Page 47 of Property of Mongrel

He understands more about some of the quirks I have, and even if he doesn’t completely understand it, remembering how he told me, “That’s just another part of you for me to love,” settled the anxiety that I had in my heart.

I may have been too much for the men in my past, but Mongrel thinks I’m just right.

My foibles may have turned other men off, but I suspect that Mongrel will be excited by them.

But tonight is the moment of truth, which is why I’m scrambling the way I am. Last night, I took a bubble bath so I could shave everything that needed shaving, so today, I just need to take my shower and make sure that what I wear underneath knocks his socks off.

“He said his favorite color is deep red,” I murmur as I lotion every inch of my body. “So, I think I’ll wear the ruby set.”

I may be nervous about the actual act with him and all it implies, but I’m not worried about what he’s going to see. I’ll never be model thin, but I’ve got curves in all the right places, and because I work out, I’m toned.

Finally done with everything I do when I’ve showered, I head into my room and start getting dressed. Slipping on the ruby red bra and panty set, I feel a sense of empowerment because nobody knows what I’m wearing beneath my clothes except me.

Until later.

Grinning, I put on a pair of white denim capris and one of my polo shirts with the logo on the left breast. “One pair of no-see-um socks and you’re ready to rock and roll,” I tell my reflection on the back of my closet door.

Today seems to drag with every single patient acting like a Grumpy Gus, even the sweet senior lady, Edith, who’s recovering from hip replacement surgery. She’s somewhat fractious today, complaining about every exercise, and several times, she’s acted somewhat dazed and confused. I finally sit down on one of the rolling chairs and ask, “Ethel, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

She grips my hand, hers showing surprising strength despite her age and says, “I don’t feel right, Addy.”

“Okay, let me go get your daughter. I think you might want to be seen at your doctor’s office, especially if you don’t feel well,” I reply. “Why don’t I help you into my office so you can sit in a chair that’s more comfortable?”

“Thank you, dear. I’m so sorry I’ve been snapping,” she tells me.

“Ethel, it’s how I knew something was wrong, because even at the beginning, you’ve been an absolute champ. But today, you’re confused and out of sorts,” I reply. “Now, have a seat, I’ll be right back.”

Walking to the front, I spot her granddaughter, Anita, and wave her over. Once she’s closer, I say, “I think she’s sick or something, she’s not acting like herself.”

“I thought the same thing when I picked her up and even mentioned it to the aide at the nursing home, but she said Granny was just old and that’s how they are sometimes,” she says, worry causing her to frown.

“I’m not a doctor or nurse, but she’s got altered mental status and told me she doesn’t ‘feel right’ so I believe you should take her to her doctor before taking her back to the home. She’s in my office, please let me know how y’all make out.”

“I will, Addy. Thank you for caring for your patients so well,” Anita replies.

My last two patients cancel their appointments so I’m done a lot earlier than I anticipated I would be. As I finish up my paperwork from today, I send a text to Mongrel.

Me: I’m done early today!

Mongrel: Just got back to the clubhouse. Do you want to come here? I definitely need a shower to wash off the road, but I can’t wait to see you. Otherwise, I’ll just head to you when I get done.

Me: I’ll wait at my house if that’s okay?

Mongrel: It’s always gonna be okay especially since I want to spend time with you and only you.

Me: Then I’ll see you soon.

My nerves are now those giant pterodactyls from the prehistoric era, flying around my gut and making me so nervous, my saliva has completely dried up. “This is ridiculous on so many levels,” I mutter as I drive toward my place. “Addison Marie, you know he likes you, he wouldn’t have made you his ol’ lady if he didn’t. This is a natural progression of your relationship.”

Shaking my head at my musings, I pull into a parking space, turn off my car then start the process of grabbing my work tote bag as well as my water tumbler. Betty gives me shit about it, but I know if I can drink at least three of them, I get nearly eighty ounces of water in a day. Once I have everything organized and my keys are in my hand, I lock my car then head to my front door.

Unlocking it, I head inside where I quickly and efficiently put everything in the tote away, before I head into the bathroom for a shower. It dawns on me halfway through that I’ll be putting on another set since the ruby red one is now in the dirty clothes hamper, then I remember I have a deep purple and smile.

Somehow, I manage to get my shower to freshen up and fully dressed in weekend clothes when there’s a knock on my door. I try not to rush but it’s an epic fail and when I unlock it then open it, I’m pulled into his arms and thoroughly kissed.

His kiss is so thorough, I think everything I’m wearing has vaporized. My breasts feel heavy, even though his hands are cupping my face, and his essence surrounds me. “Mongrel, you’re home,” I breathe out when we finally pull back a little bit.

“Fuck, I missed you and this so damn much,” he replies, his voice husky and deep.