"Hi, Buddy, what's up besides your pecker." These dubious words of wisdom came from Agnes, the 45-year-old waitress at Mack's Diner. It was late one rainy night and I had dropped in for my customary dinner after work. Mack's Diner was in what had once been in a fashionable part of town but now was just one step away from skid row. It had become, over the years, the local greasy spoon, frequented by seniors on a fixed income who didn't want to cook at home, singles, like myself, who had no culinary skills and the occasional lost stranger who dropped in for directions, a cup of tar-like coffee, or a piece of gooey pie.
"Nothing much, it's been a rough day. Where's Rosie?" Rosie was the other waitress and my favorite. Although I knew she was 23 years old she looked 16. She was a little pudgy with creamy white skin, red hair, millions of freckles and the most delightful smile and innocent personality you could imagine.
Agnes poured my coffee while she told me the story. "She's out back crying her eyes out. That scumbag druggie/musician boyfriend of hers left yesterday. He must have been planning this for a long time. Without her knowing it, last week he gave the landlord notice that they were leaving. When she got home last night she found her clothes packed up in grocery bags in the hallway. The boyfriend had sold all of the furniture that they were buying on her credit card and the landlord took possession of the apartment. When she went to the ATM machine to get some cash to get a motel room for the night she found their bank account cleaned out. Her credit cards are maxed out so she spent the night in her car."
I couldn't believe that anyone would treat sweet little Rosie that bad. I knew that she was naive but I never thought that she would let someone take advantage of her like that. Then it dawned on me that I only knew her from the Diner and really didn't know anything about her personal life. "Ask her to come out and talk to me. I'll take that booth over in the corner."
Agnes disappeared into the kitchen with my message while I moved my coffee cup and silverware to the booth. I had no idea I was going to do or even what business of mine her problems were, I just knew that I felt sorry for Rosie and wanted to help.
I had thrown myself into work after my wife and I divorced nine years ago. She took everything we had of value in return for letting me keep the fledgling import/export business. After nine years of 12 to 14 hour days, seven days a week, I was now "successful." I had an attractive offer to sell the business and was very seriously considering retiring with more than a couple of million bucks at age 38.
"Hi Buddy." Rosie's eyes were red and puffy but she was smiling. "What can I get you for dinner?"
"Nothing Rosie. Agnes told me about your problems. Why don't you let me take you to dinner somewhere besides this place?"
"Oh, I'd like that but I don't think Mack would let me go. Besides that, I'm still wearing the same uniform I had on yesterday. I desperately need a bath." She started away from the table then suddenly turned and came back. "I'll tell you what, let me serve you dinner, then I'll go with you to your place and use your shower. How's that for a deal?"
I thought it was pretty exciting. Rosie didn't know me except from the diner. I didn't think she knew that I had recently bought a very upscale condominium in a new high-rise building. "OKAY, you got a deal!" I glanced at the menu but since it was Tuesday I knew that the daily entree was veal Parmesan. "I'll have the special."
Rosie was smiling as she served my dinner. The rain and the late hour must have been holding customers off, so when she wasn't busy she slid in to the booth across from me. "I guess Agnes told you about my problems. I'm completely broke. The only cash I have is my tips from yesterday and today. I only have two days pay coming. If you have an extra bed maybe you'd let me crash there for a few days until I can get myself together."
I was overjoyed when she first suggested coming home with me, but now I wasn't too sure. After all, I was almost 15 years older than she was and didn't know anything at all about her. I had been so busy building my business the last few years that there had not been time for women or any other social life. Well, I had committed myself now.
I finished my dinner, left a generous tip and went to the counter to pay the tab. Agnes took my money while Rosie bussed the table. "Rosie told me that she was going home with you. You better be good to her or you'll answer to me! If you hurt her, Iβll pull your dick out by the roots! She's a sweet kid and I don't want to see her taken advantage of again."
While I was reflecting on what Agnes had told me (and shivering at the prospect of my cock and itβs bloody roots dangling from Agnesβs hand) Rosie came out of the back room putting on a sweater. "I'm ready. Which is your car? I'll follow you. Everything I own is in my trunk."
She didn't say anything else but her eyes got wide when I indicated that the big, new, Mercedes was mine. She fell in behind me with her old Toyota and followed me to the underground garage of the condominium and parked in a guest spot.