Fresh Temptation

Did Mom tell you about that?”
    Marcy giggled. “Yeah, when I picked you up this evening. Said he dropped by the house driving a car so fancy she’d never heard of it before.”
    “Oh geez. It was nothing.”
    Marcy’s eyebrow lifted. “Oh really? She said he paid you and Isaac a visit at the hospital yesterday. When were you planning on telling me about this?”
    “Darn it!” Cara groaned. “It’s nothing. He felt bad because his girlfriend got me fired.”
    “Oh really?” Marcy was suddenly disappointed. “So he has a girlfriend?”
    “Well, he says she’s not but they were sitting together.” Cara huffed. “It was one of those snobby fundraisers on the upper east side. I sure as heck won’t miss those.”
    “So, she’s not his girlfriend?” There was a glimmer of hope in Marcy’s tone.
    “I see where you’re going with this and I don’t have the energy for it right now.”
    “Oh, come on, Cara. He went to your house and then tracked you down at the hospital. This is huge. I can’t believe you weren’t even gonna mention it.”
    “I told you, there’s nothing to mention. He’s a rich guy who obviously has too much time on his hands and guilt issues of some sort.”
    “So? What kind of guy drives from Manhattan to Newark because of a woman he’s just met? Sounds like a dream to me.”
    “Like I said, he has too much time on his hands. He was probably bored from sitting around and counting his money all day.”
    “Oh, you are so frustrating.” Marcy took her eyes from the road to gape at Cara for a moment. “He could’ve just had some money sent to you. Or had a gift sent to the hospital or whatever.” She could barely see Cara’s face in the dark, but she thought she noticed a smirk when she mentioned a gift. “What? Did he send you a gift? Bring you one in person?”
    Cara growled and stared up at the ceiling. “He brought Isaac a gift.”
    Marcy gasped. “What was it?”
    “It was nothing.”
    “Bullshit! What the heck did he bring Isaac at the hospital?”
    “A care package.” Cara’s voice grew quiet. “A very nice care package.”
    “Aw.” Marcy pouted. “I wish I had a rich man to bring me a care package.” She chuckled. “I wonder if there’s another package he’d rather give you instead—”
    Cara laughed. “Stop! I can’t let myself think that way about him.”
    “What? Maybe you should call him and see what happens. You could use a good romp in the bedroom. How long’s it been now? Let me think…you moved back here six months ago…it had to be when you were living in Chicago…”
    “Stop. Please.” Cara tried to stifle her groan. “It’s too depressing to think about. Besides, you should see the woman he was with. Perfect in every way.”
    “Probably surgically enhanced.”
    Cara shrugged. “Yeah, maybe. But what’s it matter? I mean, look at me? I’d have a better shot with George the forklift operator who comes to the office just to wink at me every chance he gets.”
    Marcy slapped Cara’s leg. “None of that talk. If you want, we can start working out before or after work. That office building on Claremont has a gym they’d probably let us use.”
    “No way. I’m too tired from working all day then cleaning offices with you every night. No time.”
    “Well, suit yourself. I think you should give the hot rich man a go. Your mom said he gave you his card and told you to,” she slowed her words, “call anytime.”
    “Yeah, yeah.”
    Marcy made her voice deliberately sensual. “Yes, anytime. About anything you need. Hello, Mr. Manhattan Heartthrob? Think you could spare an evening to give my friend here some personal attention? It’s been so long—”
    “Stop!” Cara’s head shook. “Why does your mind always go there? He was a nice guy. A gentleman.” She paused to sigh. “And he could have any woman he wants. I’m sure he keeps a whole slew of girls around to fill those needs. Rich guy with a sports car. Yeah.” She snorted. “He has to drive all the way to Newark to get laid. That’s believable.”
    “Maybe he doesn’t need to come to Newark. Maybe he just wanted to. Maybe you made an impression.”
    “Please, don’t.” Cara closed her mouth to keep the words, “I don’t want to get my hopes up,” from coming out.
    “Okay. Well, no matter what, you need to start making time for yourself. You do so much for everyone else. We all just wanna see you happy.”
    “I am happy.”
    “You’d be happier if