Page 153 of Tell Me What You Want

Date: October 19, 2012, 8:21 p.m.

To: Eric Zimmerman

Subject: Keep out of my work situation.

The subject line bears repeating: Keep out of my work situation! That I’m your girlfriend doesn’t give you the right to intervene in my work.

Oh ... and I love you more.

Judith

From Eric Zimmerman

Date: October 19, 2012, 10:16 p.m.

To: Judith Flores

Subject: I’m your boss.

Don’t ever tell me again not to get involved in your work situation. I’M YOUR BOSS.

As to who loves who more, I’ll show you!

Eric

From: Judith Flores

Date: October 19, 2012, 10:19 p.m.

To: Eric Zimmerman

Subject: Mmm

I’m asking myself, why doesn’t he call instead of write me? Don’t you want to hear my voice? I’m dying to hear even your grumbling. Come on now. Be good and call me, BOSSMAN.

And in terms of loving, then show me!

I hit “Send” and wait ... and wait and wait.

He doesn’t call. And he stops writing. Nothing.

At eleven o’clock that night, I opt to make myself something to eat. I take my plate and Coke over to the little table. I turn on the TV and find a gossip/entertainment show. I watch for a bit, and then the doorbell rings. That’s pretty weird, so I check my watch. It’s eleven twenty-one. I get up and look through the peephole.

“Eric!”

I open the door and pounce on him.

“Whoa, careful!”

I cover him in kisses, and he squeezes me in his arms. When he finally lets go, I’m very happy and breathless.

“Hello,” I say.

“Hello, love.”

He hugs me again, and I close my eyes. I can’t believe he’s right here!

When I finally pull away, I see his tired face and his reddened eyes. And that makes me feel uneasy about my effusiveness.

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