It was dark when I awoke. I glanced at the clock on the bedside table; it didn't surprise me to see that it was only 10pm. I'd decided on an early night after driving all day, but I couldn't sleep. No matter how many different motels in different towns I slept in, the beds were always the same...I could never settle. Guess I was a creature of habit; I preferred my own bed on the few occasions my job allowed me to sleep in it.
I was one of the old school, a travelling salesman. Spent around 9 months of the year on the road trying to drum up business, driving from one rundown town to the next. Let's face it, there wasn't much call out in the sticks for what I was selling...though being a lingerie salesman had its perks occasionally, like the mother and daughter in Iowa, or the twin sisters near Phoenix!
I'd been on my own for around 3 years now, since my divorce, and though I enjoyed my own company there were times I missed the intimacy of a relationship, the warmth and closeness of sharing togetherness. Anyway, here I was in a small town just outside Brooklyn. I started my vacation tomorrow, and an old Airforce buddy of mine had offered me the use of his cabin, not too far from here. Apparently it was miles from the nearest town, on the edge of a small wood. I was looking forward to the solitude, and the heavy snow they'd apparently had the last few days heightened my anticipation even more...I just had to pick up some provisions and I was set.
I knew I wouldn't get back to sleep for a while, so I took a quick shower, deciding to hit a bar for a couple of drinks, maybe check out the locals. Leaving my car in the parking lot I set off downtown...
I walked into the first bar I found...Al Green was on the jukebox...at least it had good music here. I climbed on a stool at the bar and ordered a beer. Looking round I was pleased to notice it wasn't too crowded; I've never enjoyed crowds, this place had a nice ambience about it. There were maybe 6 or 7 couples in there, and 4 guys playing pool, but no unattached women. Well, I wasn't out to find company anyway, so I just "people watched"
The door opened, and I glanced at the newcomers...two women walked in together, they were obviously regulars, the bartender calling "Usual ladies?" as they sat at a table not too far from me. I turned a little on my stool so I could check them out. They were both in their mid 40's or so, one of them an attractive, slim redhead, the other with shoulder length blonde hair and the most beautiful hazel green eyes I've ever seen. She was a larger lady, something I enjoyed in my women. She was absolutely stunning, yet there was a vulnerability about her that made me want to take her in my arms and protect her.
I couldn't take my eyes from her...she was bound to notice if I didn't look away, yet she seemed preoccupied. Her friend saw me looking though, nudging her arm and leaning forward to whisper something, glancing over at me as she did so. My blonde vision looked up and casually glanced at me, offering me a sad smile as she did so.
I'd finished my beer and had plJenniferd to leave until she walked in...calling the bartender over I ordered another, adding "and whatever the ladies are drinking"...The waitress took over the drinks, pointing me out as the guy who'd bought them. Both women raised their glasses to me in a silent thanks.
I'd never been any good at approaching women; guess I've always been a little shy and unsure of myself, yet I knew if I didn't do something I'd never see her again. I sat there, pretending to look around the bar, my gaze always returning to the same table, trying to pluck up enough courage to go talk to her. They sat, heads together talking quietly; suddenly the red-haired one got up and walked over to me.
" Hi!" she said, "thanks for the drinks, wanna join us? I'm Jennifer and that's Patti", she said. "I'd love to" I replied, stepping off the stool and following her to the table...
