The Boarding House - Kirby Coleman

 Kirby Coleman was on leave from his Navy duties. He'd been to far too many poker games with the guys from the Chow Hall on the ship. Their families all lived in the area, but Coleman was from Chicago and definitely not into poker. Usually, he ended up babysitting the kids. Not exactly what he wanted to do on leave. So when he found the flyer about the Boarding House, he couldn't wait to move in. The price was right, and he would have his own room. Yes, it was just temporary, but if it all worked out, he might be coming back.

When he got there, he didn't have much and yes, he met some middle-aged blonde woman who gave him paperwork to fill out. She didn't say much, and neither did he. When she found out he was in the Navy she gave him a key as if she wanted to thank him for his Navy service.

His smile was quick, and he was upstairs in the corner, not far from the community bathroom. It said MEN so he didn't feel worried. After all, he was always on his best behavior and he liked it quiet.

Soon enough he found his room to unpack. He didn't have much. Just his trusty rice cooker his Grandy gave him and a small electric kettle. Yes, Kirby was saving as much money as he could these days. Of course, he couldn't say what he was saving up for, but it was a great getaway from the guys. He could read to his heart's content. After all, he wasn't confined to a bunk. There was his trusty laptop so he could catch up on some episodes of Squid Games and even watch the latest movies on Netflix. Yeah, it felt like home, and it was for a couple of hours, but then Miss Olivia came knocking.

"Are you all settled in?" Miss Olivia was full of Southern hospitality. She invited him to dinner at six and breakfast was at six in the morning.

"Well, thank you Miss Olivia, but I just want to hang out in my room," his smile was broad. He liked reading a little then he'd do some pushups and situps. "I have my protein bars."

"What's that?" Her face snarled as she pointed to the little rice cooker on the desk.

"My Grandy gave that to me, and all these recipes," He shrugged with a laugh.

"You don't need to be cooking in here," she snapped.

"Oh." Evidently, he hadn't read the rules right. "Well, sometimes, I get hungry in the middle of the night."

"I bet you do," she was a little sassy the way she swung her hips. Before he knew it,  he felt the sting of her hand on his butt.

It startled Kirby.

"Uh, Miss Olivia? What was that for?" He squinted. Kirby didn't sign up for this.

"I just wanted to see how fit you were, you know, are you certain you're eating right?" She felt his firm biceps then. Yes, she touched his shoulders. She came in with the silliest grin. 

Kirby remained rigid. What was he supposed to do?

"Look, my Momma always told me, to mind my matters, Miss Olivia," He pulled away, but she wouldn't have it. 

When she breathed on him, he did wonder if she was a little sloshed. His face tensed, but she pulled him down to her eye level.

"Baby, you can come down to the basement, any time you like," she giggled into his ear. "I'll keep you company. Forget about that rice cooker, I'll cook you anything you like, honey."

Kirby stressed a smile and shook his head. Finally, she let go and left. Oh, it gave him a shiver and a twitchy dance. Miss Olivia hit a nerve of disgust. Kirby didn't even like women.