Athena Collier blew out a sigh and started gathering her things to head home. Her day was finally ending. She was a 35 year old accountant for a tax firm in Rosslyn Virginia. Her day had been very long. It was full of meetings with clients and partners and Athena was glad it was over. It was tax season and the busiest time of year.
Athena hated this time of year. Her workload doubled and her days tended to stretch out. However, today was Friday and a much needed break was due. She had no plans however. She never had any plans. Her idea of a good time was a nice glass of Chardonnay and a good book. Athena was usually content with this but lately she was starting to get bored about being in the house so much.
She needed some adventure; something different. But what? As she turned off the light in her office and headed out the door, she lamented over what she could do to change her drab social life. As she stepped out into the cold evening air to head to her car, she looked around. It was a bit late to be getting off, almost 7pm. The parking lot was almost empty. She wondered if there would be anyone in the slug line at the commuter lot up the street. HOV was over by now but there still might be someone who needed a ride to Manassas where she lived. She decided to drive by there to see if anyone was there. That's different from her routine.
The commuter lot was only a couple of minutes down the road near 66 West. When she pulled in, it seemed as if there was no one around. She circled the lot slowly, looking. She saw someone stand up and walk her way. It was a man and Athena was surprised. She had never known anyone to be here this late. When the man got to her car, she rolled the window down.
"Hi there." he greeted. "You're a lifesaver. The next bus doesn't come for another 40 minutes."
Athena smiled. "Where are you going?" she asked.
"Manassas." the man replied.
"It's your lucky day." Athena said. She unlocked the passenger door. "Hop in."
The man excitedly jumped in. "Thanks so much. I got off work late. I took the chance that someone would be working late also and come by. It was either that or catch that late bus." he explained.
Athena pulled out of the lot and headed for the 66 West entrance. She stole a look at her passenger. He had big pleasant brown eyes and a great smile. His dark chocolate skin made his smile even brighter. He was big, over six feet tall and very broad shouldered.
"What kind of work do you do?" she asked.
"I work at that bakery around the corner." he replied, pointing back over his shoulder to a side street.
"Oh, the one that makes those fantastic sweet potato muffins with the cream cheese icing?" Athena asked, her eyes getting big.
The man laughed and said, "Yes, those are my specialty. I take it you're a fan."
"I sure am. Everyone in my office is. Someone hits your store up at least once a week." Athena grinned.
"Well, we appreciate your business." the man said and smiled at her. Athena's loins began to heat up and her middle moistened. She regained her composure and smiled back at him.
"My name is Athena. It's very nice to make your acquaintance." she said.
"Likewise." he replied. "My name is Austin."
Athena smiled back and tried to focus on the road. However, she found herself continuing to steal glances at Austin. He had pulled back hood from his hoodie and she could see his short dreads. He was very handsome and apparently could cook too.
"So what do you do for a living, Athena?" he asked.
"I'm an accountant." she replied.
Austin rolled his eyes and whistled. "Aw man, you must hate this time of year." he said.
Athena laughed. "Yes, we're very busy. But it's a job and I'm thankful for it." she said.
"Amen to that. I've been on this job for about a year now. Before that, I was unemployed for two years. I was living with my mama. It has only been a few months since I moved into my own place. I can't begin to tell you how relieved I was to be able to do that." Austin said.
Athena smiled. She understood how he felt. The loved the privacy and freedom of her own place. She had been in a 10 year marriage but her husband left her because he thought she was boring. He found another woman and moved her into their home and kicked Athena out. Fortunately, they had no children. Athena was heartbroken at first but she eventually found her footing in her new single life and got over it.
"You know, I don't mean to be rude or forward but are a very beautiful lady." Austin said. "I really hope I didn't offend you by saying that but I've been wanting to say it since I got in your car."
Athena giggled a bit then shook her head. "No Austin, I'm not offended. And thank you. That was very sweet of you." she said with a smile.
Sensing that she was cool with the present topic of conversation, he pressed on. "Do you have a boyfriend?" he asked.
"Who me?" Athena laughed heartily. "Oh heavens no." she replied.
Austin looked confused. "You seem as if that idea was ridiculous. Why is that?" he asked.
Athena just smiled. "No one pays me any attention like that." she said. "I mean, look at me. I look like a librarian."