Chapter 3: The Next Step

Well, it was six months since I had seen Lisa and I was doing very well, financially, at my job. I was doing a lot of R & D work with different types of flight controls to be used on the new F/A-18 E/F model being built called the 'Super Hornet'.

I'll tell you one thing. That is an awesome machine. Of course, I can't go into specifics due to confidentiality, but from an aviator's standpoint, it's incredible. But then, so is the current A/C models as compared to the F-14, A-4, A-6, A-7 and every other jet out there.

Plus, I get the added bonus of performing test flights in this bad baby. God, I missed this. The speed, maneuverability and accessories. The freedom in it. The rush! It's a blast.

The bad part of this job for me at first was that I was off work early and had a lot of time in front of the TV, bored out of my mind. Oh, it was cool at first. Had a lot of time to think and figure out what I want to do with my life besides work. I noticed my pants getting looser. Not eating a regular meal had shed some weight off me. But, who the hell wants to cook for just themselves?

My daily routine was getting monotonous. I called my buddy Mark and we chatted for a while. He said he would love for me to come and visit him and Pam. It really sounded good to me. I hadn't seen him in over 3 years and I needed an enjoyable vacation. I realized I was so lucky to work for a company that normally doesn't have a problem giving you time off, provided it's not excessive. The next day I was on a plane to see Mark and Pam.

Mark and Pam were like a sight for sore eyes. It was nice to be treated like family for a change. The only problem I had was while Mark and I got caught up on what's been going on, watching sports and working on his toy (1976 Camaro); Pam often tried getting me into conversations where Lisa was brought up. Sure, it made a little sense. Pam never knew me without Lisa, but right now that was not a conversation I wanted to get into. She did manage to tell me that Lisa was considering moving back in the area. I thought it was a good thing I was only visiting.

Mark had suggested I find a hobby to keep myself busy when off work. He believed, and I guess I agree that I would never move on with my life sitting at home watching TV. He and Pam had the idea to take me to this new bar in town that played mostly southern rock. That is both of their favorite music genre. Sounded like fun to me too. So we went.

The place was hysterically typical. Two pool tables, smoky room, small dance floor, long bar, etc. The music was great. We played a few games of pool, relaxing, getting a good buzz going. Just having a blast. When I looked at the pool table next to us, my jaw dropped. The most incredible display of ass was displayed wrapped in a short (but not too short) tight denim skirt. She made her shot and stood upright. Fucking gorgeous! Brown hair. Tanned athletic legs. Small pert chest. Pouty lips. A more than moderate amount of make-up. I haven't noticed a woman like that in a long time. Ever since... well...

I continued watching the other table looking forward to her bending over again, or just admiring the grace in which she moved. She was captivating! She eventually had a shot where she bent over right in front of me. When she did, she turned to look at me and gave me a wink. I wanted to throw her on the table and fuck the shit out of her. But that isn't what a gentleman would do, now is it? Pam abruptly said she was ready to find a table and sit for a while. She seemed a little miffed about something.

After a while at the table, she pulled Mark up to dance with her. I just sat back and watched them. Mark really was a lucky man. Pam was perfect for him. And very attractive at that. Mark and I go way back to being roommates at FSU. We have been through a lot during our tenure there and done a lot of crazy shit. But a kinder heart, you'll never find. He deserves Pam. I don't know a whole lot about her as far as her history but she seems sweet enough.

As I sipped my beer and watched my buddy and his wife, someone tapped my shoulder. When I turned I nearly fell out of my chair. There she was...

"Hey there. Wanna dance?" she asked with a large beautiful smile.

I put my beer down and stood up. "Sure!" I couldn't believe that was all I managed to say.

She took my hand and led me to the center of the floor, only feet away from Mark. We talked a little during the first dance. I found out her name was Denise and had just finished her 2nd year at UWF. My first thought was to get away from her.

I didn't need another UWF female, if you know what I mean. Then I figured it was time to get over it and have fun. Of all of the men in here, she picked me to dance with, and that should say something. We kept on dancing close through the next few songs, pulling each other tighter with roaming hands and finally started kissing. Things were getting heated and she asked if we could get out of here and go to my place. I forgot that I hadn't told her that I didn't live in the area and was staying with friends. Besides, I was here to have fun with them, not get laid. But I invited her to join me at their table. Should be no harm in that, right?

I could immediately tell that Pam didn't approve at all. I don't know if it was jealousy of the body Denise had, or the age difference between us. Possibly didn't want to see me with anyone other than Lisa. Who knows? Well, I will! Tomorrow morning! She didn't need to look that way at us for whatever reason and she would have to get used to the fact that Lisa and I are not an item anymore. But hell, really, I wasn't used to it either. On the other hand, on the dance floor, I realized that for once, I forgot all about Lisa. Fuck! Why was I thinking about her now?

It didn't take long before Pam said she was getting a headache and was ready to go home. I made it a point to get Denise's number and kissed her once more in front of Pam before we left. Needless to say, it was a quiet ride home. Truthfully, I had no intentions of calling Denise, but I wanted Pam to confront me about it. We had to get this out.

It happened at 4:30 in the morning.

I woke up with wicked cottonmouth and had to use the bathroom. After taking care of the latter, I went to the kitchen for a glass of tea. I sat down at the table and got a headache myself. I turned the light on and looked around the kitchen for some Advil, or something, Pam scared the hell out of me. She stood right behind me and...

"Whatcha doing?"

I jumped and lost my breath. She found it mildly amusing. "Got any Advil?"

"We have Tylenol." She handed me the bottle off the refrigerator. "Sit down!" She had a bit of hostility in her tone. This was it, so I sat as ordered.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

"What the hell were you doing tonight? That girl is just a child!"

"That girl is going into her 3rd year at UWF! I seem to recall meeting some women from UWF not too terribly long ago that you had no problem introducing me to. What is this really about?" I was getting perturbed.

"You were a lot younger then, too!"

"You make it sound like I'm some dirty old man. I'm only 34. Besides, it was just an attraction. Were not dating or engaged. What is your problem? Is it going to be this way anytime I have fun with a woman? Are you going to play 'mom'? Do you have to approve of the women I see?"

She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "Joe. Why the hell aren't you with your..."

Now I was pissed and she saw it.

She held up her hand in a gesture not to interrupt her. "No, I'm sorry. Scratch that. Joe... I'm sorry. OK? I guess it was just too unreal seeing you with another woman. I mean, I miss seeing you and Lisa together. I love you both, Joe. I know I constantly hear from Lisa and how sorry she is for everything and she is waiting faithfully and patiently for you to give her another chance. She hasn't dated or anything. Knowing that and seeing you with that 'girl'... I don't know... it was upsetting."

"Pam, I understand what you're saying and I can imagine how you feel. What you don't understand is how I feel and how bad it hurts. You know what she did to me. You know what I did to her. But have you ever really tried to think about what it feels like? If you did, then you would see that I didn't deserve what she dished out."

"Now, I'm trying to move on. I want to stay in touch with you and Mark. But if this is what I can expect when I come to visit or call, then tell me now. I won't bother. We all have a divine human right to strive to be happy. If I have to get this shit from you every time I see a woman other than Lisa, tell me now!" I was fed up.

Suddenly, Mark was at the kitchen door and looked furious with Pam. "No, Joe. I assure you that this is the last you will ever hear of this from this family. Please accept my apologies for my wife's behavior. Joe you know I value your friendship and we would love for you to stay in touch. Wouldn't we, Pam!"

Pam looked shocked. Apparently, Mark had never been sharp with her.

"Apologies are accepted, Mark. I'd just assume that we never discussed this. If it's all the same to you."

"Sounds good to me. Listen, please excuse my wife and I; we are going to have some words and get back to bed. Pam, lets go!" Mark barked.

Pam looked like a scolded puppy following Mark to their bedroom. I kinda felt bad for her. I forgot how stern and decisive he could be.

The next afternoon when we woke up and got a cup of coffee, things were quiet. I figure that I would break the tension and I apologized to Pam for taking that tone with her in her house and to Mark for speaking to his wife that way. Pam butted in and said she deserved it. She had only one picture in her head for Lisa and I and she was immature about it."

"Mark quickly agreed. We then decided to drop it and enjoy the rest of my trip there. Mark talked to me some more about getting myself into something I might enjoy. I'll admit, it sounded good, but getting myself motivated to do it was a different matter. Anyway, the next day I flew back to St. Louis.

The Transformation

Several weeks had gone by since I came home from Mark's house and my routine had not changed. I was getting restless, but didn't know what to do. Suddenly, I remembered Denise and the time we had. I felt good with her for that ever-brief time. She made me feel good and desired. She made me feel young. And I wanted that feeling again while I still could. So, obviously, I figured working out in a gym would do me some good.

Then I thought about all of the things I have always wanted to do but never did. I wanted to learn to dance, for one. I wanted to see what I would look like with a goatee. Martial arts was another one. I always enjoyed swimming. Now, there was no reason I couldn't do any of this. So slowly, but surely, I started. I started a membership with Gold's Gym and got assigned a personal trainer.

I wanted to bulk up but not look like a wrestler. I was set up with a 3-day a week rigorous workout schedule. My trainer warned that I would be in pain for a while but it would eventually go away. And my luck? He was right!

I met some nice people there and became friends with some of them. True to his word, after about a month the pain subsided and the workouts started becoming habit. Plus, afterwards I could take a swim in their pool. I was looking forward to going to the gym after work. Then I found a dance studio to learn all kinds of club dances. I figured that I would start going out eventually and I wanted to look good instead of like a wounded duck. It was at my first dance class that my luck appeared to be changing. That's where I met Trisha.

As a 28-year-old dance instructor, do I really have to tell you she had an incredible body? Have you ever met a fat hip-hop/club dance instructor? I didn't think so. I know you can see it. The leotards, the tight legs, firm and muscular ass, rock solid abs, smaller than average breasts, brown hair with highlights, dazzling eyes and a confidence that inspires people; especially me.

Trisha was always nice and encouraging to everyone so I doubt at first that she really noticed me the way I noticed her. At least at first. I wasn't pursuing it but after twice a week for three months I went to class and learned that the other classmates had ditched this particular Thursday class leaving Trisha and me alone. Oh, what to do! We stretched and worked on bump/grind techniques. Oh, how convenient. Well, as tough of an instructor she was it was even tougher concealing my raging hard-on when our bodies touched. There was no hiding it in those clothes. But God, bless her! She tried not to make an issue of it but blushed three shades of red from time to time.