I learned that his wife had died years earlier, and he lived alone, over an hours drive from the factory. I found myself confiding in him my reasons for working second shift, and we talked about a variety of ‘personal’ subjects. I was comfortable with him, moreso than I can remember being with any man. (actually, even my husband, but I’d never admit it). Yes, we did engage in some light flirting, some inuendo’s, some teasing, but only because we were so comfortable with each other – we both knew it was only in fun and nothing would ever come of it. I actually found myself attracted to John – in a physical way – but of course, I’m a happily married woman…
Well, one day it started snowing. My husband was out of town overnight on business, and the girls were scheduled to stay at their grandmothers that evening. It snowed all afternoon and evening. Heavy snow. By 10pm, the radio was saying all highways in the area were closed. John and I talked at break time, and he said it looked like he’d be spending the night in his truck, since he had called around and all the motels were filled. He said he was prepared, having an overnight bag and several blankets in his truck.
I couldn’t bear the thought of him trying to sleep in his truck in the middle of a blizzard like that, so I asked if he’d come to my house and sleep on our couch. He didn’t want to impose and was very reluctant, but I insisted, and finally he agreed to stay. We decided to both go in my Navigator since it had four wheel drive and his truck didn’t.
When we left the factory, we stopped by his truck so he could get his overnight bag, and I told him he wouldn’t need to bring any blankets. I had an awful time getting home, since there was over two feet of snow on the streets then.
We finally made it, and I pulled into my garage and closed the door before we got out of the Navigator. Actually, I was concerned about the neighbors seeing a man who was not my husband coming home with me. Even though we’re just friends, and there was nothing untoward going on, it’s better for them not to know.
John thanked me again before we even went into the house, saying “I really appreciate this, you know. I hope your husband doesn’t mind you dragging a man home!” I assured him that it was not going to be a problem. I had neglected to mention that my husband wouldn’t be home, because I knew John would probably have refused to stay. I had also neglected to mention that the girls wouldn’t be home, either. One problem though. John noticed the other stall empty, and asked where my husband’s car was as we were going through the door into the house. I didn’t answer until we were both inside and I closed the door behind us.
“Oh, I forget to tell you, he’s out of town tonight. He’ll be back tomorrow night. And I might as well tell you, the girls aren’t home either. I knew that you would refuse to come if you knew we’d be here alone, sO I just failed to mention it. We’re both grownups, and we know nothing’s going to happen, so it’s not a problem, is it?” I said, teasing him with a mischievous grin.