Getting Hitched Fiction - Reading the Signs

By S M Braint

A mild and sunny day with a top of 23 degrees.

She was new behind the counter. ‘Not seen you before,’ I said, trying to put her at ease as I handed over my card for petrol and the weekend papers. She blushed and fumbled the card as she tried to swipe it. Not experienced. I like that.

I tried again. ‘You new?’ She nodded, hiding her face behind a curtain of pale blonde hair. I wanted to reach over and draw it aside. In her cropped pink top and nicely fitting jeans she really was something. ‘Thanks, darl,’ I said, husky voiced. It’s the voice that turns them on. Then she looked up and gave me the cutest smile.

‘Have a nice day,’ she murmured, handing me back my card.

‘Sure thing. D’y think the weather will hold for the weekend?’

She smiled again. ‘Forecast is looking good.’

Now if that isn’t a come on, what is?

Temperate weather patterns for the next few days.

Couldn’t sleep for thinking about her. Where we’d go, what we’d do. I’d be laid back, suggest going for a drink at one of the fancy bars. We might sit and talk for a bit. Then, when the time was right, I’d whisper ‘Like a walk along the foreshore, darl?’, helping her off the bar stool, my arm lingering round her waist as we left. Out we’d go into the moonlight and the sound of waves. We’d lie down and watch the stars and take it from there. What a turn on.

35 degrees, high humidity.

Is it hotting up or is it hotting up? Yours truly has got things moving and that’s a fact. Called in again yesterday to ask if she’d like to come round to my place for a video. When I got out of bed I’d set about  tidying up and shoved all the dirty washing to the back of the wardrobe, so she’d be impressed with the place. The thing is you have to create the right impression. I wanted it to look good. She didn’t exactly say yes. She was going to start working overtime, so she couldn’t make it. But you could tell she wanted to. You know how they look at you? It’s all in the eyes, kind of coy but inviting at the same time. A real turn on. Promise of what’s to come. Said I’d see her at the weekend instead. Sweated all night thinking of her. Didn’t sleep a wink. Had a cold shower at two o’clock.

Storm warnings around the bay.

Picked up the papers this morning, gave her the once over and said, ‘How about tonight?’

She gave me a funny look. ‘What about tonight?’ she asked. Cool as anything. Gee, they can string you along when it suits them.

‘You know,’ I said. ‘What about coming round to my place for a take-away and a video?’

She tossed back her hair, showing off her figure. Lovely. Couldn’t take my eyes off her. And you can bet she knew what she was doing. They know all the tricks. ‘You don’t get it do you? I’m busy.’ She turned away to serve another customer and I had to call out to remind her she hadn’t given me my change.

‘Hang on,’ she said, frowning, ‘I’ve already given it to you.’ She looked at a poncy guy with dirty blond hair who was standing next to me, like she wanted him to agree. Which to my surprise he did. Said he definitely saw me pocket my change. Not too pleasant with it neither. When I left, they were talking real easy like they were good friends. He’s going to get what’s coming to him if he doesn’t watch out.

A wet and windy day tomorrow with temperatures of 24 degrees, dropping to 15 overnight.

Complete balls-up. Women! How in hell’s name are you supposed to read them? Beats me. Called in again thinking this would be the day and got the cold shoulder. Bloody ice queen. ‘Have I said something,’ I asked. ‘Or are you just having a bad day?’ Joking like. Trying to make her smile. Big mistake.

‘You want me to get the boss?’ she asked, with a real dirty look. ‘Cause that’s what I’ll do if you persist.’ Persist, for heaven’s sake. What kind of word is that? ‘Who’s per-sist-ing?’ I said, sarcastic as anything. ‘I ain’t done nothing yet.’

‘And you’ll bloody well keep it that way,’ she snapped back.

Little tease. God how I hate women. Up themselves. Lead you on and then dump you down real hard. As if they care. I nearly told her what I thought of her, but wouldn’t lower myself.

Two can play hard to get. Kept my mouth tight shut and turned to go, just as blondie came in the door. He shouldered his way past. All macho like. ‘Trouble, hon?’ he called out to her.

‘Nothing I can’t handle,’ she called back.

Did I want to flatten him? Smack him between the eyes. Show him there was nothing I couldn’t handle. Specially a jerk like him. Had trouble holding myself back, but you bet he could tell I meant business from the look on my face.

Overnight lows.

Too right, I’m thinking. Too bloody damn right. It’s got about as low as it can go. I’ve hit rock bottom and then some. Looks like it’s a beer and another early night for me. She can go and rot in hell. Wouldn’t go near her if she begged me on her knees. Doesn’t know what she’s missing, but that’s her problem. I feel sorry for her in a way, but she won’t get a second chance. Personally I wouldn’t fancy blondie as a hot date. Wanker. But whatever, you can bet I won’t be hanging around. She’s stuffed it as far as I’m concerned. And anyways, there’s not a bad looker started at the service station down the road.

*** 

© S M Braint, 2008

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