They talked, ate, took a walk, and only late made it to bed. Before falling into sleep, Monica promised herself to do one thing every day. Not the same thing, just some thing, some special thing. It could be for sex, with food, or just a topic to talk about. Maybe just a foot massage, but there would always be something done with and for Greg, and every day. If the man learned to take her for granted, then fuck him. She was young and had a future of her own to be lived out. If he took notice and acted as though she really was a delicious gem, someone special and worth paying attention to, then life could be very worthwhile. Most troubling to Monica was thinking of June. It was bad enough that June knew everything there was to know about Monica, but now the girl was even instructing Monica about her love and sex life. She smiled, thinking that she’d have to be very careful and very nice around June in the future.

The following weekend, Monica talked Greg into going out to Mrs. Flynn’s place with her. Monica gave out a sigh of relief to see both Cole’s and Jim’s trucks absent from their driveways. After a quick look around the house, Greg’s assessment echoed Jim’s. “This place is a dump. Poor woman. Turned into a hoarder. Had a great-aunt like this. Sad and depressing. You sure the place is worth cleaning?”

“Well, you wanted to look through the rest of those Life magazines. Might be more in the bedroom closet.” There were two cardboard boxes and a paper bag of the old magazines, dating from the early 1940s all the way into the mid-1950s. Greg put them aside, thinking another friend might want to look at them, though he was doubtful about any monetary value. The heavy boxes on the upper shelf contained clothing, newspapers, old plastic storage containers, and a lot of National Geographic magazines.

“This is exhausting. We’ve only been here for half an hour and I’m ready for a drink, and I mean a strong one.”

“Yeah. And we’ve got another bedroom to go, and it’s twice as full of boxes and piles of stuff as this one. How about a change of scenery? The garage had a padlock on it. The key has to be around here somewhere. I’ve checked the drawers in the kitchen. Help me look.”

Greg found a ring of odd keys in under a minute. Not in a drawer but on a hook at the side of one of the lower kitchen cabinets. Along with the keys he found another treasure: an iron pot.

“Really? I can’t remember the last time you had such a big smile on your face.”

“It’s a Gridley Dutch Oven. Perfect for stews. Even has a lid”

“I don’t think Mrs. Flynn was strong enough to pick something like that up, and there’s dirt and rust inside.”

“No matter. Easy to take care of.”

Monica shook her head, happy at how such a small thing could change Greg’s manner. The ring of keys he had found did include one that fit the lock to the garage. Though rusted and looking as though it hadn’t been opened in a decade, Greg was finally able to unlock and then pull open the garage door. Turning on a ceiling light, they saw boxes piled at the back and to the side, but also shelves on one side covered with yet more boxes and a scattering of tools. In the middle of the garage was a single car that took up the remaining space. It was covered by a couple of old bedsheets, but they could also see that the tires were held up above the floor, old concrete bricks having been placed under the car and acting as a support.