The Merman’s Bath: Kyle
“Idon’t know how much more of this I can take, Jerry,” I said, slumping against the water cooler as I filled my cup. “These fucking people are driving me insane.”
“Another busy day?” Jerry asked, as if he didn’t know.
“Yep,” I grumbled, taking a drink. “The president said something stupid again at a press conference and the market dropped thirty points. Every single time it happens I have to field calls all day from people who think the market is crashing again and want to sell everything.” I drained my paper cup before tossing it into the trash. “I’m fuckin’ tired of it.”
“Yeah, but you really like that Land Rover,” Jerry grinned, pointing toward the window where my car was parked outside. “That’s pretty nice.”
“Yeah,” I nodded, brows furrowed. “It was.”
“Was? You thinking about selling it?”
“Maybe.”
“What does Michael think about that?”
My stomach twisted. “Mike and I… we broke up.”
Jerry's smile dropped like a brick. "Shit, really? When did that happen?"
"Last weekend." I shifted my weight, suddenly wishing I had a cup of something stronger. "He said he was tired of coming in second to my job. Said I care more about other people's money than I do about him."
"That's rough." Jerry leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "I'm sorry, man."
"Yeah, well. He didn’t seem to mind the presents or the vacations, but he didn’t like that I had to pay for them with work." I shrugged, trying to seem casual even as something sharp twisted in my chest. "Seven years down the drain, I guess."
"Seven? Jesus, I didn't realize it had been that long."
A forced laugh escaped me. "Yeah. Funny how time flies when you're working sixty hours a week and barely seeing the person you live with."
The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, making my already throbbing headache worse. At least twenty-five clients had already called this morning, each one more panicked than the last. My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was probably another one.
"You know what the worst part is?" I said, not waiting for Jerry's response. "He might be right. I can't even remember the last time we had dinner together without me checking my email or taking a call."
Jerry nodded, his expression carefully neutral. "You thinking about making some changes, then?"
"I don't know." My phone buzzed again. "Maybe. If I sold the Rover, downsized a bit... I could probably afford to cut back my client list."
"Sounds like you've been thinking about this."
"Haven't slept much since he left." I pushed myself off the wall. "Anyway, I should get back. Thompson's probably having another coronary over his retirement portfolio."
"Hey," Jerry called as I started walking away. "Drinks after work? Sounds like you could use it."
For the first time that day, I felt something other than exhaustion or regret.
“Thanks Jerry,” I nodded. “But I’ve made plans tonight.”
Jerry paused, giving me a sly grin. “Back on the prowl already?”
I couldn’t help but smile back. “Well, it’s not like I’m gonna get any at home. Might as well see if I’ve still got it after all these years.”
"Good for you," Jerry said, clapping me on the shoulder. "Where you headed? The Lava Lounge? I heard they've got a new bartender who breathes actual fire."
"Nah, someplace a little more... specialized." I felt my face flush slightly. "Remember that bathhouse on the east side? The men only one?"
Jerry's eyebrows shot up. "The monster place? I thought they closed down years ago."
