I was working part time at a five and dime. My boss was Mr. McGee. It was near the end of my shift when she walked in and I saw her. Oh, I saw her. She walked in through the "OUT" door. She was about five and half feet tall, weighed maybe a buck forty-five, buck and a half. She was no model, but damn, if there wasn't something in those emerald green eyes and red hair that caught me.
"Daugherty, pack it up. Store's dead and I ain't payin' ya to sit around gawking," McGee said. Immediately my mouth snapped shut, but my eyes lingered.
"Daugherty, did ya hear what I said?"
"Yeah, boss, I guess I'll catch ya Monday."
"If God hates me," he said his voice gruff as usual.
"Love you, too, boss," I said chuckling as I punched out.
"Smartass." I heard as I jumped the counter. "And stay off my counter!" I laughed as I walked out the front door.
It was a bit cool that day. I guess that's what you get in late October. I leaned against the wall outside the store to have a smoke before I rode home. I flicked my Zippo out and lit the cigarette, trying to do a flashy close but instead dropping it.
"Damnit!" I said as I bent down to pick it up.
"It was a good try." I heard a voice saying as I rose. When I stood up, I saw her again. She had the prettiest smile on her face and I noticed that she wore a raspberry beret, the kind you find in a secondhand store.
I smiled nervously, "Thanks, I do what I can. I dig your beret. God, it feels like I walked into a Prince song," I said talking a little fast.
She laughed and hit my shoulder lightly. "Don't tell anyone, but that's why I bought it," she said smiling again.
"I don't blame ya. I would have done the same thing," I smiled at her.
"Do you think you could spare one of those cigarettes?"
I had never produced my pack so quick in all my born days. "Sure," I said holding one out to her. She took the offered cigarette and placed it lightly between her lips. I lit it, this time pulling off the fancy close.
"Yay!" she cheered, clapping and laughing.
I bowed slightly. "Thanks, I'm here all week."
We were quiet a moment, casually smoking our cigarettes.
"So, what do they call ya?" I asked, trying to make conversation.
"Mary, how about you?"
"Danny," I answered smiling. "Pleased to meet you, Mary."
"You, too, Danny." Her cell rang, and she answered. "No, it's fine. I'll figure something out. Sorry about your car." She snapped the phone shut.
"Damn it!" she swore loudly, taking a long drag off her cig.
"What happened?" I asked.
"My friend was supposed to pick me up, but her car got stolen. So, now she's gonna have to wait for her father to come after her before she can come get me. God knows how long I'll have to wait."
"Well, where ya headed?" I asked, secretly relishing the prospect of giving her a ride.
"Out to the countryside. Tomorrow's Halloween, after all, and another friend of ours has a place out there that's perfect for a Halloween party. Out by Old Man Johnson's farm."
"Well, so long as you aren't scared of motorcycles, I could give you a ride," I said. "I live alone, so it's not like I have to be anywhere."
"Oh, could you? That's so sweet."
"No problem. Ready to go now?"
"Yes, thank you."
I offered her my arm, and she took it. We walked the half block to where my cycle was parked and I handed her the passenger helmet. It was a big old hog, a gift from my parents who went half with me when I turned 18. I helped her climb onto the back of the bike and then took the front seat. I revved it up and it roared into life.
"Ready?" I asked, looking back at her.
"Yes, this is so exciting!" she said as she wrapped her arms around me.
"Let's roll."
The trip took a bit over an hour, but it was a beautiful autumn evening to ride. We roared down a dirt road, and she laughed and yelled with joy. I laughed too, and felt completely at peace with her. I mean, I'm just an average guy, curly brown hair, broad shoulders, hazel eyes and a beer gut. Nothing too special, but with her I felt great and unique. I felt like a rocker starring in a movie.
We pulled up in front of the large, beautiful house. Clearly, Mary's friend was quite well heeled. I let my bike idle as Mary climbed off the back.
"That was amazing! Thank you so much, Danny."
"No problem. I was happy to do it. This place is amazing."
"Yeah, Shannon's parents are filthy rich."
"They must be. Well, Mary, it was great to meet you. Hopefully I'll see you again," I said, revving the bike back up.
"Wait! Danny, would you like to come in?" she said, a strangely hopeful look in her eyes.
"Well, sure, I mean if you're sure it would be cool and all, I'd love to."
"It'd be perfectly fine; my friends would love to meet you. There's probably hot cider inside waiting."
"Sounds great. Count me in," I said, turning off the bike. She waited for me and I took her arm again. Together we walked up to the door and she knocked.
"Shannon! It's me, Mary!" she called. The door opened, and a brunette almost as pretty as Mary appeared.
"Mary! So glad you could make it. Who's your friend?" Shannon asked, examining me. She looked at Mary and they both giggled. I guess I looked good in my leather jacket, jeans, Flogging Molly t-shirt and biker gloves.
"This is Danny; he gave me a ride up here. Danny, this is Shannon," Mary said. I reached out my hand to shake Shannon's.
"Please to meet you, Shannon," I said as I let go of her hand.
