The Horse Farm - Chapter 2-4

Susan knocked lightly on the door of Walter's office.  

"Am I disturbing you?"

She wore a navy suit and an expensive pair of pumps in natural leather. The heels made her five-foot three-inch frame seem elegantly statuesque from Walter's seated position. 

"No, not at all! Come in!"

Susan projected positive energy into the office through her lively eyes and relaxed smile. Straight black hair fell loosely down the side of her face.

"I just came by to say: CONGRATULATIONS!"

"Thank you!" Walter acknowledged enthusiastically. "News travels fast!"

"Well, I kind of had a heads up that things might be heading in this direction," she admitted.

"Oh, really? Who spilled the beans?" 

"I have my sources," she replied playfully. 

Susan carried herself with confidence. She was composed and professional in the office, preferring conservative suits to casual outfits. But her posture and body language telegraphed assurance and comfort with her own sensuality. She was pretty, but attitude and intelligence added significantly to her allure.

"Do you have time to sit down?"

"Yeah, for a minute," Susan replied. "Have you told Louise?"

"Yeah!" Walter confirmed enthusiastically.

"Was she happy?"

"Yeah, she seemed excited," Walter confirmed. "Somebody came into her office, so we didn't talk long."

"Is she going to be upset that you'll be traveling more?"

"I don't think so." Walter wasn't sure why Susan was asking this.

"I just remember her having some trouble with that before."

"Yeah, that was ... different." Walter didn't want to discuss personal details with a colleague, but Susan's recollection was surprisingly accurate. His relationship with Louise went through a rough spell during a project where he had to do a lot of traveling. His being out of town didn't cause the issue, but it was enough to make him wonder how she would deal with his soon-to-be increased travel schedule. 

"Sorry!" Susan apologized.

"Oh, it's no big deal! Besides, it'll probably just be a few days in Houston each month and an occasional trip out to Colorado. I'll always be back on weekends."

"Well, I'm sure that she'll adjust now that you're making the big bucks!"

"No big bucks, I assure you!" Walter said laughing. "Just three times the work, and now I have to fight for the department's budget."

Susan beamed a bright smile.

"You're from Colorado, aren't you?" Walter asked.

"Yeah, my parents live just outside Boulder."

"Nice! Maybe you can tell me the best places to go mountain biking out there."

"Sure!" Susan responded. "Or maybe if I'm visiting when you're in town, I could show you around."

"That would be AWESOME!" It didn't seem like a likely scenario, but it was nice of her to make the offer.

"Anyway, I'm sure that I've taken up way too much of your time," Susan said. "I just wanted to say congrats and ... well deserved!" She stood and extended her hand across the desk.

"Thank you so much!" Walter responded while shaking her hand. "I really do appreciate you stopping by."

"We should do lunch sometime," Susan offered as she turned to leave, "before you get too busy flying all over the place."

"Sure! That would be nice!" Walter said. "Maybe later in the week."

"Okay, pick a day, and we'll see if our schedules match up."

"Great! Thanks!" Walter confirmed. "I'll let you know."

"Bye!"

 

'The Horse Farm'

Copyright © 2015 Daniel R. South

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