Chapter 9

"So you must be Marianne! Arlene told me a lot about you on the phone, but she didn't mention how pretty you are. I'm Matt and this is my wife Christy." The young widow blushed as she stood in awe of the couple who had met her bus. Matt Tabor was thirty-two, a lean and muscular six foot two, and from Marianne's standpoint quite handsome. His quick and genuine smile put her at ease immediately. His wife Christine, a year younger than her husband was possessed of short black hair cut in an attractive layered style which accentuated the soft features of her creamy chocolate complexion. Her eyes were a sparkling brown and her figure nothing less than that of a centerfold. The strikingly beautiful black woman was of medium height, but that still put her over a foot taller than Marianne who, always possessed of an inferiority complex because of her extreme shortness, once again felt like the little girl in the presence of adults despite the warmth and sincerity she felt emanating from the couple.

"I'm pleased to meet you," she stammered while trying to return their smiles.

"Arlene said you might be interested in becoming my assistant in the clinic. Why don't we grab a bit of dinner, we'll give you a tour of where you'd be working then talk about salary."

"Don't forget the apartment. Marianne's got to have somewhere to live," smiled Christy.

"Of course! But hey, if you'd rather live elsewhere it's OK."

"No, I'm sure the apartment will be fine," replied Marianne. "But Christy, don't you work at the clinic?"

"Nope. I've got my own thing. I teach private piano lessons. Oh, I've helped out Matt a time or two, but my students keep me pretty busy."

"Oooh, I've always envied those who could play music."

"Well, maybe after you've gotten settled into your new job, I could start teaching you."

"I doubt I could ever..."

"Hey, you never know," said Christy taking Marianne's hands in hers. "What about it Matt? Think there's a concert pianist in there somewhere?"

"Could be," he smiled, "but right now I'm starving. So ladies, It's off to dinner. I hope you like Chinese."

"Chinese what?"

He laughed. "Chinese food. Do you like Chinese food?"

"I don't know. I've never eaten any."

Matt and Christy exchanged glances. Arlene had told them the young woman was extremely naive and backward. Perhaps they would have to move a bit more slowly with her.

"Oh, it's quite an experience. You'll love it!" giggled Christy. "Now I'll show you which are the hot, the highly seasoned ones. Maybe you might want to wait a bit on those, but most are absolutely delicious."

Marianne brightened as the two led her to their car and they were soon on their way. The restaurant was buffet style, another first for the young widow whose eyes lit up to see the copious selection of dishes. With Christy's help, she wound up sampling a variety of the offerings. They sat at an out of the way booth.

"These are delicious!" she proclaimed.

"See, I told you," smiled Christy.

Both Matt and Christy tried to get Marianne to talk about herself but she was reluctant so they didn't force the issue. The widow seemed very interested in knowing about them however. Matt related how they had met in college, dated and married as soon as he had graduated veterinary school.

"We've been trying to have children, but I recently learned I'm barren," said Christy.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Just isn't in the works for us, I guess. Maybe some day we'll adopt."

Marianne thought back to her recent abortion and whether she might have...

"Hey, how about that tour?" asked Matt, lightening the subject.

Although she offered to pay for her meal, Matt and Christy were insistent that dinner was on them. Secretly Marianne was only to happy to accept, for all she had after the bus ride was a few dollars Arlene had given her.

A few minutes later the car pulled up in front of a modest but well cared for house, separated by the driveway from the clinic, somewhat larger than a three car garage with a second story.

"It started out as a regular garage but I've added to it twice. Come on in," he said unlocking the door and leading the two women inside. "This is the front desk where you'll work most of the time. You'll answer the phone and keep the records. Now don't worry, I'll help you with it. It won't take you long to learn how."