Cross Roads

After some time, Ben and Gloria had seen all there was to see. They were about to thank their hosts when Gloria saw a bracelet that had a gold-colored chain connecting several green stones. “Oh, Ben. This is stunning.” She picked it up and told him to fasten the clasp. Holding her arm up, she marveled at her reflection in a mirror.

He was taken with her beauty again, and admired her charm. “Pete, we’re going to take this bracelet. How much do you want?”

Pete joined them and nodded. “The lady has good taste, Ben. Those are emeralds. In fact, we just got that piece in from the man that left minutes before you two rolled in. You must have seen him leaving. Older, big buy with the hat? Anyway, it seemed a bit strange for a stranger to walk in, wanting to sell jewelry.”

Ben pulled out his wallet and held out some bills. “Will this do?”

“That’ll do just fine, and be sure to stop by when you’re this way again.” He took the money and went to get Milly.

Gloria threw her arms around Ben and again, he felt her breasts harden against his body. She cupped her hands over his cheeks and pulled his face to hers for a soft kiss. “Oh, Ben. I look so pretty wearing this, thank you.”

He heard Milly coming and gently pushed Gloria away. He put his arm around her and whispered into her ear. “Gloria. You can’t do that to me in front of people, it excites me too much.”

She was laughing when their hosts returned to say goodbye. They all hugged each other, and Ben and Gloria went to the car, feeling like they’d spent the afternoon with family. Just before getting in, Ben turned to Pete, “Hey, Pete, did that stranger happen to say what his name was?”

Pete put his hand to his chin, trying to remember, “Ah, yes. Mickey. That was it. Rather a strange name for a big guy like that, don’t you think?”

Ben nodded and again thanked their hosts, feeling a tinge of sickness inside his stomach but nonetheless, looked at his lady driver and took his place next to her in the Jeep.