Alan was driving home from another uneventful day at the office. It was a very snowy December evening and he knew it was going to be a night on the couch with a beer, alone, again. Maybe he'd catch a game, find a movie, and then go on the computer for a bit. Tomorrow would probably be the same, especially with the harsh snowstorm expected to arrive soon... It was days like this that he almost wished he wasn't divorced. Not that he really missed his ex-wife, that cold-hearted woman... but at thirty-seven years old it would be nice to have someone to come home to. His buddies tried to get him dates at the bar, and some had worked for a little while, but they all still failed.
You couldn't blame his looks, for he was 6'2", light blue eyes, tanned just the right tone, and brown hair that was perfect for running hands through in a moment of passion. He was a nice guy, friendly and warm, but not so passive he'd let girls step all over him.
Well, whatever the reason was, Alan just couldn't find someone he felt a connection with. As his thoughts returned to the present, he remembered he was out of beer and had to pick some up. Groaning inwardly, he turned right into the packed parking lot of the local supermarket. He could barely find a spot, and he felt his frustration rise when he saw a van which took up two spots because of the awful way the person parked. It was snowing harder, and he almost thought of forgetting the beer and just getting home before the roads might close. But at the first sight of an empty spot he thought otherwise and quickly parked his red truck.
The store was crowded with people stocking up supplies for the storm ahead. Glad I did that earlier in the week; he thought as he grabbed a basket and opened the freezer of beer. He grabbed two six-packs and placed them in the basket. Wanting to get in line before somebody with a whole shopping cart of things, he hurried toward the shortest line, completely crashing into someone, their own basket falling to the floor. He was about to mumble an "excuse me" and be on his way, when he actually got a look at the person.
A young, distressed looking, redheaded female stood in front of him with an embarrassed expression on her face. Her glassy green eyes told him she was having just as awful of a day as him, and immediately he knelt down to help her gather her things.
The woman, touched by his kindness, began grabbing what she could as well and putting it back into her basket. "I'm sorry," she said.
"Don't be sorry, it was my fault," he laughed. "I wasn't watching. I'm the one that should be sorry."
She slowed for a moment and looked up at him. He looked no more than thirty, soft brown hair, with the most intense eyes she had ever seen. She forced herself to look away from them, only to notice he was smiling at her. She felt something rub against her fingers, and looked down to see they had both reached for the last item, a can of vegetable soup. The tingling of his fingers touching hers made her heart flutter and her face feel hot. She laughed nervously, then picked up the can - they both picked it up, and slowly put it in the basket, without looking away from each other.
It was Alan's turn to laugh nervously as they both stood up, and the young woman joined in.
"Thank you," she said shyly.
"You're welcome. You, uh..." he cleared his throat, "don't look like you're having such a great day."
She laughed again. He liked her laugh. Her green eyes sparkled when she did. Together they approached the next available cashier. "I already lost my electricity, and my car isn't doing well in this weather."
"Damn, that sucks," he said, helping her unload her stuff onto the counter. "It takes a while to start, you mean?"
"Yeah..."
She couldn't believe he was helping her, again! What a gentleman. She hadn't seen a ring, but she figured he had to have a girlfriend. Who would let someone as appealing as this man get away?
She paid for her groceries, then turned to the man. She didn't even know his name but felt she had to do something to thank him.
"Thanks again," she just blurted out.
The man smiled. "No problem. Take care."
"You too." She smiled, not showing her disappointment at losing her chance, and walked out of the store toward her crappy old blue car. What a great way to start out your new life, she chided herself...
Alan wanted to follow her, but forced himself to forget her, paid for his beer, then walked outside. Snow was everywhere now, and the wind was blowing it around so hard it made it difficult to see. Good thing it was only a short ride to his house. He made it back to his truck and put the beer in the back seat. He started the engine, and was just about to pull out, when he noticed who was in the car next to him. And she seemed to be having trouble. He stared entranced at the unforgettable young woman, waiting for her to notice him, when she suddenly pounded her fists against the dashboard and lowered her head. He looked more closely, and saw her body shaking slightly. He was already out of the truck and knocking on her window before he realized she was crying. When she looked up, surprise registered in her eyes first, then a relieved smile came and she opened the door.
"Hey," he said. "Hello again," she said, wiping the tears from her blushing cheeks.
"You, uh, need some help?"
"It's not going to start," she said, then sighed hopelessly.
"How about I give you a ride?" he smiled, unable to hold in his excitement.
She paused, as if in disbelief. Could this man be any nicer? she thought.
"I live kind of far away, though. On Grant."
"You could stay with me until the storm passes. I live right down the block on Jackson."
Was he serious? She could not believe how caring this man was. He was offering her his house to stay in during a snowstorm, after he just met her... Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of her car, involuntarily shaking at the rush of the freezing air. She wrapped her arms around her shivering slim body.
"You sure you wouldn't mind?"
Mind? Alan would love to have her stay in his house for as long as possible.
"Of course not," he laughed. "Come on, we can put your things in my truck. I'm Alan, by the way."
