This story is written off the cuff as the virus scare continues to plague the world. It will continue somewhat based somewhat on what is going on and what the characters find themselves dealing with. It is not an end of world apocalypse story.
All participants are at least eighteen years of age. Right now this story is in romance but may end up crossing over into other categories as it goes along. If it's not your thing, move along there is plenty to read that maybe your thing.
*****
I had just left First Class Outfitters on the verge of tears after trying to purchase my first handgun. I'd never owned a gun as an adult. My father being Air Force, he had made sure all of us kids grew up respecting guns, we were taught safe handling and shooting. I'd been on the phone with my dad last night talking about what all was going on with the threat of the virus. Dad believed the threat of unemployed people and food possibly becoming scare, could be a problem if it was prolonged.
"People are already losing their minds over shit tickets Maddy," dad had said. My whole life he'd called toilet paper shit tickets.
I was off work as it stood till at least mid-April, as all of us teachers were out with no students, third grade was on hold for me and my students along with the whole school. Dad again had his grumblings about me leaving Las Vegas and moving to Texas to teach as usual. Dad had told me that during what could become turbulent times, I should invest in a firearm since it was probably not safe to try and drive or especially fly home right now and having no family in the area.
The salesman at First Class had treated me exceptionally poor, like I was a fool at best. He seemed to go out of his way to talk down to me, I'm not sure if it was due to being a first-time buyer, a woman or both.
Pulling into my carport I noticed my neighbor sitting out under his carport as usual most afternoons when he came home from work. We'd never actually spoken, since I'd moved in two months ago, but he was cute as hell and always waved when he saw me with a big smile. Just what I needed the hot guy next door to see me crying.
I sat wiping the few tears that had escaped looking down, when I looked up, he was standing at the edge of his carport looking at me. Our houses were only about fifty or so feet apart, so he had a good view. I straightened myself and tried to get out chin up.
I'd pretty much succeeded when he asked, "Madeline are you ok?"
I nodded I was, but accidentally dropped my keys and tears burst forth, I guess my dropping the keys broke the damn I'd been trying to hold in. He stepped forward but stopped,
"I'm sorry Madeline. Is there anything I can do to help?"
That made break completely into sobs, no I wasn't ok, but I couldn't say it. I was in full blown tears when I felt strong arms pull me to him. "Let it out," he said, "let it all out, you are ok right now."
I dropped my purse and just caved into his hug. God, he felt so strong and solid. I managed to pull myself somewhat together after a minute or two of being held and my hair gently stoked. I finally broke the hug. "I'm sorry," he said.
Wiping my eyes, "what for," I sniffled?
"I'm sorry for whatever has upset you and I had no right to just grab you. I... just did not know what else to do to help."
I could see the sincerity in his eyes. God they were a rich brown like someone mixed cinnamon and honey together. "Don't be sorry, you didn't do anything, and I do appreciate you letting me mess up your shirt with my tears," I said trying to smile.
He looked down and chuckled, "What's a little makeup on a t-shirt? Care to get off your chest what has you upset? I got two ears and they both hear pretty good," he said with a smile.
"I'm just being silly I guess."
"Nonsense, nobody ever sheds tears because they are being silly. Tears are because someone hurt them or upset them usually. Offer stands I have a fresh picture of tea and an extra chair."
"Oh I should not bother you, I don't even know your name," I laughed wiping my face.
"Travis, he said extending his hand." It was so large, rough and strong but so tender at the same time.
"Madeline," I said, "but you knew that. How?"
"I have two good ears," he said with that heart-warming smile. "I've heard you on the phone, you answer it saying this is Madeline."
I laughed, "I guess I do. You can call me Maddy my friends do."
"Well Maddy, if you wish to talk or just sit and not talk, come on over," he said and headed back to his carport after bending down getting my keys and purse for me.
I made it in the house now smiling, the hot guy next door had to be around forty so my age. He had the sexiest voice, like that guy from the beer commercials with the mountains to go with those large arms. I'd seen him sleeveless; I'd been out once when he ran in the morning wearing a muscle shirt. My god his eyes though, my mom called them bedroom eyes, you look into them and think just take me to the bedroom. He felt solid for a guy who work a blazer and button up, his hands like those of someone who worked outdoors.
I put up a few items that I had left on the counter from shopping earlier, before heading to the 'asshole barn,' that was what I was calling First Class Outfitters from now on. My mind was on him as I changed debating on accepting his invitation. I had a couple beers in the fridge maybe he'd want one. A quick peek out the kitchen window, yeah, he was sitting there in his rocking patio chair.
'Ok Maddy get ahold of yourself and just take two beers over. He seems genuinely nice, not like your ex,'
I thought to myself.
"Hey Travis," I said going over.
"Well hey there back Maddy, he said standing up as I came under the carport."
"I found a couple beers in the fridge, thought you might like one," I sat down offering him one, then he sat down. That gesture may have been lost on others but not me, he was a gentleman.
"Well now how did you know my favorite kind of beer?"
"Oh really?"
He grinned, "Yes ma'am free and cold," then let out that warm laugh of his.
"Oh you are silly," I said smiling so hard my face hurt. "You mind I asked handing him mine" He twisted the cap off and handed it back to me.
"To new friends," he leaned his bottle against mine.
"New friends."
"So may I ask what had such pretty green eyes full of alligator tears?"
I sighed, "I tried to buy a handgun today, but the guy was a jerk at the store."
"Oh sorry to hear that, you should go to Fist Class they are really good there," he said.
"Asshole barn," I said.
"Huh?"
"That is where I went, so I started calling it "Asshole Barn."
"No kidding? They treated you bad?"
I nodded.
"What are you trying to buy?"
"My dad told me to go, said they would let me handle a few normally then I could decide. The guy was a total jerk. Maybe because it's my first gun or I'm a woman or something. My friend has a Glock, she said they are nice, so I was wanting to look at them."
"Be right back," he said standing up and going inside.
Coming back he had a thick case, spun the combination locks and opened it up. "Here are some of the most common Glocks he said. You looking for home only, or maybe getting a permit and carrying it?"
"Could I carry in my purse."
"Well I'd get a purse designed for carry and they do make a nice selection. Well I suppose most them would look good with my shoes," he said holding up a massive boot and dying laughing which made me laugh.
"Here, let me clear this one and see how it fits you, that's a 17."
"I handled it a bit, seems a little long on the top for me," I said.
"That one is too small," I said pointing at one. "Story of my life," he said chuckling a bit.
I play smacked his arm, "Silly."
"That is a 26, here try this it's a 19."
I handled it a bit. "I like this one better, but I like the handle on the first one better.
"Ok so the grip is too short on the 19," he stood up, raised his shirt a bit and took a gun from inside his pants. I 'd never even noticed he had one. "Here this is a 19X. It has the grip of the 17," he pointed at the first one he'd showed me, "and the slide of the 19, the second one. This is my favorite."
He cleared it and handed it to me. "Oh I like this, but it's brown."
