He pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. “You know why. You still have some toning up to do. We’ve talked about this.”

He led me over to the bed and we made love the same way we’d done for the past six years: missionary style and with the lights off. He laid me down and crammed it in. There was no foreplay involved unless he had trouble getting hard. Then he told me to stroke him. As I rolled over and lay on my side of the bed, I couldn’t help feeling depressed. It was the same feeling I got every time we made love. There was no satisfaction in it for me, except the emotional aspect of him wanting me. If he didn’t love me, then he wouldn’t want to have sex with me.

Tomorrow after work, I was going to hit the gym and hit it hard.

Chapter 3

Three Months Later...

I worked a daily job of nine to five at Holster Marketing Firm, which handled the account of a major upscale retailer. When I walked in, my boss, Kendra, called me into her office.

“Sit down, Gabby.”

The way she said it didn’t sound good. She took off her glasses and folded her hands on her desk.

“As you’ve been aware, the account you’re handling has been going under for quite a while. It’s not your fault or the fault of anyone in this firm. It’s the retailer’s poor management and decision making that dragged them down. Anyway, they filed bankruptcy and are closing fifty of their stores around the country. When they cut, we have to cut.”

“Are you firing me?” I asked in shock.

“Not firing. Laying off. We can’t afford to keep you and your team anymore since we’re losing the account.”

“But I worked my ass off on that account,” I said as tears sprang to my eyes.

“I know, and believe me, you’re one of our best, but we have to go by the numbers. Unfortunately, we have to lay off at least five people today. I’m so sorry. You’re a smart and bright woman. You’ll find something else and I’ll give you the best recommendation. This is New York; there are tons of marketing jobs out there.”

I sat there in disbelief and shook my head. I couldn’t believe this was happening. “I understand. Thank you, Kendra.”

As I got up from the chair, she walked over and gave me a light hug. “You never know. This may be the best thing that ever happened to you.”