It must have been fate. Almost like clockwork, I did my 8 to 4 job in an accounting office, then caught the twenty past four bus that took me the forty miles to my home town.
Yes, I know that the travelling was a stinker but I needed the job since my divorce and this was the only one I could get, that then meant I could afford my rented flat.
Being free, I should not have cared so much for routine but I was a creature of habit. The journey, depending on traffic, normally took around an hour. Traffic lights in town being the biggest problem.
Today though, I was held back dealing with a client who needed his books done pronto! My boss offered me double time for the extra two hours, so I gladly accepted.
So there I was, standing in the busy bus station, looking up at the departure board. Shit! It said 'bus full'. I didn't need to book on the bus I usually got and neglected to book on this one.
As the coach trundled up to its bay, I saw the queue form at the door and one by one they boarded. I waited to the end to plead my case to the driver.
"Sorry pal, but we're fully booked."
"But I can see empty seats." I said in desperation.
"So can I, but they're due to be filled two stops away."
He was sounding irritated and my pleas to be allowed to stand fell on deaf ears.
I sat down on a steel bench feeling sorry for myself when I heard a voice to my right.
"You too, huh?" he said, sharing his frustration, not mocking me.
I looked round and saw an almost mirror image of myself He looked my age, 40, had short auburn hair, with blue eyes. A quick look saw that he also was of average build and looked around 6' tall.
"Too right, that's another hour until the next one. I'd better book a seat."
"Yes, I 've got one now. I wouldn't want to see you stranded." His voice was smooth and soft, almost womanly.
"How rude of me, I'm Charles, Chas to my intimate friends."
I picked up on that line straight away.
"I'm Don, to everybody." I replied.
"Well Don, I don't know about you but I could do with a drink. Fancy a quick one round the corner?"
"Pardon! I exclaimed, shocked by his seemingly forward suggestion.
"Oh sorry" he giggled "that came out wrong. I meant a drink in the bar at the corner." he confirmed.
I laughed and found his giggle strangely intoxicating.
"Okay, we've nearly an hour to kill but you're buying." I replied
"The man usually does." he said, thinly veiling his intentions.
The bar at the corner was one I'd never visited. I should have known by the name 'Simply Devine' that it was ostensibly a gay bar. It was the nearest to the station, so made sense to go there.
Charles opened the door for me and ushered me to a booth in the corner.
"What takes your fancy? Drink-wise I mean."
I smiled at him and he smiled back with an almost predatory look.
"A pint of cider would be great...Charles."
He turned to visit the bar and make his order. I know I shouldn't have but I couldn't help but watch his round ass as he went.
'Stop thinking like that Don, that's what got you divorced. Your wife walking in on you with another man.'
"So Don, tell me about yourself."
Chas was easy to talk to and yes, I did imagine being in bed with him.
The time flew as I told him I was divorced but not the reason why. After 45 minutes we realised we'd better get back to the station. The place was much quieter than before, with less buses pulling in or departing. A look at the departure board made us both gasp in shock. Our bus had been cancelled, as had the last bus of the night.
A station guard saw us look up, wide-mouthed in shock and gave us the story.
"There's been a crash on the approach road into town, the road is closed until further notice. Police are saying it's a crime scene."
"So how do we get home?" Charles asked legitimately.
"Can't help you there. If you booked your seat, show the reference number at the travel desk and they'll give you a voucher for overnight accommodation."
Sometimes living in a town with no train service could be a pain.
We joined the queue for our vouchers and once obtained, Charles asked "Fancy carrying on?" Again, I looked surprised.