Cross Roads

Gloria entered her trailer and fell onto the couch while putting her feet up on the tattered coffee table. She sat there, realizing just how tired she’d become. She liked living in Wind River, but helping Cue was tiring, with virtually no time left for anything else. Her thoughts drifted back to the events of her day, and she laughed at the time she’d spent with Mori. She’s really not that bad, but don’t let her know your thoughts. While reflections ran through her head, there was a knock at her door. Alarmed, she first went to the window and saw Jim, Templeton’s right-hand man. She whispered under her breath, “This ought to be good,” as she opened the door to greet him.

The man tipped his hat to greet her, and apologized for such a late visit. “My dear lady, I couldn’t help but see your lights on, and I am sincerely sorry for my absence of manners by this late visit.”

“What do you want from me, Jim?  I’ve had a long day, so I don’t have a lot of patience for idle talk at this hour.” She stood there, blocking the door, leaving him to shiver in the cold night.

“Mr. Templeton requests the honor of your company, if you would be so good as to accompany me on the way back to his place of business.”

She was amused at the formal way he spoke to her, but didn’t want to look too eager to accept his invitation. “Why, that Mr. Templeton, isn’t he the nicest man? You go tell him that I’m honored and will join him shortly. Thank you and good night, Jim.” She closed the door, feeling like she’d maintained her status over him. She peered through her curtains and watched him leave before racing to change her outfit and redo her makeup and hair.

She was ready in record time, and checked herself out in the mirror before making her way to Templetons. In her reflection, she saw a beautiful woman wearing a tight-fitting red dress that showed her ample bosom. Her red shoes were designed with ankle straps that drew attention to her shapely legs. She thought of the shoe remarks from Mori and Ben, but decided she could cross over the field of long grass to reach Templeton if she took it slow. Satisfied with her reflection, she left the little trailer. After locking her door, she saw Mori glaring at her from the window, so she smiled and waved to her before turning toward the field to visit the enemy.

It was bitter cold out, so she was relieved when she reached the entrance of the building.  She took a deep breath, straightened her posture, and opened the door, walking in with the confidence of royalty. The room was full of happy customers, so it took a few minutes before she spotted Templeton. She took off her coat and began her strut as she made her way to his table.