Inside my local market getting a burger to go when I see the two young ladies at the register. They are in their early twenties with straight, shoulder-length hair. One is a brunette, one a ginger. Both are wearing simple floral print dresses that stopped just below the knees.
I really didn't think either noticed me as they paid the cashier. I'm backing my truck out of the spot when they cross in front of me. I stop to let them get to their car. The ginger turns towards me, puts the straw from her soda to her lips and takes a long suck. I swear she winks at me as she does but tell myself that is just an old man's imagination.
I live in the country a few miles outside of my small town. Each driveway is a mile or two apart from your neighbor. It's late in the afternoon just as the east coast ballgames are beginning when I notice dirt out by the road. A car is coming down my driveway.
The small sedan pulls up and low and behind, the two young ladies from the market two days earlier exit the car. Missionaries, I realize. Normally I would curtly brush them off at the door. Today didn't feel normal.
I greet them politely as they each introduce themselves and ask if they could talk to me about their mission. The ginger that pulled on the straw stands a half step behind her friend when she remembers me from the market. The afternoon is warm and I ask if they would like a glass of lemonade.
I know the drill. They feel like they have a live one inviting them inside to share their message. Really, I just want to admire the ginger.
I mute the ballgame before pouring three glasses of fresh lemonade. I serve them with a plate of vanilla wafers. They are sitting on the couch with the coffee table between them and my chair.
I listen as the brunette takes the lead. I keep looking across at the pretty ginger-haired young lady and I swear I catch her a time or three looking at me much the way I look at her. An hour passes and they have shared their message. I thank them for their time and give a warm handshake to the ginger.
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I'm a fit sixty-one year old that has been divorced since my mid-30's. I've lived in this farmhouse for twenty years or so, mostly alone but I've had lady friends for stretches. I have a couple horses, a few chickens and I share some of my land with a friend where we raise cattle each year. It's a good life but doesn't mean I don't wish for regular companionship from time to time.
Two days after the missionary visit, I notice someone walking up the dirt drive. As the person gets closer, I realize it's the ginger wearing the simple floral print dress I first saw at the bodega. And she's carrying a small suitcase. "Excuse me, Mister... I'm hoping you could help me out." Carrying the basket of eggs, I meet her on the drive. Over the next half hour, she tells me what feels like her life story and that she realizes what she has been doing is not for her. She had gotten a good feeling about me during the visit and was hoping I could put her up for a few days. It might not be the strangest request I've had but it is close.
She proceeds to tell me she's 23 and been with the church for a year. I've never been a religious man but it always seemed like being a missionary was a tough way to spend life. Seeing her today, she looks prettier than I remember from the parking lot even though she's wearing the same dress.