The year was 1998. While this wasn't my first time as an unknowing participant of being 'the other man', it was the first one that actually I realized that I was the other man before it was revealed to me.
You see, for some reason, I was always considered the safe guy. I had the sort of personality that said 'Hey, I'm here to joke around and kid and be chill.' I never pressured women to have sex, nor did I directly go for it. However, it's always seemed to happen since well before puberty.
Part of it was because women talked to me. I'm sort of easy to talk to. I have this thing where I can keep my standards (hopefully), and not judge people for theirs. It may come from the fact that while alot of my family members are in law enforcement and the military, there's an even greater number that were -- at one -- less savory. Think dope boys and sugar babies, or even whores.
I'm fairly smart, and reasonably perceptive to some extent. I know when to call a spade a spade. I know when the jig is up. But, for some reason, I have always come across women that are better at obfuscating things, than I am at detecting them.
Anyway, Jessica 1 (as I call her now because I forgot her last name it was so long ago), was one of the first women that I fell prey to as a legal adult. There had been several before her, but they were in my pre-legal teens, so, I don't want to write about those.
See. Standards.
Anyway, I was working as a bagboy of all things at at a grocery store in the Midwest US. This store was one of several that shared the same name -- it rhymed with hire -- and I was just doing my thing while I worked my way through getting the certifications I needed in order to seem legitimate. The chosen field was web development, and I was going to the local community college to get this done.
Anyway, at that point, I was 6'4" and 220 pounds. While I wasn't ripped? I was solid. I carried my weight well. I was a 6 most days and was described as 'cute'. Auburn hair and hazel eyes with a sense of humor and ease about me that just gets people ready to talk. I also smiled alot naturally. Still do.
Anyway, Jessica was a steady customer. She'd always come in on the same day at the same time and always come to my line. Now, I'm going to say this -- and many will ask 'why?' -- but I was the best damned bagger in the company. Literally. I had won several 'bagging contests' at store openings.
Anyway, our store offered a policy that if the 'guest' requested help, the bagboy would have to do so. I didn't mind. I'm used to doing physical labor, and it got me off the line.
Now, Jessica. She was blonde (ugh), average height, and average build. She wasn['t a great prize in the grand scheme of things. She was plain jane for the most part. What she did have was a bad ass car. A Monte Carlo SS. I enjoyed looking at it. It was tricked out.
Anyway, she requested I escort her to load her bags, as usual, and I happily accepted. So, we're walking across the parking lot, and she looks over at me. "You are such a nice guy to do this for me." Now, I'm the sort that has boundaries, so I just say, "Thanks." You know. They know its your job, you know its your job. Why mention it and spoil the mood.
So, I'm there loading groceries into her trunk, when she reaches into her purse, and pulls out some folded up bills. Now, we aren't supposed to take tips, but if they don't tell, I won't. She passes me 10 bucks -- this is the first time -- and says. "I have to show my gratitude for you always being willing to help."
Well, its my job. But, who am I to argue. However, it seems like she can read my mind.
"I know it's your job, but you don't get all bent out of shape doing it. I appreciate that."
"Not a problem. It's nice to help someone I get along with. Gets me off the line. Besides, lets me spend more time talking to a beautiful woman."
Now, here's the thing. That was the first time I had said that to any customer. But, I was sort of feeling myself at that moment. I had just gotten laid the night before by a pretty hot chick, and well, I knew she was looking at the front of my khaki shorts. They were the sort of shorts that emphasized what I had without making me look like I wanted to emphasize it.
I mean, it might be my job, but I was testing the waters. What's going to happen? They fire me if she makes a complaint. Anyway, she blushed at the comment, and was a bit wordless. I tucked the 10 into my pocket, and told her "I'll see you next time." Headed back in.
Now, here's where it starts. One of the other girls I worked with, she generally ran and got everyone who wanted to put money in their lunch. That day, I ordered a Whopper Combo because burger was the place of choice, and I was hungry. Anyway, I went and passed her the 10, and when she unfolded it, she was like "Huh? There's a phone number and the name 'Jessica'."
Now, I'm thinking "No Fucking Way." So, I grab it back, and jot down the number and note.