The EPT Test: Aftermath

I asked Gary about his car and he told me his mom and dad were stopping by his friend's house to pick it up. They would park it at his house. He didn't say anything else about the woman and I wasn't about to ask. I did ask Gary if he wanted to stay at the house during his recovery. He said he didn't think it was a good idea.

He thought that our oldest daughter Cindy could stay with him for a few days. She was going on twelve and could help him a little. I knew Cindy would be happy to help out her dad. They would probably order out every night.

Later in the day Gary was getting visitors. Both of our relatives were coming to see him. My mom even brought the kids. They were so glad that their dad was all right. Needless to say Cindy did say she would stay with him till he was well.

I went home that evening with the kids and we ordered out for pizza. We watch a movie together and then they headed up to bed. I had called Gary's boss to let him know he was in the hospital but I still had to call personnel first thing Monday morning. I let them know that Gary would be off on medical for at least a couple of weeks. He would call them after he returned home and keep them updated.

At work on Monday the girls all came up to me and asked what happened. I told them and they all apologized for not being there for me. They were asked by the police if they saw Ben and me in the hallway but they said they had only seen us dancing. They all were pissed that Ben got away with trying to molest me and vowed to get even with him.

I told them to let it go but deep down I wished they could do something.

Barb said, "Maybe your ex old man isn't so bad after all. I know my ex would never stick up for me. It seems that yours would be willing to take a bullet for you. Sorry to hear he was hurt."

I thanked the girls for their concern and told them I wouldn't be going out anytime soon. I knew I wouldn't go back to the western bar.

Cheri looked at me and said, "You still love the guy don't you." I just nodded my head and went back to work.

I stopped home each evening after work and picked up the kids. We went to see their father. I usually sat back and let them do the talking. I would notice that Gary would look over at me every now and then. I didn't talk much except for telling him about his work or his insurance.

He did say he would be getting out of the hospital on Wednesday and that his mother would be taking him to his apartment. Cindy told him she would be over after school to help him out.

I was surprised that he called me Wednesday evening after I got home from work. "Shannon, I want to thank you for helping me during this hospital stay."

"Anytime Gary, if you ever want me for anything, I'm here for you," I replied.

"Would you be able to bring the kids over to my place on Saturday? I'm not supposed to drive while taking these drugs. I thought I'd let them watch movies and order out."

"Sure, I'd be happy too, like I said, I'm here for you." That's the way it went for the next couple few weeks. Cindy stayed with him for two weeks but stopped home most every night. She told me that she wanted to tell me something.

"What is it Honey?" I asked.

"Remember I told you Dad was dating. Well he called that woman, April, the one he was out with that night and told her he wouldn't be going out for awhile, that he had to take it easy."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I asked Dad if it was his girlfriend and he said it wasn't. They were just friends. Dad also asked questions about you."

"Like what?" I asked.

"If you've been dating anyone? Do you ever talk about him? Do you seem happy? Things like that. I just thought you should know."

"Thank you Honey, I don't want to know what you told him. I do appreciate you telling me." I took that as a good sign.

Gary got a clean bill of health but was told not to over do it. We were now coming upon the Holiday season, Thanksgiving then Christmas and New Years. My parents asked Gary over for Thanksgiving. We have had dinner there every year since we got married.

He accepted the invitation. We had become a little closer since his hospitalization. I still had not been in his apartment. I've dropped off and picked up the kids but have never been inside.

My parents had a lot of kids and invited their families over for Thanksgiving. I realized I was the only one not married. Mom always setup the food buffet style and we served ourselves and sat down at the table. The kids always grabbed a table and sat together.

I sat down and my sister Beth sat next to me. "It's good to see Gary here. You know everyone likes him. He's like family."

"Beth, please don't start. We're divorced but we are trying to remain friends," I stated.

"I didn't mean anything by it, sorry," she replied.

Gary sat down somewhat cattycorner from me on the other side of the table. He was talking to my brother Bud. They went to a few ball games together. One of my other sisters asked me about my new job and how I liked it. I said it was pretty good and I made a little extra money when I sold insurance.

I never pressed the family to buy any from me but they did start asking me a lot of insurance question. If I was a doctor I would have gotten paid for all the consultations. I'm just kidding, I love my family.

Then it happened. Mom asked me if I was going to the company Christmas party this year. My stomach churned as I looked over at Gary. I wasn't sure how he would react. Last year's party was partly the cause of my divorce but no one knew it.

I answered, "No, I don't think so Mom. I'm not going to parties by myself anymore and I'm not dating anyone."

"Can't you get a date?" my brother Bud asked in jest.

I looked down at my plate. I couldn't bring myself to look at Gary. My family accepted that we were divorced but still considered Gary as part of the family.

I wanted to come up with some kind of smart answer but had no idea what to say. Then I nearly went into shock when Bud asked Gary. "Hey Gary, you two might be divorced but it seems your still friends. Why don't you take her to her party?"

I closed my eyes and pretended I didn't here Bud when Gary spoke. "Shannon, I'll take you to your Christmas party if you go with me to mine."

It was like the world around me stopped. Did I hear right? Did Gary actually ask me out! People were talking but I didn't hear anything. I got up without answering and went to the bathroom to cry.

After a few minutes there was a knock at the bathroom door. "Shannon, are you ok." It was Gary.

"Yes, I'm fine; got something caught in my throat. I'll be right out." I stopped crying and opened the door. Gary was waiting for me.

"Look, I like your family and love my kids. I'm not saying we're getting back together but we can start by going out a couple of times. So, do you want me to attend your company Christmas party with you? Of course you have to come to mine. I don't want to be one of those guys who goes by himself."

"Yes, I'd love to go with you to both parties. There is no one I would prefer to be with."

We walked back to the table and everyone was smiling. Bud asked Gary for a high five. Something tells me they might have planned this but I really don't know and don't care. It seemed I might be getting a second chance.

Gary did tell me that we were only going as friends, not lovers, not husband and wife. He hadn't forgotten why we were divorced in the first place. At least it was a start. Our kids asked me if their dad and I were getting back together. I explained that we were going on a couple of dates, but we would have to wait and see what the future held.

Chapter 3

It was over a week after Thanksgiving dinner before Gary called me. He did talk to the kids but I figured he wanted me to know that for now we would just be a bit closer. I promised myself I would just take it a day at a time and do my best not to fuck it up.

At work the girls asked me if I wanted to go to a party at the crazy western club. It was going to be the following Saturday. These girls were my friends but I have to say they were a bit on the wild side. By wild I mean they were tough girls and not take shit from anyone. There divorces hardened them.

I laughed and told them that I didn't like the clientele at the bar and besides I was working on getting Gary back. We would be attending his Christmas party that Saturday.

"You must really love this guy," said Barb. "I'll admit he did fight to protect you; that gives him a few brownie points. Someday if you two work it out, we want you to formally introduce him to us."

"I will. You'll see he is genuine. For the record, I screwed up our marriage, not him."

Cheri said to me, "Have fun at his party, make sure you have a good time. Go early, stay late, talk with a lot of people. Don't forget our company Christmas party is the following week. Is he coming to it? Will he be your date?"

"Yes, he said he would. So I guess you'll meet him then."

"We saw him from a distance at the bar. He's a good looking guy but don't forget he was with a date," said Cheri. You're our friend and we have to look after you. We don't want to see you get hurt."

They really were good friends. I know they weren't sure about me dating my ex but someday I might tell them the whole story. They could hardly hold it against Gary.

****

I got dressed for the party. I even went out and bought a new dress to wear. I wanted to look classy for Gary not necessarily overly sexy. My red dress was form fitting and had a v-neck and came a few inches above my knees. I wore a necklace that Gary had bought me a few years ago.

My daughters told me I looked beautiful; my son said I was pretty. I thanked them and they got in the car, I dropped them off at Mom's and headed back room. Gary came by a few minutes later and knocked on the door. I told him before that he didn't have to knock but he always did.

He wore a sport jacket and a blue dress shirt. He wasn't big on wearing ties. When he looked at me he said, "Wow! You look great; I forgot just how pretty you are."

I smiled and thanked him. He opened the car door for me like we were on a first date. We arrived at the hall and a number of his friends were surprised that we were together. "Damn Gary, she looks sexy as all get out." I heard his friend say to him.

We sat at a table with his mom and dad. His dad worked at the same company. They greeted me with a smile and his mom said I looked nice. His dad made me laugh when he said, "Nice? Hell, she's gorgeous." I thanked them both as we sat down.

"Would you like something to drink?" asked Gary.

"Sure whatever you get will be fine." Gary knew my drinking habits and tonight I didn't want to drink too much.

A lot of his friends and I guess some were still mine, stopped by our table and said hi to us. Most of them I hadn't talked to since Gary applied for the divorce. It was a bit strange but I was happy to be there. When the music started Gary asked me to dance, it was a slow number.

He held me close and I got goose bumps. "Shannon," he said. "I know this is difficult for both of us but I want you to have a good time. Just treat this as a date and let's both enjoy ourselves." With that said we danced three songs in a row before taking a break. The second and third songs were fast ones.

We sat down and Gary got me a rum and coke and a beer for himself. We were falling into the flow of the party. It was just like old times. I got up and brought more snacks to the table. We got up and danced another fast number. When we sat back down one of his friends asked me to dance.

I wasn't sure how to respond. In old times I would have danced and thought nothing of it. I looked at Gary and then his friend and said, "No I don't think so. Thank you for asking but I just sat back down and want to rest a little."

He responded with, "Maybe later then," and walked away.

Gary's dad asked me to dance on the next slow song. Gary had asked his mother to dance. As we were dancing his father said it was nice seeing me with Gary again. He waltzed over to Gary and said, "Switch partners." and began dancing with his wife. Gary smiled as he took me in his arms.

"Shannon," he said. "You can dance with other guys if you want too. I won't stop you."

"I don't care if I dance with other people or not but I do want to be with you. If you dance with one of the other wives, I'll consider dancing with the husband. There is no way I'm going to dance with other men and you just sitting there watching me." He didn't say anything else about it and pulled me closer as we danced."

A couple of his friends wives asked Gary to dance and I did dance with their husbands but wouldn't let them hold me close like I dance with Gary. All in all I had a wonderful time. I saw a few old friends, talked with my ex in-laws, but most of all my relationship with Gary got a step closer.

It was after midnight when we left the party. I drank but was far from drunk. Gary pulled up in the driveway, came around and opened my door to let me out. "Are you coming in?" I asked. "The kids aren't home." I smiled at him.

"No, I don't think so, not this time. Thank you for coming with me. I had a wonderful time and you looked so beautiful." He leaned over and gave me a gentle kiss. It was our first kiss since I don't know how long.

I wanted to tell him that I really wanted him and to take me and make love to me but I knew better. We were taking baby steps but at least we were moving forward.

I went in the house and watched him drive away. I was both happy and sad. I went to bed and slept like a baby.

I woke up suddenly around nine in the morning. The doorbell was ringing. I glance out the window and saw a police car. I put on a robe and answered the door.

"Mrs. Jennings, we would like to ask you a few questions." It was the same officer who questioned me after Gary was hurt.

"What do you want?" I was getting nervous. I looked over at the squad car and Gary was in it. "What's going on. Why is my husband doing in the squad car?" Why I said husband, I don't know but I was very scared.

"Mrs. Jennings, please calm down. He isn't under arrest, at least not yet. We asked him to voluntarily come over here with us. We didn't want him talking to you till we had. May we come in?" He and a female officer came in.

"Mrs. Jennings, I need to know where you were last night between eight o'clock and midnight."

"I was at a Christmas party with Gary. We got there around six and left sometime after midnight. Why are you asking me these questions?"

"Just bare with me. Was there anyone who could verify that you and your ex were there other than your ex? So you know we asked Mr. Jennings these same questions."

"Yes, we sat with his parents, Bill and Mary Jennings. Also there were hundreds of people there. I can give you some of the names of people we talked with." I started giving him names of couples we sat or danced with.

"At any time did your ex husband leave the party?"

"No, you see it's was our first time back together and we stuck together like glue. Neither of us left the others side other than a quick trip to the rest room."

I went on to explain that Gary brought me home near one o'clock and I went to bed. "Can you tell me why you want to know where we were last night?"

"Ben Crow, the man your husband fought with a few months ago was severely beaten last night. He said he was attacked by three hooded men but he has a tendency to exaggerate. We did the follow up on you and Mr. Jennings because of your past dealings with Mr. Crow.

"We'll follow up on a few of your witnesses. If they prove to be correct we won't be bothering you or Mr. Jennings. Sorry to have bothered you."

The officers walked out the door and released Gary and he came in. "Would you like some coffee and breakfast?" I asked.

He smiled and said some bacon and eggs would be nice. He sat down and we had coffee while I made him breakfast. We talked about this Ben Crow getting his ass kicked. I told Gary that it must be fate as we both laughed.

I called my mom and told her I would be over to get the kids after Gary left and I got dressed. Mom took it wrong and I had to say, "No Mother, he didn't spend the night. I'll explain it later. I'm making him breakfast in my pajamas and robe. No Mother! Look, I'll talk to you later. Bye!"

I looked over at Gary and he was laughing. Inside it made me feel good. As he ate I went and got dressed. We talked a little about going to my Christmas party the next week and then he left. "Kiss the kids for me," he said.

I told my mom what happened at the party and the nice time we had. I then explained what had happened this morning and why Gary was there. She said she just hoped everything between us was good.

At work on Monday the girls cornered me. "Did you read in the paper where Ben Crow was beat up at the western club? The damn liar said he got beat up by three big men. Afraid to admit it was three women who manhandled him. He made the mistake of grabbing Audrey by the ass."

"Don't tell me you three did it?" I asked.

"He had it coming. First he tries to molest you and then beats up your ex. This time we kept our eye on him. When he grabbed Audrey by the ass, she slapped him and the bouncers saw him and threw his ass out. We went out to the parking lot and took care of the son of a bitch. He won't be hurting any of our friends anymore," replied Cheri.

"We put on hoods but he knew it was women, the asshole. According to the paper they didn't find the three male assailants. We all know they never will. The paper also said they did question a few suspects but all were cleared. He said he was robbed but that was a lie too," said Barb.

"Lucky thing his buddy Rob wasn't there," I said.

"Oh, he was there but we had our friend Linda keeping him busy on the dance floor. I guess he chose Linda over being thrown out with his friend."

"Gary and I both got questioned but we had dozens of alibis. We were at the party the whole time and didn't get home till close to one."

"Did you get laid?" asked Cheri smiling.

"No, it was a friendly date. We're taking our time."

"Honey, you need to get laid. If not for yourself, then do it for us." They all laughed.

I laughed too, but I wanted Gary but not in a just fuck me situation. I wanted to be made love too.

The following weekend Gary would have the kids and asked my mom if she would watch them. We knew there wouldn't be a problem but we always asked her nicely. Gary respected my mother and she loved Gary. She let him know that she would keep them overnight so he wouldn't have to come by late and pick them up.

I had my hair done up and wore a sexy black number that was quite a few inches above my knees. It was quite form fitting dress and accented my curves. I felt I looked good. I just hope Gary thought so to.

He rang the doorbell and I let him in. "Wow, you look awfully sexy!" he said to me.

He had on his sports jacket but was also wearing a tie. I couldn't remember the last time he wore a tie. "You look very handsome," I said to him. "I love the tie.

"I wore it for my date," he laughed. "I want to impress her friends. It's the first time I will be meeting most of them."

"Gary, I need to tell you something about my girlfriends. Remember the police came by and asked us about the mugging last week?"

"Yes, what does that have to do with your friends?" he asked.

"They are the ones that kicked his ass. There were four of them in on it. One distracted Rob while the other three put on masks and beat the shit out of Ben. I believe he told the police it was men because of the embarrassment and humiliation of being beat up by women. They told me they did it for you and me.

"I don't want to lie to you or keep any secrets from you. I thought you might like to know."