Nothing was right in Lola's hopeless, unlucky life and it seemed nothing was ever going to change that. At least she ate for free three times a day at her part time job.
While serving lunch at the soup kitchen where she gratefully worked, a very nice, middle-aged man working beside her gave her a genuine, uplifting compliment. He was devilishly handsome and very charming.
"Sure wish I knew you better. You're a remarkable young woman. I love your warm and cozy brown eyes. For wearing little makeup, just a touch of lip gloss, you're a natural beauty."
"Aaw. Thank you. Don't make me blush. It's nice to get such a flattering compliment. That's not me. I guess if you say so. Please, call me Lola. My middle name. I can't stand the name Beatrice. And yours is?"
Brett's heart raced as their eyes remained engaged.
"Sorry. It's just that such astounding beauty has me distracted. Name's Brett. I've been watching you. You're so perfect. So everything and more. You make me feel like a silly love sick little boy again. Lola, I'm all giddy smitten over you. It's your poise. Your grace. That angelic face.
Where was I? Oh yes. Do you live nearby?"
"Gosh Brett. You're making me giddy too. Your smile is terribly infectious.
I'm embarrassed to say this, but I actually live in my car. Have for the past three weeks. But it's broke down and it has a flat tire too. Had to walk for an hour and a half just to get here."
Brett scratched his head. "That's not right. Say, what time do you get off?"
"In about twenty minutes. Why?"
"I have a two thousand ten Honda Civic I don't need anymore. I know it's not the greatest, but it does run well. It's powder blue with a sunroof and a four speed stick shift. A one owner car. Myself. You're welcome to have it real cheap. I think you deserve it more than anyone since I don't have any kids. Of course, I'll have to drive you to my house. It's parked in the driveway."
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Lola's jaw dropped. "Thank you so much. I have like maybe twenty dollars to give you right now."
No worry. I'd do anything for you."
"Brett, I could kiss you!"
"Okay. Right here on the cheek."
Lola jumped up, wrapping her long, spindly legs around his waist. Then she kissed him all over his surprised, happy face.
"Whoa, I'm going through a divorce right now and this wouldn't look right. But I would love to spend some time with you. Here's two twenty dollar bills for some gas so you can get around."
-----2-----
"There she is. It's all yours."
"I--I can't thank you enough. I need to get a few things from my piece of crap old car first. Brett, I barely know you. But I'd like nothing more than to know you better. Hopefully, a lot better. Maybe, if you want, we can get to know each other over lunch. Or dinner."