The Class Project - Chapter 11 free porn video

The Class Project By Janice Dreamer Chapter 11 Robyn opened the front door as quietly as possible. She tiptoed toward her room trying not to wake her roommates. She was feeling giddy. And smug as the cat that ate the canary. She reeked of sex. Her skin glowed with a soft flush. A damp curl had escaped her loose ponytail and lay against her left cheek. She was dressed in the same jeans and sweater she'd worn yesterday but was carrying her shoes. Jim's bedroom door opened. He looked like he hadn't slept. Must have pulled an all-nighter, Robyn thought. The poor guy was driving himself too hard. She'd be glad when the semester was over and he could take a break. She felt a brief pang of guilt. He might have blown off his studies and worked on the demon program or her official background records. She suddenly felt very tender toward him. She flashed him a warm smile made all the brighter by her after-great-sex euphoria. "Hey. I didn't mean to wake you," she whispered. At least she could let Scott sleep. "Hey yourself." Jim glanced at his watch. "It's 6:30 in the morning. Are you just getting in, Robyn?" "Yeah." She looked down and tried to hide her self-satisfied smile. The part of her that was still a socially inept nerd wanted to shout from the rooftops: 'I just spent all night long getting laid!' But she hadn't mentioned Brad to Jim yet. She sensed that her friend would freak at the thought of her having sex... as a woman. The doorbell interrupted them. Robyn hurried to open the door before another ring might wake Scott. "Good. I thought I'd catch you." Brad stood there looking confident and sexy. He immediately swept her into his arms and kissed her. He took his time, lingering over her long enough to re-ignite the fire of arousal then pulled away. Holding out her bra he said, "Here Babe, you forgot this." She felt her knees go weak. Her delicate hands were knotted in Brad's shirtfront and she reluctantly disentangled one to take her bra from him. This wonderful sexy guy was her boyfriend! She'd never felt this happy in her entire life. Then she noticed Jim still standing in his open doorway watching them. She felt a hot blush suffuse her skin from her toes to her scalp. "Um... Brad, you know my roommate Jim?" she mumbled. She released Brad's shirt and nervously patted at her hair. Brad circled her waist possessively with one hand. He casually slid it down to cup her ass. He couldn't have made his message clearer without a branding iron. He grinned contemptuously. "Sure. Jim. I've seen you around." Jim didn't return the grin. He stared back levelly. His right hand clenched and unclenched rhythmically at his side. "Franklin." He made the word sound like a curse. Then he directed his gaze at Robyn. The hurt puppy look he gave her made her heart wrench. "I've got a test to study for. See ya." "I'm just leaving anyway. Nice seeing you Jim," Brad cockily called out to Jim's closing door. He patted Robyn's ass and rolled his eyes. "Kinda tense isn't he?" Robyn lowered her gaze and muttered, "He's stressed out. He's my best friend and he's adjusting to my... umm... me moving in here." "Well tell him to chill," Brad said dismissively. He swung Robyn around and pulled her tight against him and kissed her passionately. Just as Robyn was considering dragging him back into bed he broke the kiss and held her gently in place by the shoulders. "Anyway Sweets, I gotta go. I'll give you a call later, maybe we can hang out." Robyn could only nod mutely in response. She was so confused. And so needy. When Brad did that -- got her all stirred up and ready then pulled away - she just couldn't think straight. She felt abandoned and desperately wanted to cling to him and beg him to stay. If he held her in his arms everything would make sense again. But she knew Brad would not be swayed. Brad touched her cheek and ruffled her hair. "See ya soon." She closed the door softly. As if in a dream she stood for a moment leaning with her back pressed to the door. Her body was on fire. Her nipples throbbed, her heart was pounding and her vagina literally pulsated with desire. She closed her eyes and tried to steady her ragged breathing. She'd have to wait all day before she could see him again. It felt like an eternity. And what if he didn't call? Eventually she collected herself and set off down the hall. Maybe a shower would help clear her mind. She luxuriated in the hot spray for a nice long time. She lost herself in the mindless tasks of shampooing her hair, shaving her legs and cleansing her body. She was feeling a little better when she emerged with a towel around her hair and another around her body. She was sleek and clean all over but her mind was a roiling turmoil. She'd been trying to avoid thinking of Jim but her thoughts kept circling back to how he'd looked at her and Brad together. And there he was, waiting for her in the living room. She sighed in resignation. No time like the present, she thought. "Hey. Hang on a minute okay? I guess we need to talk. I'll be out in a sec." Jim's nod was barely perceptible. Robyn hurriedly changed into a pair of sweats and a fleece top. She quickly finger combed her hair deciding to let it air dry. Dreading the confrontation she knew was coming, she went out to face her friend. Jim was pacing agitatedly. He turned to face her when she sat down on the couch. His look was a mixture of hurt and disappointment. "Well I guess that explains where you've been all night." "Jim, don't be that way. It's not what you think." "It's not? Well what *is* it then? You're gone all day and all night then come creeping in here at dawn. And that... that *ass*hole shows up groping you and slobbers all over you. What should I think?" Robyn shrugged her shoulders. She wanted to defend her choices but knew how futile it was in the face of Jim's attitude. "Brad's not an ass..." she began but Jim threw his hands up in the air cutting her off. "Jesus, Robyn! I don't care! It's your life. Do what you want okay?" "Brad's a good guy, Jim. He really is. He makes me feel... special." "God Robyn! Listen to yourself! You sound like a... like a girl! Whatever happened to changing back to Bob?" Robyn bit her lip. Jim would have to go and remind her of the one thing that bothered her most. "I haven't forgotten. But that's a long way off. And I *am* a girl, for now. Can't I experience life from this side while I'm stuck like this? How many guys get that chance?" Jim snorted derisively. "Do you have to experience it with a jerk like Franklin?" "Jim you don't know him like I do. He's wonder... I mean he's okay. He... we... I... oh shit!" She just couldn't find the words. Jim would never understand how it was for her. Hearing Robyn sounding like a little lost girl, Jim's tone lost some of its reproach. "I'm sorry Robyn. I shouldn't be telling you what to do. I'm just worried about you. That guy's a player and I don't want him playing you. I just hope you know what you're doing." "I appreciate your concern, Jim. But I'm a big girl... I mean I'm an adult. I can take care of myself." "I just hope you can take care of Franklin," Jim muttered under his breath. He sighed dramatically and added in a calmer tone, "You're going to do what you want anyway. But if he ever hurts you I want to know about it. Say the word and he's dead meat." Jim's hands clenched into fists, making his intentions all too clear. "Thanks, Jim. But Brad would never hurt me. I know it. Anyway thanks for your concern." Jim needed to change the subject before he exploded from frustration. He tossed a pair of envelopes on the coffee table in front of her. "Here. These came in the mail for you," he said grudgingly. Robyn saw one was from Social Security and the other from her fictional birthplace's department of records. She ripped them open and found her new Social Security card and an official replacement birth certificate. "Hey! It worked! Thanks Jim! You're a genius!" Robyn happily bounced up and hugged her roommate. Jim stiffened momentarily, still feeling put out. But he couldn't help giving in and hugging her back. It was getting difficult to remember that she was really his old friend. In many ways Robyn was more fun, more exciting, than Bob had ever been but she was also driving him absolutely crazy. He could smell her freshly shampooed hair and the scent of whatever she used to wash herself. She felt so tiny and soft and desirable in his arms. She seemed to be becoming more innocent and girly every day. Just thinking of her kissing that slime made Jim insane with rage and frustration. Bob would never have shown such incredibly bad judgment, he thought. "I also found a big community college on the west coast with a strong computer department and a lot of faculty turnover," he said, trying to distract himself from the feeling of her body pressed against his. "I was able to insert course records for you. You can fill out the application for transfer and submit it today. With luck they'll act on it so you can start with the Spring semester in late January. It cost you a year, though. The school didn't offer much beyond a two-year program so I could only put you at about a Junior level. Sorry." "Sorry? Jim that's wonderful! I'll still be able to take the higher-level courses. I ought to be able to convince Smithfield I picked up some stuff in independent study. I'll make out fine. Thank you!" She looked up happily at him. Standing on tiptoes she moved her hands to his shoulders and craned her neck up but was still too short. She jumped up, planting an exuberant kiss on his cheek. "Thank you so much!" Jim blushed deeply now. God, he couldn't let Robyn discover what an effect she was having on him. He held her off at arms' length. "Oh hell Robyn. What are friends for?" "Well you're the best!" Her smile was brilliant. Then her expression turned thoughtful. "But I've got to get busy! First I'll submit my application. Then look for a job..." "Good luck with that," Jim said as he hurriedly turned to leave. "I need a shower." A very cold shower, he thought ruefully. * * * * * "Hi, guys. Welcome to Peepers. My name's Robyn and I'll be your server tonight." Robyn flashed a tentative smile at the four young men seated around the booth. Their answering smiles were brilliant and interested but their eyes were riveted somewhat below her face. She felt ridiculously exposed in her revealing uniform. The tiny low-cut tank top featured a cute baby chick with enormous eyes. The word 'Peepers' was printed in yellow across her chest with two oversized bright pink 'e's strategically placed to draw attention to her breasts. Her hot pink shorts were incredibly skimpy. The firm rounded globes of the lower half of her butt cheeks were in plain view. The shorts clung to her hips like a second skin, riding low to display her navel and a three-inch swath of flat tummy below the hem of her top. The final accent that completed the whole cheerleader look was a great cascade of curls pulled into a ponytail at the right side of her head. Robyn leaned over to hand out menus and blushed as she noticed the furtive glances down her top and appreciative smiles. She straightened and nervously tugged at the bottom of her tank top trying to cover a bit more of her bare midriff but the excited looks in her customers' eyes alerted her to the fact that she'd only succeeded in exposing more of the tops of her breasts. She stopped fiddling with her clothes and reached for her order pad and pencil in the little pouch that was custom sewn on the right front of her uniform shorts. Consulting notes she'd hurriedly scrawled on the top sheet of the pad she stumbled through a spiel about tonight's specials and Peeper's various specialty drinks. "So if you guys need time to decide I can get your drink order and be right back," she said, remembering her training. One of the guys - she was sure they were students at the university, they looked familiar - raised his eyes from her chest momentarily and asked with a suggestive leer, "What were those specials again, Hon?" They all exchanged grins among themselves. Robyn hesitated; feeling at sea now that her little script was disrupted. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed her boss watching from across the room. She did her best to appear perky and bubbly while trying to control the tremulous tone of her voice. Reading from her pad she reiterated the specials and asked again for their drink orders. "Hey sweetheart, I hear the Peeper Platter is 'udderly' fantastic?" The four men tried to stifle their chuckles. Robyn's smile faded momentarily. She'd been here as Bob with a group of friends and they'd played the same game, keeping a pretty waitress at their table with inane questions and juvenile innuendo. She rapidly considered how Bob would have reacted if he'd been called on it. She bent at the waist and placed her hands on the edge of the table and gave them her brightest smile. They all leaned slightly forward, craning their necks surreptitiously. She knew she was giving them just what they wanted -- a nice long look. She whispered low for their ears alone, "Come on guys. It's my first day and my boss is watching. Give me a break okay?" Robyn's gamble paid off; one of the guys had at least a touch of class. He straightened in his seat and said, "We'll just have a pitcher and an order of nachos for now. Thanks." Robyn smiled her gratitude. "Coming right up!" She all but skipped across the room to the waitress station at the bar and handed in her order. She turned around, leaned back resting her elbows on the bar and scanned the restaurant feeling very smug. "Hey girlie! Table five needs clearing. Go! I don't pay you to lean," John Peeps barked from behind the bar. Startled, she jumped and let out a tiny high-pitched squeak. Where had he come from? She could have sworn he was over by the hostess station. "Yessir!" she chirped and hurried off. * * * * * John Peeps ran a tight ship. That's what the ex-Marine had said at least three times during her interview earlier that afternoon. In his mid 40's he was an imposing man even though he only stood five feet nine. His muscles rippled like a professional body builder's. His dark mocha skin was decorated with an assortment of fierce tattoos picturing spiders, scorpions, a snarling tiger, the Marine emblem and the American flag. His face had a distinctly satanic look accentuated by his smoothly shaven head and neatly trimmed goatee. The former lieutenant colonel had commanded an assault battalion and knew how to get things done. When Peeps said 'Move' people scattered. In retirement he was proving to be an astute businessman. He pursued opportunity with the same boldness and relentless tenacity as he'd shown on the battlefield. He'd seen the need for a sports bar/restaurant in this college town long before any of the big franchised corporations. And he wasn't shy about 'borrowing' ideas from those popular franchises. His establishment used the same formula of sexy waitresses in tight uniforms serving overpriced food and drinks to a running background of various sporting events on big screen TVs. Peepers had been an instant success from the moment it opened its doors. Peeps' policy was one of strict fairness. Each waitress bought her own uniforms and was expected to keep them clean. Everyone was required to look her best when she showed up for work. Any server whose appearance failed to meet Peeps' exacting standards was given the option to tidy herself up or pick up her paycheck. Other than the bartenders and kitchen workers there were no other support staff; each girl bussed her own tables and everyone took turns as hostess. They were responsible for their own tills and for any breakage or losses. All the girls were expected to help out wherever needed. And all were required to treat the clientele with solicitous friendliness. Flirting with the customers wasn't just allowed it was encouraged. The sexy girl-next-door waitresses were Peeps' stock in trade after all. Yet he permitted no customer to overstep the bounds of propriety - his girls were not to be manhandled and he'd stepped in to show a grabby patron the door on numerous occasions. He also had a strict rule against dating regular customers. Under no circumstances were boyfriends ever served by their girlfriends.. In return for toeing his strict line he paid them a small hourly wage, allowed them wide flexibility in their hours, and provided them a safe working environment. College students were not known for being generous tippers but tipsy horny guys often lacked judgment when a waitress was sexy and friendly. And a fair number of the patrons were businessmen with considerably deeper pockets. Girls who didn't mind smiling at drunks found working at Peepers could be quite lucrative. Many waitresses were college students supplementing their income but even more were local girls who had no ambition to higher education but knew a good opportunity when they saw one. While many feminists railed against the blatant sexism of establishments like Peepers most of the women employees were proud to be pretty enough to work there. And quite satisfied with the cash they tucked in their purses at the end of the day. Robyn had put in three other applications before she walked into Peepers and asked to see the manager. The other jobs had been for office workers, which she thought of as a bit classier than a waitress position. She thought she looked nice and professional in a stylish skirt set and heels. She'd even put her hair up in a conservative twist to tone down her earthy sexiness. But the people she'd talked to had basically looked down their noses at her and told her they'd be in touch. She could almost read their minds - they saw her as a little flutter-brain who'd spend all her time alternating between flirting with the men and fixing her makeup. She might be fun to look at but they doubted they'd get much work out of her. It was so frustrating to find herself once more the victim of stereotyping. But John Peeps hadn't written her off with a single glance. He looked her up and down and asked if she'd ever worked as a waitress before. Robyn briefly considered lying but was afraid she'd be caught out. "No sir, I haven't," she said flatly. She drew herself up proudly and looked straight up at him. "But I'm a hard worker and a fast learner. I really need a job. If you give me a chance you won't regret it." Peeps crossed his arms across his chest and let out an amused snort. "You're an awful scrawny little girlie. Think you can handle lugging around heavy trays all evening long?" Robyn blinked. She'd never considered waitressing as a particularly physically demanding occupation. Although that was back when she'd had a male's muscles. But she was undaunted. She stuck her chin out and regally nodded once. Peeps grinned at her. She was a little slip of a thing but she had spirit. He walked behind the bar and filled two pitchers with water. He placed both pitchers and ten heavy beer mugs on a tray and waved her over. "Take this to that table over there." He gestured at a recently vacated table at the far side of the room. "Then clear off the empties and bring them back over here." Robyn gulped and approached the bar. The tray was far too large to carry in front of her; she'd have to hoist it over her head as she'd seen other waitresses do. She worried briefly over how she was dressed - her interview clothes didn't allow her as much freedom of movement as the tiny costumes the waitresses wore. Not to mention her heels. But there was no stopping now. She took a breath and lifted the tray. She was surprised at the weight. It wouldn't have fazed Bob but she was straining slightly and had yet to take a step. She turned and carefully set out across the room. It was the slow period between the lunch and dinner rushes. Even still there were a number of customers lingering over beers or late lunches. Several waitresses were darting here and there, bringing refills, clearing tables, or refilling condiment dispensers. Robyn had to dodge as one girl crossed her path unexpectedly. She felt the tray tip but she quickly steadied it with her free hand. She finally reached her destination and managed to set the pitchers and glasses down while balancing her tray on the edge of the table. Clearing the used plates and glasses was no trouble other than being a bit messy - she'd have to get over any squeamishness about handling partially eaten food. The return trip was uneventful and she set the laden tray on the bar with a feeling of triumph. Peeps simply grunted in acknowledgement of her success. He looked at her through narrowed eyes. "This can be a pretty rowdy place. You realize that?" Robyn nodded, afraid to trust her voice. "You've seen the uniform. All my girls wear it. No exceptions," he said gruffly, pausing to gauge her reaction. When Robyn simply shrugged he went on, "I expect a lot from my girls. You'll earn your pay or you'll be gone." Robyn bounced once on the balls of her feet and squealed happily when his meaning sunk in. "I've got the job?! Oh thank you, sir!" She almost gave him a spontaneous hug but stopped short at the look he gave her. "I swear you won't regret it!" "You better hope not," Peeps grumbled. "Now let's go to my office and I'll go over the rules. And you better learn 'em quick, girlie. I'll get you a couple uniforms - they'll come out of your first check. You can start today. I'll put you with Donna until you get the hang of things. Your first job'll be to clear those pitchers and glasses you almost dropped on the way over there." Robyn hesitated. She was overwhelmed by Peeps' peremptory manner. She hadn't considered the possibility that she'd start work immediately. She opened her mouth then closed it, unsure what she should say. Peeps glared at her. He snapped his fingers imperiously and pointed to his office doorway. "Come on girlie! Let's go! Move!" he bellowed. Robyn jerked as if stung. "Yessir!" she squeaked and hurried to precede him into the office. * * * * * Donna turned out to be a tall, freckled and very talkative redhead. She chattered away as they did setups for the evening rush. Donna quickly ran through the list of all the details that Robyn would have to take care of as part of her job. Then she started in on what she considered to be the essential information -- she happily proceeded to fill Robyn in on the significant facts of everyone's lives in the restaurant. Donna was a truly nice person; she didn't pass on nasty gossip, just the good aspects of each girl's personality and current romantic situation. When she mentioned their boss Robyn was shocked that she called him a 'sweetheart'. Robyn tried to get her to elaborate but all Donna would say was she'd find out for herself. Of course while Donna was dishing on everyone else she gently coaxed Robyn's own story from her. Keeping her answers brief and vague Robyn relayed the story they'd all settled on as the official version of her life. Once Donna had the basics she started digging for the 'important stuff'. "So you're new in town then? I know the cutest guy who would just love to meet you. Interested?" "Um... well not really, thanks anyway." "I guess a girl as cute as you has tons of guys chasing after you?" "No. Not really." "Ah. You have a guy back home, then?" Robyn shrugged and smiled, a little embarrassed. "Don't tell me you're single?" Robyn blushed and dropped her eyes shyly. "Oh I know that look. What's his name? Come on, you gotta tell me." "Well, actually I met this guy my first day in town. He's just... gorgeous. And we've been sort of going out..." "So who is he? I might know him. Maybe we could even double some time. That would be cool." "Brad Franklin. He's a student at the university." Donna's face fell. She turned her head and quickly busied herself re-straightening a table that she'd just finished. With her eyes downcast she mumbled, "Oh, no. No, I don't know him..." She was blushing furiously, very uncomfortable with lying. "Um, I know *of* him, I guess. I mean I've seen him in here a couple times..." Robyn was oblivious to Donna's dissembling. She was too busy mentally picturing Brad. She replied excitedly, "Isn't he just so good looking? And he's so cool. He's like this really important guy on campus." Robyn paused and her tone grew wistful. "Sometimes I wonder what he sees in me." Donna turned back to face her. She looked surprised. "Robyn have you looked in a mirror lately? You're an absolute doll, girl. Even beyond that, you're sweet, funny and smart. That's what he sees in you." Donna could hardly believe how innocent her new friend seemed. The tiny thing was a knockout yet she seemed totally taken in by the first guy she met. Suddenly feeling concerned she asked, "How long did you say you've been dating him?" "A week or so... why? Is something wrong?" Donna shrugged. "Um. No. Just... well, you never can tell where a relationship is going after such a short time. Are you sure you wouldn't like to meet my friend? Never know, you might want to keep your options open." Robyn shook her head seriously. "Thanks but I'm not really interested right now. Things are going pretty good with Brad and me. But hey, we could still all go out sometime. I'd like that. Brad's friends kind of make me nervous. He acts... I don't know, different around them. I guess that's just how guys are." Donna looked at her sadly. "Yeah. I guess. Some guys are like that sometimes." Robyn helped Donna through the remainder of the afternoon and most of the dinner rush. She carried trays, cleared tables, refilled drinks and observed as Donna took orders. Donna gradually introduced Robyn to the other waitresses and the kitchen staff as they came in contact with them. On their first break, Donna found a girl with a spare pair of sneakers near Robyn's size and borrowed them for her. Robyn gratefully stowed her heels in the locker assigned to her and spent the rest of her shift in the sneakers. "You gotta make sure you get a good pair of sneaks, Robyn," Donna advised. "We're on our feet all day long and we need comfy shoes." Donna was a font of just that kind of practical advice. Robyn filed it all away in her mind, certain it was valuable. Donna's words of wisdom had the cachet of hard won experience. She was a local girl who'd grown up poor in a large family. She learned early that you worked for what you wanted - life wasn't giving any handouts. She was now bringing home more money than any other girl in her high school class. She was happy in her job, happy with her life. She had a solid relationship with a good man who she planned to marry some day. He was plumber's assistant and hoped to eventually start his own business. Donna thought herself one of the luckiest women alive. Near the end of the dinner crowd Donna saw a group being seated in their section and gave Robyn a little push towards the booth. "Okay girl, time for you to solo. I'll be right nearby in case you need me." And, with a few butterflies in her stomach, Robyn walked slowly over to begin her new career. * * * * * At the end of the evening Robyn was counting up her till. Donna was seated beside her at the bar, showing her how to fill out her paperwork. "You did really good tonight, Robyn." "Thanks Donna." Robyn sighed and tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was automatic now. Her arms and shoulders ached from carrying trays and her feet were tired and swollen. "Man, this job really takes it out of you, doesn't it?" Donna smiled at her and patted her shoulder. "You'll be surprised how quickly you get used to it. I love working here. Everybody's so nice and friendly. And it's so exciting. Wait 'til you work a playoff game night. That's a total zoo but it's amazing how much fun you'll have." Robyn just stared at her a moment. She couldn't imagine getting used to all the muscle aches she was suffering. Or being on almost constant display. "But don't you mind all the stares? And the way we have to wear these tiny outfits?" Donna shrugged. "I kind of get a kick out of it actually. Some guys give me the creeps but most of them are decent enough. But with Peeps on patrol even the creepy ones are afraid to mess with you." She grinned and gave Robyn a playful shove that rocked her slightly on her stool. "Besides, are you gonna sit there and tell me that you never got a thrill out of some hottie checking you out? As cute as you are? Don't make me call you a liar!" She finished with a knowing giggle. Robyn blushed, remembering how she felt when Brad looked at her. And she had to admit there were moments tonight when she felt... what? Pride? Interest? Something. Yes, she definitely felt something when she caught certain customers enjoying what she had on display. "Okay, you got me there." Robyn's giggle joined Donna's and drew a sharp look from Peeps. "You girls are having so much fun maybe you think it'll be fun staying over to help mop the floors?" Their laughter died and both Robyn and Donna quickly shook their heads. "Well then get those tills reconciled. I still have a bank deposit to put together. Come on! I don't have all night. I'm not paying you to have a hen fest!" "Yessir!" they said in unison. "A sweetheart huh?" Robyn whispered. "You'll see," Donna whispered back with a wink. * * * * * Robyn was dead tired when she finally staggered up the steps to her apartment. It was after two in the morning and she was grateful Donna had offered to give her a lift. The buses stopped running at midnight and she didn't think she could have managed the freezing cold two-mile walk in heels. She noticed a light on in Jim's room. Man he was really pushing himself. She kicked her heels off as soon as she stepped in the door. Lord that felt good. She slipped her coat off, dropped it in a chair and reached behind her and unsnapped her bra. Oh that felt even better. She gathered up her things and turned wearily toward bed. As she shuffled down the hall Jim's door suddenly popped open. "Robyn! You're home," Jim said. He looked a little wild around the eyes and his tone was reproachful. "Hey Jim." She gave him a half-hearted wave and moved to walk around him. Jim's face twisted in a grimace but he struggled to keep his voice even. "Is everything okay? It's late and I was... I mean... well... you didn't call. So I wondered..." Robyn smiled up at him. He was worried about her. How sweet. The irritated reaction she'd experienced several days ago was gone now that she was no longer under the influence of PMS induced mood swings. Now she saw his worry as simple friendly concern. The poor guy was taking this harder than she was herself. It was actually flattering - a sign of how much he valued their friendship. She felt so natural expressing her feelings now and it amused her to see how Jim awkwardly tried to mask his own in typical male fashion. She giggled, finding it all just so funny. "It's okay, Jim." She patted him on the arm. "I was working - I got a job." She grinned like a little girl, proud of herself. "I'm sorry, I should have called, but everything just happened so fast." "Oh. You got a job? Great!" He frowned when a thought struck him. "You've been working? Where? At that law firm? I can't imagine any of those other places being open so late..." Robyn shook her head. "Nope." "Well, where then?" In answer she held her uniform top up against herself. "Peepers!? You got a job at *Peepers*?" Robyn nodded. "Geeze Robyn! Those girls who work there..." "Are really great people just doing a job," Robyn finished his sentence for him. She glared at him, daring him to contradict her. She thought of Donna and the other girls she'd met tonight. She remembered all the innuendo she'd heard and propagated in the past. How completely unfair it all seemed now. Jim's mouth snapped shut. He was learning when Robyn got that certain look it was time to back down. He floundered briefly, still worked up and searched for a different outlet for his indignation. "I... I thought you were going to interview for office jobs?" "Those jerks wouldn't give me the time of day," she said scornfully. The way she'd been summarily dismissed still stung. "They way they looked at me I felt like such a bimbo. Besides," she smiled and fished out a wad of cash from her purse. "The tips were really good. I'd never make this kind of bucks as an eight dollar an hour secretary." Jim looked at the sheaf of bills in her hand, remembering how he'd once tipped a really cute waitress five dollars for a three dollar beer. He shrugged, reluctantly conceding the point. "Even still." She patted his chest affectionately. "It's okay, Jim. I was a little leery about waitressing too. But it's actually a really good job and I'm lucky to have it. Even if the hours kind of suck." She covered her mouth to stifle a yawn. "Well... I wish you'd called at least. I was... I was worried." He fumbled for words, afraid of pissing her off. She could be touchy when he reminded her she wasn't a guy anymore. But damn it she had to be more careful now! "How'd you get home? You didn't walk I hope?" She smiled. She knew he didn't think her totally incompetent. He was just being male and trying to protect her. And when she thought of the route she'd have taken to get home she realized how vulnerable she was. She was a target now. She should get a cell phone. Just in case. Plus it would help her keep in touch with her new girlfriends. As Bob she'd never understood the need women seemed to have to chatter on the phone all the time. Now there were times when she felt the need to share something and it was frustrating not being able to. Shaking her head, she pushed those thoughts aside for the moment. "No. Donna gave me a ride." Jim almost asked who Donna was but stopped himself. "Well next time you're working late and don't have a ride please call me. I'll come and walk you home. Promise me you won't try to walk home alone." "I promise. Thanks, Jim." Jim shuffled his feet. His male ego appeased he was suddenly embarrassed by her simple thanks. "Well I'm off for bed. I'm beat. You should get some sleep too." Robyn yawned again. She started walking down the hall. "I will," Jim said. "Oh. I almost forgot. Franklin called for you." Robyn stopped and turned back to him. Her face was bright with hope. "Brad called? Did he leave a message?" "No. He was a little pissed when I said you weren't home. He called back around midnight and seemed even more p.o.'d." Jim couldn't quite hide the smirk on his face. The satisfaction he'd felt leaving that asshole dangling had almost been worth his own worry over Robyn. Robyn bit her lip and looked stricken. Jim was immediately contrite. He felt so helpless. He wished he could convince her that Brad fucking Franklin wasn't worth one hair on her head. But he knew Robyn would misinterpret anything he said against the jerk. "Well... okay, thanks. G'night Jim." Robyn quickly turned away. She swiped at a tear rolling down her cheek. Brad was pissed. She should have called him on her break. But she felt awkward calling him - he was always the one to initiate things between them. And she didn't want to leave a message with one of the jerks at his fraternity. Well it was too late to call now. She'd just have to smooth things over in the morning. It bothered her that Jim seemed to take delight in relaying the news. Damn why couldn't her friends see how wonderful Brad could be? "Night Robyn." Jim watched her slowly walk to her room then reentered his own. He flopped down on the bed. He cursed himself for hurting Robyn. What had made him do that? She had enough on her hands without him messing with her head. But Franklin just made his blood boil. How could he get her to wake up and realize she was just being used? Damn. Double damn! He flung himself out of bed and grabbed his coat. It was past late and he had a major test in the morning but he'd never sleep. A long walk was what he needed to clear his head. Robyn quickly changed to panties and a sleep shirt. She was bone weary but sleep eluded her. She stared up at the ceiling. Why couldn't the men in her life get along? She punched her pillow and turned on her side facing the wall. She heard the front door and knew Jim had gone out. His habit of walking or running when he was troubled was well known to her. She sighed wishing she could clear her own mind so easily. It was going to be a long night. To be Continued...