He Works While She Learns
He told the dude that he didn't wear girls shirts to work. He wasn't wasting his best stuff to work in this dust bowl environment. His good shirts he wore when he went out with his girlfriend. Why impress these guys at work who didn't exactly come off as fashionistas themselves.
Day after day he drove the fork lift up and down the rows of furniture, stifling a yawn most of the day. He picked and delivered what the boss wanted. He did not enjoy it but he enjoyed money to spend.
He stopped for breakfast every morning. He liked waffles and breakfast sausage. For lunch he ate a single sandwich. Dinner was big. Sometimes he went with the guys to a burger joint.
The days drudgery got him down sometimes. Driving up one row of furniture and down the other. Picking up luxury appliances and big screen TVs for the customers who paid his wages. Who will sleep on a new Vera Wang mattress tonight?
He was a bright guy, living in a small town. He couldn't find a higher-paying job unless he left town. He needed to give up his current life and move to the big city if he wanted to grow financially.
Moving up toward thirty was no big deal. He needed to grab hold of something solid now to secure his future. His girlfriend who he cherished had an eternity ring to seal their relationship. However, she deserved a big diamond engagement ring. He needed to grab a future for both of them.
They met at the restaurant for dinner. She strolled up to him wearing a long skirt and brown boots with a white blouse. She carried a matching hobo bag. He had changed into a clean shirt. They had a sweet familiarity that they had nurtured over the years.
Sitting back in the cushioned booth, they ordered Margaritas and taco salad. It was their favorite ethnic food. Their diets were pretty much healthy.
They enjoyed talking about their day. She spent hers in class. He spent his at work. They came together to share common interests in music and recreational pursuits. She focused on him and often longed for him to join her in the world of academics that she so loved.
He shared the fact that the guys at work didn't think his shirts were manly enough. She said it didn't matter what he wore at work. His boss was a pain, but he needed the steady income. She worked hard in a different way, studying hard. She wished he was in school with her. Maybe someday she thought.
