Hard Week gets Harder

What the hell did I do to deserve this? Who did I piss off?

The fire captain said it was an electrical fire or something, but I really wasn't paying attention. The pile of smoldering embers before me cast an eerie glow on the surrounding houses that mixed with the red and white flashing lights of the fire trucks. The house Amber and I worked so hard to make into a home, the house I had left only a few hours before, was now gone, along with everything I still had of hers.

My stuff held little importance to me, it could easily be replaced. But her stuff...

I had been a mess when I got the call from my neighbors. Erica demanded she take me home as I was in no shape to drive. The tears hadn't stopped since we got here. It felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest, like I had lost Amber again.

I was slightly aware of Erica's hand gently rubbing my back as the fire captain kept talking at me. I honestly didn't care what he had to say at this point. The hand on my back stopping was the only thing to bring my attention back to what was going on in front of me.

I looked up at the captain who was staring at me intently, as if waiting for an answer. Huh, get in line buddy. That's when I heard Erica speak up for the first time since we got here. "He will be coming home with me. "

The captain looked back at me for confirmation, which I weakly nodded my assent. He nodded and gave me a few more instructions for something or another and left. After a few more minutes of watching the fire crew work, Erica firmly grabbed my arm and lead me to her car.

"You are going to stay with me for awhile John. You are in no shape to deal with this now. Get in the car and I will take you to my place so you can get some rest."

**********

The damp pillow sent chills down my spine when I rolled over the next morning. I don't really remember much of last night, but I know I spent most of it crying. Erica was there for most of it, providing an ear to talk to or a shoulder to cry on when needed. I kept apologizing for over reacting, which she quickly shut down every time. I could hear her in the kitchen now with the soft gurgle of a coffee maker.

Deciding it best to do something with myself, I sat up in the soft queen bed. At some point I had removed all my clothes and I was laying naked in the most luxurious material I had ever felt. The room I was in looked to be average bedroom size for the area with a simple wood dresser across from the foot of the bed and a small television on top.

Spotting my clothes in the corner, I got up and got dressed. Emerging from my room, I was greeted by a beautiful sight. Erica was rushing back and forth in only an extra large t shirt that barely covered her plump ass. This time her hair was in a utilitarian ponytail and there was no trace of makeup on her face. Her huge bust pulled the shirt tight, showing the dark outlines of her nipples. The sight was almost enough to make me forget about last night, almost.

She finally noticed me staring at her as she was playing the eggs. "Good morning. I wasn't really sure what your plans were today, so I thought I would make you some breakfast. You should feel honored, this kitchen hasn't seen breakfast since I moved here. "

The slight bit of humor was enough to instantly brighten my mood. "I feel more honored that I get breakfast and a show. "

"Well I thought Sleeping Beauty was going to give me a few more minutes. Besides, if you call this" as she gestures toward her 'outfit' "a show, you should get your money back. The real show is what's underneath. "

This made me audibly gulp. I might go blind if I ever did see. Recovering quickly I responded "Well with a pitch like that, where do I get tickets? Put me down for the next showing. "

"Oh no, looks like the next showing is all sold out. But it looks like I have an opening later tonight..."

"Sold!" I exclaimed before we both bust up with laughter. Man, I don't think I could get used to that angelic laugh.

After we both calmed down, she got a soft expression on her face. "But seriously John, how are you holding up?"

"To be honest, a lot better now. Thank you by the way, that emotional support last night really helped me out. And thank you for opening your house to me. I know we just met, so I know how hard this must be for you. I promise to be out of your hair as soon as possible."

She waves her hand at me. "Don't worry about it, I'm glad that I could help in your time of need."

With a chuckle I said "Like I said before, what can't you do Erica?"

"Well, I can't decide if I'm going clothes shopping with you today or not."