I wandered around the Arts and Crafts Sale at the local gymnasium, hoping to find something for the girl I was seeing. She likes funky jewelry, and I thought maybe I'd come across something unique.
Christmas was approaching, so, many vendors had ornaments and wreaths, but there were plenty of ladies selling handmade jewelry.
Every one would pretty much ignore a young man, figuring we were just looking while other women would be buying. I didn't mind, plus I got to look over some good looking middle-aged babes.
They all seemed to be dressed in their best, trying to show their customers that they were women of taste, so their jewelry must be tasteful, too.
One table in the corner was empty, no vendor. I watched from a few steps away, so I couldn't be accused of pocketing anything. I heard a voice behind me. "Don't be afraid, it won't bite!"
I turned to see a smiling redhead, about fifty, with twinkling eyes. "Oh, okay, you can never be too careful," I smiled back.
She walked behind the table and I stepped closer. "See anything you like?" she asked, and I took in the curves of her hips and breasts and thought, "Oh yeah!" but said, "Nice stuff, you make it?"
"Yes, I do, keeps me out of trouble weeknights, and it passes the time. And occasionally I sell some!"
Not being much of a connoisseur of jewelry, I picked out a necklace that looked like it fit with my girl's outfits. I held it up, and she said, "That's one of my favorites, do you think she'd like it?"
"I think so. It's more a friendship thing, so I'm not looking to impress her too much." She laughed. "I think I'm insulted!"
"Oh, I didn't mean that! Sorry, no, I just meant..."
She cut me off. "I'm just teasing. After all, this isn't Cartier's. Well, since you're the only man here looking to buy, I'll give you a good price. I wanted $100 but since it's late in the day, you can have it for $75."
"Do you take plastic?" I asked.
"Sorry, Hon, this is just a weekend thing. How much cash do you have?"
I felt like a kid trying to pay for too much candy. I counted out $54, and told her I was sorry, maybe I could come back tomorrow.
She looked me over, half-smiling, and I knew she was thinking, so I said, "Listen, I'm not trying to get a discount. I'll be back tomorrow, and we'll complete the transaction."
The look on her face said, "Yeah, sure, I'm never gonna see you again," but instead she said, "We're open until five, if you're interested."
I thanked her and left, thinking "Jeez, I'm turned on by a woman more than 20 years older than me. Not that she would be interested in me, but she sure seemed friendly."
The next day, I had to help my landlady. Somehow she let her heating oil run out and I had to wait while they made a special delivery. By the time I got to the gym, many vendors had packed up and left.
In the corner, my friend, Red, was in the process of putting her stuff away, and I hurried over. "Hope I'm not too late?"
She turned and beamed. "I was wondering if you'd be back."
I explained the situation and she said, "It figures you were helping a little old lady."
"Why is that?"
"You struck me as a Boy Scout, doing good deeds."
"Hey," I laughed, "I'm not that young!"
"Honey, compared to me, you are! I'm glad you made it, though, I was just leaving." She had her table and chairs folded.