Toxic Attraction

The idea of bunking with a roommate just seemed immature to Dan. As a forty-year-old man with a family, Dan believed he was far too old and past the point in his life when he should even consider living with some stranger. He had scoffed when his wife proposed the idea to him.

“A roommate? Jesus, Sarah, I’m forty years old,” he said, half laughing. “I’m not in college anymore.”

Like most American families, the economic downturn hit the Williams hard. The engineering firm that Dan was employed at for the last ten years went under, leaving the father of two unemployed. Luckily, Sarah was able to hold onto her job as a hospital administrator to keep food on the table.

Dan had been unable to find another job in his field or at the same pay rate in their hometown of Middleton, Illinois. Other companies in town seemed to have had a hiring freeze as Dan never heard back from anywhere he had submitted his resume to. In desperation, he’d just worked whatever odd jobs he could find to help keep his family afloat.

After two years without steady employment, Dan finally received a call from a firm out of Chicago. While the pay was much less than he was previously making, a regular influx of cash would help the Williams family get their lives back on track.

“Dan, we’ve gone over the numbers how many times? We’ll be able to save a lot more money if you split the costs with someone else.”

“I know, I know. I just don’t want to live with some random person, Sarah. At this stage in my life, I just want to be with you and the kids.”

Sarah made her way across the room and sat down on Dan’s lap, circling her arms around his neck.

“I know, baby, but think of it this way. The more money you save by having a roommate, the faster the kids and I will be able to join you in Chicago.”

Dan sighed. “You’re right. It’s going to be hard enough just being away from you and the kids, but if this gets us back together faster then so be it.”

A half smile spread onto Sarah’s face. “It’s going to be hard on all of us, but this is the best scenario in terms of our finances.” The smile on her face grew wider and she locked eyes with Dan. “And it’s not like this is forever. Once we’ve saved enough money and I can find a job in Chicago, the kids and I will be right there with you in a place of our own.”

Begrudgingly Dan faked a small smile so Sarah would feel that her efforts to comfort him were working. In an effort to put an end to his pity party, Dan joked, “I guess this move might put a damper on our sex life.” He feigned a thrust into her butt with his hips for a punchline.

The smile on Sarah’s face grew wider as she quickly shifted gears from comforting to flirty. She shifted her hips on Dan’s crotch and playfully said, “Oh, I don’t know about that. Between Skype and sexting, I’m sure we’ll be able to find a way to satisfy each other.” Her grin grew even wider, while naughty thoughts filled her head. Her fingers playfully danced along the skin of Dan’s neck. “Who knows, it might be nice to get away from the kids and come visit you in Chicago.”