Pt. II: Supernatural Seductions
Danel continued to drive toward Death Valley Junction. Laurie asked him to stop at the next gas station so she could use the bathroom. They bought soft drinks out of the machine and sat on the hood of a junked car.
"Where are we going from here, Danel? C'mon, give me a hint."
"In your dreams; your fantasies. Where would you like to go, Laurie?"
"With you, Danel. Wherever you want to take me. I'm game!"
"It's the desert then. That's where my friends are. I would like very much for you to meet them."
"Oh, I'd love to!"
"Let me warn you, Laurie. My friends are very religious. You might be shocked."
"Religious I'm used to. I been there and done that. Marvin, my husband, well, you know, he's a preacher. I don't even want to talk about him and his church. Most of it is so, so ... phony. Kind of like my fake orgasms when I'm with him."
"I think I'll change the subject," Danel responded tactfully. "Enough religion. We have to get you some new duds if we are braving the desert. You can't wear that dress and those high heels where we are going. OK?"
"Sure, but I don't have much money with me."
"Not to worry. I have plenty. There is a little clothing store just a half mile down the road. I'd love to dress you."
Jeremiah McClain's little store was a pleasure. Not only western wear but many antiques and other items of historical interest. He was over eighty and didn't get many customers. Several friends would usually stop in to chat at some point in the day and buy a little something but he didn't see many strangers. Jeremiah immediately liked Laurie and Danel and they engaged in witty conversation about nothing in particular. He was quite pleased to have the company.
Danel picked out a wide-brimmed hat and hiking boots for Laurie. She was taking her time looking over the shirts and jeans when Jeremiah asked, "Do you two mind if I run down to that little restaurant down the street and get a sandwich? I sort of got tied up and missed lunch. Would you stay here until I get back? It's not like I'm expecting many customers. You two are only the second and third today."
"Sure, Jeremiah, you take your time," Laurie responded. "We're in no hurry."
After he left, Danel joked, "Laurie, this isn't a fashion show, just pick out something to wear."
"OK, OK," and she pulled a pair of jeans and a shirt off the rack. "I best try these on," and she went into the bathroom that doubled as the dressing room.
"Danel, come in here and tell me how you think these fit."
He opened the bathroom door. Laurie had slipped off her dress and tugged on the tight jeans, but she hadn't put the shirt on and she had left her bra at home.
"Well, what do you think of these?" she asked coyly as she turned around to face him.
"Uh, they seem to fit pretty good," Danel stuttered.
"No, I mean these!" she exclaimed as she placed her hands under her breasts and pushed them up.
"Very, very nice" he managed to whisper as he moved towards them.
Just then they heard Jeremiah return with his sandwich and Laurie quickly put the shirt on.
Danel paid the bill with two hundred dollar bills and told Jeremiah to keep the change. They bid warm goodbyes and got on the Harley and headed on toward Death Valley.
Laurie soon whispered in Danel's ear that she had to pee again. He pulled off on a very rugged dirt road that appeared to lead nowhere.
After she took care of her business she asked if they could rest for awhile. Danel had a bag on the back of the Harley with a blanket and some other items in it. As Danel pulled out the blanket, Laurie noticed he had two books in the bag. One was a bible, King James Version. The other was something called The Perfumed Garden of Sheik Nefzaoui. "Bring the books Danel, please. I love being read to!"
They found a small clearing and spread the blanket. Laurie was exhausted. She rested on her back with her arms under her head. "OK, Danel, please read to me. Whatever you like. Just pick something."
He started with the Bible, the Song of Solomon, and got through the first three chapters without much of a response from Laurie. Her eyes were closed and he thought she might be asleep. He began reading the fourth chapter.