One of the companies I worked for while I was on the road was owned by an old Swede named Ed. He was a cigar chomping hard-case, big as a house and an absolute Einstein with machinery. He was also an alchoholic and had mood swings that were unbelievable. During the five years I worked for him I quit three times and he fired me twice. When he fired me, he'd end up finding me and convince me to come back to work for him. He did the same when I quit.         Considering the mischief and havoc that me and the rest of his crew could wreak, it's no small wonder he drank so much. We worked our butts to the bone for him, he paid us well and he'd line us up in front of the job shack every time a prank of ours got out of hand and lecture the dickens out've us, threaten to fire us and then send us back to work.
    Not only were we prone to mischief, we tended to be a wee bit uncouth. It wasn't at all unusual for one of us millwrights to stand on a high beam and moon all the boilermakers a few floors down. Once when Big Mike Kincaid was hooking up a drain line, Bobby Blue climbed topside and pee'd down the pipe. Needless to say, Big Mike chased Blue halfway across the jobsite. When the old swede caught wind of what was going on he damn near shit a wheatie. Another collective ass chewing ensued shortly thereafter.
    On the subject of excretement... the old swede went completely ballastic every time he'd go to the head and find shit on the toilet seat. I'm not too crazy about having to clean up after someone that can't aim their ass, but the old swede was damn near obsessive about it. One morning he lined us all up and informed us that he was gonna "shit can" (we all struggled not to giggle as he was lecturing, but it did seem a fitting pun) the next son-of-a-bitch he caught leaving shit on the toilet seat. None of us had the balls to ask him how he intended to determine who the culprit was.
    Oklahoma Earl and I were sitting out front of the job shack eating lunch later in the day and Earl started laughing.
    "What's so god damn funny, Earl?"
    "Aw, I was just sitt'n here wonder'n how the hell the old swede's gonna figure out who the sloppy shitter is! Balls on a hen! He ain't got no x-ray vision, does he?"
    About that time a plan started to formulate in my thoroughly devious mind. I knew Earl loved peanut butter. He'd buy a jar of of it and a loaf of bread and make peanut butter sandwiches every morning before he left the motel for work.
    "Hey, Earl! You got any peanut butter stashed in your truck?"
    Earl pondered for a moment. "Yea, I think there's about half a jar under the seat."
    "Mind if I take it?" I asked.
    "Help yourself. I ain't sure it's still good, but it prob'ly is."
    I thanked him, grabbed the jar out of his truck and stashed it in my tool box. Then I watched and waited. I knew the old swede would be making the rounds of the job site by mid-afternoon. And he ALWAYS stopped to take a shit on his way back to the job shack. I've never seen anyone more regular than he was. I swear, he must've mixed Metamucil with his Jack Daniels.     There he came. Striding along, chomping on his cigar, scowling and shouting occasionally when he saw something that pissed him off.
    I made sure he saw me go into the head. I had the peanut butter jar hid in my overalls, slammed the door, opened the jar and smeared just the right amount of peanut butter on the toilet seat. Then I cracked the door open just enough to keep an eye on the old swede.
    Sure enough! He was about twenty yards away, watching the door to the head like a big-ass bird. I jammed the jar into my butt pocket, opened the door and marched back to work. I was about half-way up the scaffolding when I heard him bellering.
    Right on cue, he hollered at me to get my ass down to the ground and come over to the head. I walked up to him, wearing my best innocent expression. "What d'ya need, Ed?"
    "Jesus fuck'n Christ! Can't you aim your ass any better than this?" He gestured toward the toilet seat.
    I stepped past him and peered at the seat. "Damn. I don't think that mess is mine, Ed." (I knew that'd send him over the edge, and it did.)
    While he was standing behind me bellowing like a fog horn, I reached down, scooped up some peanut butter with my finger and tasted it. "I'll be damned, Ed, it IS shit!"
    It was the first time in all the years I'd known him that he was absolutely speechless! Damn wonder he didn't fire me.

You Should Rule Jupiter

Huge and hot, Jupiter is a quickly turning planet with short days and intense gravity. You are perfect to rule Jupiter, because you are both dominant and kind. You have great strength and confidence, but you never abuse your power. You are always right. Even if you make mistakes, you compensate for them... before anyone knows it. Headstrong and ambitious, you always have a goal in mind. You are optimistic and believe thing things will always work out.

    The arena was empty when Monique hurried out of the dressing room and rushed to the entrance. Her mind raced as she recalled the mysterious stranger who was Vincent’s double shouting encouragement to her from his ringside seat. Despite the grueling match she’d endured less than an hour before, her body seemed almost weightless. She burst through the doors and peered into the darkness. There was no one in sight. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. His words continued to run through her mind. “I’ll be outside waiting for you when you’re ready.”
    A voice from behind startled her. “It’s not yet time. Soon it will be, but not just yet.” Monique felt an arm encircle her shoulders and she turned to see Andrew standing next to her.
    Tears filled her eyes as she shook her head. “Oh Andrew! I don’t understand. I don’t understand at all!”
    “Trust your destiny. Happiness greater than you’re fondest fantasy is on your horizon.” Andrew’s voice hung in the air as Monique blinked her tearful eyes, trying to focus in the darkness. As her vision cleared she realized she was alone in front of the arena. She slowly walked to her car and drove home, lost in a silent reverie.
    A short while she arrived at her apartment and walked inside, dropping her gym bag on the floor as she entered. The whistling of the teapot interrupted her thoughts and she sat sipping her tea as she listened to the music playing in the background. It was a recording she loved, a live jam session recorded at the New Orleans Alley one night when Vincent was sitting in with Hound Dog Willie’s Blues Band. The music washed over her and she could feel his presence all around her. Her taut body slowly relaxed and she drifted off to sleep.
    The familiar sound of a train whistle in the distance brought a smile to Monique’s face as she stood waiting on the worn boarding platform in front of the abandoned train depot deep in the desert. Soon a sleek, black locomotive appeared, pulling seven rail cars behind. As the train came to a stop the conductor stepped down and smiled at Monique. “Good evening, m’lady. It’s a pleasure, as always, to see you again.”
    Monique returned Jensen’s smile and squeezed his outstretched hand as she boarded. She saw Andrew seated at a table in the dining car and rushed to join him. “Where did you go?” She asked with a mixture of puzzlement and curiousity. “And what did you mean, it’s not yet time?”     Andrew drew a deep breath and smiled slightly. “Ahhh Monique, always so impatient. You must remember that destiny follows it’s own time line.”
    “I don’t understand. This is all terribly confusing to me. I know Vincent is still alive, at least alive in some sense of the word. And who is the man I saw at the arena? And why didn’t he wait for me?”
    “So many questions!” Andrew poured Monique a cup of tea and took her hand. “Yes. Vincent continues to live. Rather, his spirit lives in the body of a man named Lucas. That’s the man you saw at the arena. It wasn’t possible for him to wait for you. He was summoned elsewhere, but not to worry sweet lady, all will become clear soon enough. Now relax, sip your tea and enjoy the sunrise over the desert.”
    Monique gazed out the window, feeling her apprehension slowly easing as the railcar’s gentle movements soothed her. She watched as the brilliance of the morning sun washed over the desert sand. As the train slowed, Andrew stood and took Monique by the hand. “You’ve arrived at your destination. Soon all will be well and you’ll find more happiness than you ever dreamed possible.”
    Monique stepped down from the railcar and smiled as the familiar surroundings came into view. “Oh Andrew! Why didn’t you tell me I was returning to Boiler Bay?”
    “And ruin a perfectly good surprise? That would be unacceptable.” Andrew took her hand and led her up the path to Vincent’s cabin by the ocean. They arrived and walked inside. Monique’s breath caught in her throat as she saw the man she was sure was Vincent seated at the rustic table in the middle of the room. Next to him was a statuesque brunette woman with mystical brown eyes and an infatuating smile. Monique tried to speak but her words caught in her throat.
    Andrew smiled. “Monique, I’d like you to meet Lucas and Shilo.”
    Monique lowered herself into a chair, staring at Lucas.
    “Hello Monique.” Lucas reached out and took her hand. “I feel like I’ve known you for quite some time. Vincent’s memories, as wonderful as they are, don’t do you justice.”
    Monique smiled and blushed slightly. “I don’t know what to say. You’re so much like Vincent!”
    Shilo reached out and took Monique’s other hand. “In a sense, Lucas is Vincent. We, Lucas and I have been many people in many lifetimes. Now we’re here to bring you pleasure greater than your fondest fantasies. Bringing you pleasure will bring us pleasure.”
    Andrew put his hand on Monique’s shoulder. “Enjoy m’lady. It is time for me to renew my love affair with the sea.”
    An apprehensive expression crossed Monique’s face. Shilo noticed her discomfort and smiled reassurningly. I’ll walk with Andrew for a bit. I’m sure you and Lucas would like to become reacquainted.”
    Monique could feel her body tingling with arousal as she gazed across the table at Lucas and remembered the last time she’d been with Vincent here at his cabin. “Would you like some breakfast?” Lucas inquired with a devilish smile.
    Monique grinned wickedly. “What I’m hungry for won’t fit into a pan on the stove. Do you remember the last time we were together? I want to take up where we left off. I want to hear you say you’ve had enough and can’t take any more. Then I want to torture you some more.”
    Lucas wriggled slightly. The bulge in his trousers answered Monique’s question. “M’mmmm. I s’pose breakfast could wait.” Lucas pulled Monique to her feet, slowly undressed her and stood for a moment admiring her gorgeous body. Her majestic breasts and her magnificent legs were even more enticing than Vincent’s memories allowed him to remember. Monique loosened his belt and let his trousers fall to the floor. She pushed him back and they landed on the bed, locked together in a steamy embrace.
    Monique rolled on top of Lucas and kissed him passionately, her hips grinding into his. She was strong and her aggressive movements aroused him instantly. She inched upward on his body, her breasts surrounding his face. The passionate heat of her body blended with his as she buried her fingers in his hair. She raised her upper body and smiled wickedly. “Suck my nipples. Suck them hard.”
    Lucas needed no more encouragement. He eagerly sucked first one and then the other of her erect nipples as he clawed her ass cheeks. He could hear her breathing quicken as she moaned with pleasure. She pulled his head closer, anxious to increase the incredible pleasure she was feeling. Lucas continued to nibble and suck her tits, his body writhing with passion. Slowly, Monique inched her way further up his body, straddling his chest with her thighs as she grinned down at him. “I want to punish you baby. I want to make you beg for mercy and then finish you off.”
    Monique worked her way into position and trapped his face between her thighs. Her moist, clean-shaved pussy pressed tightly to him and his eager tongue and lips found her. His tongue drove into her, feeling her contractions as his lips nibbled gently at hers. Monique shrieked and squealed, her hips thrashing wildly as she rode his face. “Oh! Jesus! Lucas! Oh my God that feels good!”
    Lucas reached up and gripped Monique’s tits, one in each hand, as he teased and tortured her rock-hard nipples. Her breath came in ragged gasps, interspersed with screams of pleasure, her head thrown back, her contorted face mirroring the intensity of sensation sweeping over her. Monique’s body glistened with sweat as she clawed at Lucas’s chest.
    Suddenly she threw herself forward, grasping his bulging erection with both hands. She stroked his cock with a slow, steady rhythm, watching his hips thrust upward with every move she made. He could feel her hair brush his torso as she slowly slid her mouth over his shaft. Her tongue worked it’s magic on the head of his cock and he thrashed and struggled. Monique loosed a long, loud scream as she erupted with a powerful burst of passion, her body shivering and shuddering.
    Lucas continued to slurp and lick at a torrid pace and Monique continued to orgasm. Lucas wrapped his legs tightly around Monique’s head and he held her in place as he continued to probe her quivering snatch with his tongue. He could feel her clawing his ass cheeks as she continued to suck and lick. Unable to hold back any longer, Lucas felt his load explode into Monique’s eager mouth.
    Monique fell onto her side, still clamping Vincent’s head tightly between her sweaty thighs. She grinned wickedly as she watched her lover’s cock slowly shrink. “Oh no, baby, you aren’t done yet. I’m not ready to let up on you.”
    With that she pulled his hair, squeezed him tighter and set to work stroking his limp cock at a slow and steady pace. Lucas responded with renewed effort, licking and slurping Monique’s wet pussy. Monique’s exquisite torture elicited guttural growls and gasps from Lucas as he hugged her thighs and thrashed helplessly. Monique was in total control and watching him suffer made her even hotter. Her thighs ground on his head as she pumped her hips wildly and stroked his now semi-erect cock with no hint of mercy. “That’s it baby,” Monique gasped. “Give it to me! I want every drop of cum you’ve got. I want it, baby. I want all of it.”
    The more Monique tortured his stiffening cock the wilder he became. Monique was nearing another orgasm. She could feel Lucas’s tongue reaching inside her, coaxing her to passionate heights she had experienced with no other man in her life. Monique took his cock in her mouth once more, licking and sucking at a furious pace. She could feel her orgasm building, fire spreading from her loins outward across her entire body. She was quivering and shaking as the force of her release sent her reeling. She released his cock and screamed loudly as she slipped over the edge of sheer pleasure and felt herself swept away in a sea of passion. It was nearly more than she could stand. Monique was so hot and aroused she felt she’d surely pass out.
    With a burst of movement, Lucas escaped Monique’s grip and rolled on top of her writhing body, his cock now fully erect. He let it rub her pussy lips lightly as Monique squealed with delight. She reached down and guided his cock into her. “Oh baby, fuck me! God! Fuck me, baby. Oh! God! That feels soooo good!”
    Lucas stroked with long, slow movements, anxious to prolong the ecstacy as long as possible. Monique was wild with arousal, thrashing and writhing, her sweaty body meeting his with every lunge, her hips thrusting upward to meet him. Monique’s fingers wound through his hair and she pulled him into her. The lovers gasped and growled as their passion flared ever higher. Lucas could feel his release near at hand as Monique’s sweet, tight pussy milked his cock like a thousand magic fingers. Suddenly with a final scream of ecstacy they erupted in a magificent burst of love liquid, a mutual orgasm sweeping over them like molten lava.
    Monique opened her eyes and was amazed to find Shilo standing at the foot of the bed wearing nothing but a thong and holding a leather bag in her hands. She reached into the bag, removing several sex toys and a jar of warming gel. She flashed Monique a wicked smile. “I thought these might be nice to play with. I’m sure you’ll enjoy them.”
    Monique grinned at Shilo. “It might be fun and I do like your sex toys.”
    Shilo responded with a teasing smile. “Are you sure you can handle me?”
    “I think so. I’ll have you begging me to let up on you before I’m done working you over.”         Without another word, Shilo slowly approached, pushing Monique down on the bed as she lowered her head and took her nipple between her teeth, nibbling gently. Monique gasped with pleasure, holding Shiilo’s head with both hands, guiding her hungry mouth from one nipple to the other. “Oh! Jesus! I love what your doing!”
    Shilo let her hands glide across Monique’s torso and she slowly massaged her inner thighs. She continued to lick and nibble Monique’s tits as she slowly slid her fingers into Monique’s quivering snatch. Monique gripped Shilo by the hair, guiding her mouth from one mound of flesh to the other.
    Shilo found one of the sex toys and slowly drove it into Monique’s hot pussy. She pulled it back, letting the head of the toy tease Monique’s pussy lips. “Oh! Oh! You don’t play fair!”             Shilo smiled. “I never said I would!” With that she began stroking Monique’s pussy deeper and faster. Monique gasped and squealed with pleasure. Lucas was rapidly growing erect as he watched Shilo and Monique growing hotter by the second. He knelt down and pushed Shilo back, taking her place as he eagerly sucked and licked Monique’s gorgeous breasts.
    Shilo continued to pump the toy into Monique’s pussy, letting her lips and tonge explore her inner thighs. Monique’s breathing was coming in powerful gasps as her hips thrust upward with each stroke of the toy. Shilo was relentless, pumping the toy at a furious pace. Monique shuddered with pleasure as her orgasm neared. Lucas continued to explore her upper body with his lips and tongue, trailing kisses down her chest to her torso and across her waist.
    Monique screamed with pleasure as she thrashed and writhed across the bed, Shilo following her every move, continuing to pound the toy into her snatch. Lucas was unable to restrain himself any longer and he rolled onto his back, intent on pleasuring himself as he watched Monique explode in a magnificent burst of passion. Shilo and Monique were both dripping with sweat, the intensity of the love session driving them both crazy. Shilo scrambled on top of Monique, wrapping her thighs around Monique’s head. Monique buried her face in Shilo’s pussy, eager to drive her crazy with arousal. Shilo dove into Monique’s steamy snatch, eagerly sucking and licking as she felt herself squeezed tightly between Monique’s shapely thighs. Both women gasped and growled, alternately clawing ass cheeks and hugging each other’s thighs, each intent on bringing pleasure to the other. The sight of the women locked together in such an erotic fashion was more than Lucas could stand and he shot his load into the air with a furious blast. He rolled onto his back and watched intently as Shilo scissored Monique’s head, torturing her pussy with her lips and tongue. Monique shuddered violently as she erupted with an explosive orgasm that shot through her body like a jolt of electricity.
    Unable to continue, Monique’s body seemed to melt. Shilo was wild with passion as she rolled on top of Vincent. “God, baby, finish me off. Oh! Finish me baby, lick my pussy.”
    Lucas didn’t need any encouragement as he licked and nibbled Shilo’s quivering muff. A long, loud scream announced the onrush of passionate release as Shilo thrashed and lunged forward and back, her pussy devouring her lover. Shilo fell onto her back on the bed, gasping for breath. Lucas rolled on top of her, driving his cock into her pussy with wild abandon. Shilo moaned and gasped as she felt another powerful orgasm building inside. “Oh, sweet Jesus, baby, I’m gonna come again!"
     Shilo lunged upward, her body ridgid as she nearly bucked Lucas off the bed. Her screams of pleasure filled the air as she pounded the mattress with her fists. The pleasurable sensations slowly subsided and Shilo rolled to her knees, grinning at Monique. “We’re not done yet.“
    With that she worked her way into position, pinning Monique’s shoulders on the bed with her knees as she poured warming gel on her hands and slowly massaged Monique’s heaving breasts, pulling and twisting her nipples, one at a time. Lucas poured warming gel on Monique’s throbbing pussy and slowly massaged her with both hands, teasing and tantalizing her pouting pussy lips. His fingers found her clit and he rubbed it slowly as she writhed and struggled beneath him.
    Monique wrapped her legs around Lucas and thrust her hips upward with wild abandon. She was on fire once more, gasping and squealing with pleasure. Shilo continued, her thighs wrapped tight around Monique’s head as she continued to torture her tits. Lucas reached out, retrieved the sex toy and slowly worked it into Monique’s tight pussy. He worked with long, slow strokes, teasing her lips with the head of the toy. Her muffled gasps and shrieks of ecstacy filled the air as her body shuddered and quivered. Another furious burst of pleasure ripped through her body as she quivered and shook, her legs squeezing the breath out of her lover. Lucas slowly extracted the toy from Monique’s pussy and fell onto his side next to her on the bed.
    Shilo shifted her position, continuing to straddle Monique’s head with her thighs. She took the sex toy from Lucas, an evil grin on her face as she rubbed the head of the toy lightly across Monique’s pussy lips. Monique's muffled squeals of pleasure filled the air and Shilo let up slightly. “Oh, God! I can’t take any more. Oh! No more! I can’t take any more, sweet Jesus, I’ve had enough.”
    Shilo wrapped her legs around Monique’s head and squeezed with all her strength. She was in control and loving it. “Now we’ll see how much you can really take!”
    With that Shilo set to work, pounding Monique’s pussy at a frantic pace. Monique thrashed helplessly on the bed as Shilo grinned wickedly. Monique clawed Shilo’s thighs and ass cheeks, her hips gyrating wildly as she felt another powerful orgasm rock her body. Shilo loosened her hold on Monique and smiled an evil smile. “Want me to let up on you?”
    Before Monique could answer, Shilo released her and rolled over. Monique’s body quivered as the last remnants of orgasm swept through her body. “God! That was the most fantastic love session I’ve ever had!”
    Moments later they lay sleeping soundly together. Once again Lucas, Shilo and Monique found themselves standing on the boarding platform deep in the desert, watching as a sleek, black locomotive and seven rail cars pulled into sight. The train came to a stop and they boarded, making their way to the dining car.
    Andrew met them as they approached an empty table. “May I join the lovers trio for coffee?” He inquired with a smile. As they sat down, Andrew gazed at Monique. “I assume your inner animal was thoroughly satisfiied?”
    Monique gave him a teasing grin. “For now. But now I want more! I’ve never been happier. How can I ever repay you? "
    Andrew blushed slightly. “You already have. Watching a tigress as beautiful as you is all the payment I could wish for.”
    Monique looked up with an astonished expression. “You were there? Just how much do you see?”
    “Enough to keep me smiling far past our next destination, my sweet.”

Your EQ is 133

50 or less: Thanks for answering honestly. Now get yourself a shrink, quick! 51-70: When it comes to understanding human emotions, you'd have better luck understanding Chinese. 71-90: You've got more emotional intelligence than the average frat boy. Barely. 91-110: You're average. It's easy to predict how you'll react to things. But anyone could have guessed that. 111-130: You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on your butt. 131-150: You are remarkable when it comes to relating with others. Only the biggest losers get under your skin. 150+: Two possibilities - you've either out "Dr. Phil-ed" Dr. Phil... or you're a dirty liar.

    Monique stared silently out the window into the dark, evening sky. Tears ran down her cheeks and dripped off her jaw. She held a picture in her hands, her beloved Vincent. That, a silver talisman he’d bought her and many fond memories were all that remained of the man she loved. Monique swallowed the last of her tea and turned away from the window.
    Breath caught in her throat as she saw Andrew standing behind her. She tried to speak, but her voice was mute as she fell into Andrew’s waiting arms. “I would have come sooner, but you needed time to yourself.”
    Several moments passed as Monique sobbed uncontrollably. The sadness poured out into the night. Andrew stood silently holding Monique as he felt her emotions slowly ebb. “Take my hand, sweet woman. It’s time you got some sleep.”
    Monique resisted, a bittersweet smile on her face. “Sleep is the last thing I want, Andrew.”
    He put his finger to her lips. “Trust me, Monique. Vincent might be gone, but he is surely not lost. Sleep is best for now.”
    Monique, too tired to resist, followed Andrew to the bedroom, undressed and fell into bed. Andrew sat down next to her, holding her hand in his as she slowly drifted off to sleep. Monique found herself walking slowly on an ocean shore, a cabin in the distance. It looked distinctly familiar, yet out of place. As she came closer she realized, much to her amazement that it was the same cabin Vincent had taken her to on those magical moments when they boarded the Hitchcock Railway and rode together to their destination.
    She walked faster, then began running through the sand, reaching the door moments later. Without hesitation she burst inside, certain Vincent would be there to meet her. He wasn’t. She walked across the room and sat down in the worn, wood chair at his desk. She glanced down and saw a note written in Vincent’s hand and addressed to her. Her tears dripped onto the paper as she read what he wrote, explaining how he’d left this lifetime doing what he loved and reassuring her that he would return in a way she’d surely understand. “Believe in the magic we share my sweet!” Vincent wrote. “Never lose faith in the magic and know I’ll find you one day.”
    Insistent knocking at the door roused Monique from sleep. She opened her eyes, trying to focus on the reality of a new day. The knocking continued and she forced herself out of bed, stumbling across the room. Monique opened the door and Velvet burst inside. “Damn, girl! Don’t you EVER answer your phone?”
    “I wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone.” Monique motioned toward the kitchen. “C’mon in and sit. I’ll make us some tea.”
    Velvet settled into a chair, peering intently at her friend. “It’s been five weeks, Monique. When you gonna come to the gym? You need to get back in action, dammit!”
    “I s’pose you’re right. I am starting to get a little antsy.” Monique started to tell her friend about the dream she’d had the night before, but thought better of it. Velvet was already convinced she was unbalanced and this would only confirm her suspicions. “I’ll shower and meet you at the gym.”
    “Good! Everyone’ll be glad to see you back. I’ll see ya there in a few.”
    An hour later Monique walked into the gym, smiling to herself as she drew a deep breath and surveyed the room. It felt good to be back, like returning home once again. Angelina was hard at work on the weight machine and Velvet was in the ring working out with Celeste. They stopped as they saw Monique enter and greeted her enthusiastically.
Monique disappeared into the changing room and reappeared moments later, anxious to return to the ring. She jumped up, grabbed the ropes and vaulted into the ring. Velvet grinned. “Now THAT’S what I call an entrance!”
    Celeste reached down and retrieved her towel. “Okay, you two can work out together. I’ve gotta get going.”
    Monique smiled at her friend. “Don’t be too tough on me. I’ve been off five weeks.”
    Velvet flashed an evil grin. “Oh hell yes. I know that trick. Last time I bought that line of bullshit I almost got my ribs broke.”
    The two women sprang out of their corners and the work-out began. Monique could feel her body coming alive once again as she sweated and struggled. She could hear Velvet gasp for air as she fought for position. Monique was like a healthy, young animal doing what she loved to do.
    An hour later both women were completely exhausted. They sat toweling off as they laughed and joked together. Monique could feel the sadness and depression fleeing her mind and body as she sat with her friends. She felt a hand on her shoulder and glanced up to see Ted smiling down at her. “Well now! Can it be? You’re finally back?”
    Velvet grinned. “She damn sure is! And tougher than ever!”
    “So you’re ready to go back to work?” Ted seemed pleased.
    Monique nodded. “I am! By the way, thanks for the flowers and the card. They meant a lot to me.”
    “Hey. It’s what’s friends are for. I might be a hard-ass promoter, but I’m a friend just the same. And Vincent was my friend to. I wanted to talk to you at the memorial, but I just couldn’t find the words. I hope you understand.”
    Monique smiled slightly. “I do, Ted. More than you know. Just seeing you there meant a lot to me. Now it’s time to get back to living and doing what I do best. It’s what Vincent wants. I know that now.”
    “Good. Next week’s show’s already set, but how about the week after next?”
    “Count on it. Just give me a call and we’ll get together.”
    Ted assured her he would. “I’ll call ya this afternoon. We can do lunch together tomorrow. I’ll have the contracts together by then.”
    Velvet flashed Monique a wide smile. “Get your butt off that chair girl and I’ll buy you a drink! We’ve got some celebrating to do.” The women hurried to the locker room to shower and change. An hour later they were sitting together at the Cellar Bar, drinking and laughing. Monique was beginning to feel the bonds of depression leaving her mind. Angelina and Celeste joined them and their conversation continued into late afternoon.
    Monique glanced up at the clock on the wall. “I should get going. I need to stop at the store and pick up something for dinner.”
    “C’mon. I’ll buy ya some dinner.” Velvet swallowed the last of her drink and motioned toward the door. As they were leaving, Monique could feel eyes boring into her back. She turned to see a man sitting at a table in the back of the room. He was a big man with long hair, a beard and eyes that blazed with a hauntingly familiar intensity. Monique caught her breath when she saw him, frozen in place she returned his gaze looking as though she’d seen a ghost. She felt Velvet’s hand on her arm and turned back to her friend. “Did you . . . .?” Her voice trailed off.     “Hey. You okay?” Velvet’s concern showed in her face.
    “I . . .uh . . .look over there!” Monique nodded toward the man at the table. Velvet’s expression froze. “Sweet Jesus! Can it be?”
    The man sitting at the table surely looked like Vincent. It wasn’t possible. Yet there he was, sipping on a drink and staring back at them. Monique turned and began to walk toward him.         Velvet grabbed her arm. “We need to go!”
    Monique hesitated, tears forming in her eyes. “Yea, I s’pose we should.” The women hurried out the door and walked down the street to Bennie’s Diner. Neither woman spoke until they were seated at a booth.
    Velvet drew a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “Damn! That was positively spooky!”               Monique was struggling to regain her composure. She spoke in a halting voice. “I know that couldn’t possibly be Vincent, but you saw him to. How can that be?”
    Velvet shook her head. “I’m not sure, but I have heard that everyone has a double in life. Maybe that was Vincent’s.”
    “But why there at the bar and why now? I feel like it’s more than just coincedence.” Monique stared into space, a sad expression settling on her face. Velvet spent the remainder of the evening trying to convince Monique the encounter was purely random, but Monique remained unconvinced. Andrew’s words ran through her mind like an endless loop of sound.
    Monique arrived home, slid a bluesy disk into the player, turned the volume up and stretched out on the couch, letting the music wash over her as she slowly cried herself to sleep. The jangling of the phone roused her awake and Monique answered with a sleepy voice.
    It was Ted. “Hey, I didn’t mean to wake you, but your contract’s ready for your signature and I figured we could take care of it over lunch.”
    “Sure. That’ll work fine. Shall we meet at Bennie’s?” Ted agreed, Monique hung up the phone and shuffled into the kitchen . She stared out the window into the morning sunshine as she filled the teapot with water, her mind trying to focus once again on the man she was sure was Vincent at the bar the night before. It wasn’t possible, yet there he was.
    The morning passed quickly and soon it was time to meet Ted at the diner. Monique arrived to find Ted already there, papers spread out on the table and him immersed in an animated conversation on his cell phone. Monique smiled. She was sure when Ted was dead and buried there’d be a cell phone attached to his ear. For him it was an appendage as important as his arms and legs.
    She sat down and waited patiently as he finished his conversation. Ted flashed her a big smile as he greeted her. “Okay. I’ve got your promo schedule set. Your television spots are set to shoot tomorrow and you’ve got two radio interviews this week. Here ya go. Everything look okay for you?”
    Monique studied the scrawled notes on several pieces of paper. Ted’s handwriting was barely readable but she’d long since learned to decipher his scrawling penmanship and nodded her head. “Yea, this shouldn’t be any problem. Looks like you’re planning quite a show. Who’s up with me?”
    "You’re gonna LOVE this!” Ted slid Monique’s contract across the table.
    Monique’s eyes widened as she scanned the words on the paper. “Lola Marceau? Are you serious?”
    “Serious as a heart attack! She’s already signed. Now it’s up to you.”
    “Give me your pen!” Monique exclaimed. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time! How’d you work it out?”
    “A lot of southern charm!” Ted grinned impishly.
    “Uh huh. And a nice chunk of change along with the charm?”
    “Well . . . in a word . . . yes.” Before Monique could respond, Ted continued. “Now I know what you’re about to say and not to worry, you’re getting the same pay as Lola and here’s the best part. If you go over on Lola your in line for a championship match with Shawna O’Grady.” Monique beamed. “Get out of town! Are you for real?” Monique was bursting with excitement. She’d faced Lola twice before and lost both matches, but by all accounts made an excellent showing. Since her last encounter with the Cajun Sensation, Monique had gained a considerable amount of experience. Her confidence had increased and she felt sure she could win.
After a hasty lunch, Monique rushed out of the diner, anxious to share the news of her good fortune with the other women at the gym. The next few days were a blur of activity as Monique prepared for her upcoming bout with Lola. There were hours spent in the television studio, more hours sweating through grueling work-outs at the gym and a series of interviews with several prominent radio stations.
    As the week came to an end, Monique found herself drained of energy. She decided to stop into the Cellar for a nightcap on her way home. Gino greeted her as she took a seat at the bar.         “Hi ya, Monique! How’s my favorite lady tonight?”
    Monique gave him a tired smile. “I think I’m almost used up. Make me a Long Island Tea?”     “Come’n right up, fair lady. You must be in one hell of a good mood to order a drink that stiff!” Gino grinned wryly. “Tough day at the gym?”
    Monique nodded. “It was! My schedule’s been really heavy this week, but it’s worth it. Wait until you see the poster for the show next week. You’re not gonna believe it.”
    She went on to share her good news with Gino. Their conversation was interrupted by a man motioning from a table at the back of the room. Gino returned with a quizzical expression on his face. Without a word he mixed another drink and set it in front of Monique. “This’s from the gentleman at that table right over . . .huh! He was just there a minute ago.”
    Monique turned in the direction Gino was pointing. “You’ve been working too many hours, Gino.”
    “Yea right. He was just there. I s’pose he had somewhere to go or maybe he’s just the shy type.”
    “What did this mystery man look like?” Monique’s curiousity was piqued.
    Gino paused for a moment. “I dunno, long hair, a beard and his eyes. He had the strangest eyes. They sorta just bore into ya. Not in a bad way, mind ya, just sort’ve mystical. Oh yea. And he was big. A big guy.”
    Monique’s expression froze. The man Gino had described sounded like the man she’d seen a few nights before. The man she was sure was Vincent. Yet it wasn’t possible. Vincent was dead. Her mind raced as she took a long sip of her drink. Monique found herself wishing desperately that Andrew would appear. He’d surely have an explanation. There had to be a rational explanation, but she had no idea what it might be. Monique finished her drink, slid off her stool and gave Gino a quick good-night kiss.
    A short while later she arrived home, glanced at the day’s mail and went into the kitchen for a cup of tea. As she sat waiting for the water to boil, her mind drifted back to the stranger at the bar. It was fascinating yet unnerving.
    Monique finished her tea, took a long, relaxing shower and slipped into bed. Moments later she drifted off to sleep, only to hear that familiar sound in the distance. The sound of a long, lonesome train whistle. Moments later she saw the sleek, black locomotive come into view, pulling seven railcars behind. She was standing on that familiar and well-worn boarding platform, waiting patiently for the train to come to a halt. As it did Jensen stepped down from the first car to greet her. “Good evening, ma’am. It’s a beautiful night for a ride on the Hitchcock Railway, don’t you think?”
    Monique smiled at her friend. “It’s exactly what I need tonight. Thank you for coming for me!”
    Jensen just smiled as she boarded. Moments later she took a seat in the dining car, staring out at the moonlight illuminating the desert floor. Lost in thought she didn’t hear the man approach until he spoke. Her eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat as she heard his voice. “Vincent? Oh my god! Vincent? Is it really you?” She leaped to her feet and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
    “Careful now, your gonna knock me off my feet!” Vincent smiled at his lover, his body pressed tightly to hers. They sat down at the table, sharing tea and smiles. Vincent held Monique’s hands in his as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Words weren’t necessary. Their expressions of love said it all. Finally questions poured from Monique’s lips as she related to Vincent the man she’d seen twice at the Cellar Bar.
    Vincent just smiled. “All in due time, my sweet. It will all make sense in due time. Trust me. You’ll be pleased and as happy as we were when I was a part of your current life.”
    Just as Monique was about to ask another probing question, the scene dissolved into a pink and purple haze. The sound of a telephone ringing jogged Monique awake. She rolled over and answered the phone with a growl. It was Velvet. Morning had arrived and Monique had overslept. She cursed loudly as she quickly dressed and left for the gym. The memory of her encounter with Vincent the night before continued to haunt her thoughts as she made her way through her day. It was difficult to concentrate. Velvet noticed her state of preoccupation and asked repeatedly if she was alright. Monique insisted she was, that she was simply having a tough day.
    The rest of the week went much the same way. Ted was becoming concerned. He’d noticed Monique’s inability to concentrate. By Friday evening he was unable to restrain himself any longer. He motioned to Monique, she climbed out of the ring and sat down next to him. Ted sat peering at her for a moment before he spoke. “What’s going on, Monique? You’re not yourself today and you haven’t been all week. Is there something I need to know about?”
Monique shook her head. “I’m fine! I’m just a little nervous, but I’ll be fine. Trust me. It’s gonna be one hell of a show.”
    “I’m not worried about the show. I’m worried about you. You’re gonna have your hands plumb full with Lola and to tell ya straight, you’re gonna have to get your shit together real good or your gonna get hammered big time.”
    “You think I don’t know that?” Monique snapped. She caught herself and drew a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bite. Everything’s fine. I’ll be fine. The show’s gonna be fine. Now I’ve gotta finish my work-out, shower and get some dinner.”
    Before Ted could respond, Monique jumped up and trotted back to the ring. Moments later she and Velvet were hard at work once again. Ted was pleased to see that something he’d said helped. Monique seemed more focused and confident than he’d seen her all week.
Monique spent the entire next day walking alone along the river that Vincent had loved so much. It was where she came when she wanted to feel closer to him and today she felt the need greater than ever. As late afternoon arrived, she returned home, showered and took a brief nap. She awoke, dressed, packed her gym bag and arrived at the arena an hour before show time. Several of the other wrestlers had already arrived and they sat talking and laughing together, trying to overcome their nervous tension as showtime grew closer. The dressing room door swung open and Monique glanced up to see Lola enter. She looked as tough and formidable as Monique remembered.
    Adreneline began to pump through her veins as she struggled to maintain her composure. She changed into her suit, laced up her boots and paced nervously around the room as she waited for her call. An hour elapsed as she waited impatiently for the preliminary bouts to finish.
As intermission arrived, Monique slipped into the crowd, made her way to the concession stand and got a cup of ice. She stood silently at the rear of the arena, watching as Velvet and Sheena confronted each other in the semi-main event. The battle see-sawed from one side of the ring to the other as the women attacked each other, the crowd cheering and stomping their feet with excitement. Monique was pleased by the size of the crowd and glad Velvet’s match with Sheena was going well. Having a thoroughly excited crowd to work to made her time in the ring much more enjoyable.
    Nearly an hour passed before Velvet prevailed over her opponent and strutted across the ring, her arm raised in victory. The lights dimmed, the women left the ring and soon after Monique heard her introduction blaring over the loudspeakers. She trotted down the aisle, jumped onto the apron and vaulted into the ring, stripping off her jacket and warming up in her corner. The crowd applauded loudly. Monique was definitely the crowd’s favorite. She stared out into the sea of faces, watching intently as Lola made her way slowly to the ring. It was one of Lola’s favorite tactics and designed to unnerve her opponents. She stepped into the ring exuding an aura of confidence as she glared across the canvas at her challenger.
    Monique flashed Lola a wicked grin and the bell sounded for the match to begin. Both women leaped out of their corners and moments later were locked together in the center of the ring. Lola seemed even more powerful than Monique remembered , but she remained focused on the task at hand and managed to secure an advantage on the Cajun Sensation. Fifteen minutes elapsed and though Monique dominated Lola much of the time she found it impossible to secure an advantage suitable enough to win the match. The heat from the ring lights and the physical exertion left both women dripping with sweat as they fought for control. Lola seized an advantage and Monique found herself hopelessly trapped in her attacker’s grasp. Struggling to catch her breath, Monique thrashed across the mat in a vain attempt to escape. Suddenly her eyes focused on a man sitting at ringside. She squinted, not sure of who she saw. It was Vincent. Or was it the man she’d seen at the Cellar? Her mind raced uncontrollably as she found herself staring at him, then she realized he was cheering for her, shouting words of encouragement to her. The voice was much like Vincent’s but with a different accent. Still, it had the desired effect. Monique’s strength seemed to surge through her body like a rush of powerful energy. Much to Lola’s surprise and dismay, Monique erupted in a burst of movement. Lola unleased a volley of painful holds on Monique but was unable to subdue her opponent. Monique continued to escape and seize the advantage, eventually trapping Lola in a crushing scissor hold that left the Cajun woman no choice but to submit. Monique leaped to her feet and threw her hands in the air and elated expression on her sweat-streaked face. The crowd applauded loudly as she was pronounced the winner of the match.
    Monique leaned across the ropes and looked directly at the mystery man sitting in the second row as she shouted over the roar of the crowd. “Wait for me?”    
    The man smiled and nodded, pointing to the arena exit. “I’ll be out front when you’re ready!”