I stood at the counter of a small cafe in the middle of nowhere in Appalachia waiting for my order to finally be taken. There was only one other person there, and yet it might as well have been a whole line. I sighed and folded my arms around me, and looked over the pastries for the third time. I heard the bells on the door ring as someone else came in, but kept my eyes on the redheaded woman behind the counter. She was slowly buttering a bagel as though she was painting a masterpiece. I wanted to jump behind the counter and grab it from her hand and do it myself, and imagined doing so.
"Come on," I muttered under my breath.
A very smooth voice from behind me broke me out of my fantasy and said, "They do take their time around here, don't they?"
I turned my head and looked up at the owner of that voice. He was about six feet, fit, had deep blue eyes, short, dark wavy hair, and olive skin. "Apparently," I replied.
"You're not from around here, are ya?"
"No, you?"
He shook his head, "No. I'm here on some business."
I nodded and watched as the waitress finally finished up and charged the man in front of me. She smiled as she bid him a good day, and then she looked at me and her smile quickly faded. I must have had "bitch" emanating from me.
"What can I get you?" she asked flatly.
"Just a large coffee, cream, and a poppyseed bagel, nothing on it."
She nodded her head and turned away to get my food.
"So, where are you from? By the way, I'm John." He held out his hand and I shook it, trying futilely to match his firm grip.
"I'm Vivienne."
"Nice to meet you, Vivienne."
"You too, John."
"What's that?" he asked as he looked down.
"What's what?" I asked, looking at the floor.
"No, not on the floor -- on your hand. That ring. Where'd you get it?"
I looked at the silver V ring with the tiny O shackle on my right ring finger and bit my lip. "Oh, this....I got it from a website."
"So you're sub-"
"-I don't think this is an appropriate conversation to have at the counter."
"We'll have to have it at a table, then. Can I join you?"
I was not expecting anyone in this town to know what the ring meant. I chose to wear it on my right hand when I wasn't owned, and my left when I was. It had been three years since I'd been officially owned. So how could I refuse? He was the best looking man I'd seen around since I'd arrived the day before. "Sure, why not?" I replied.
The waitress returned with my order and said, "That'll be $1.75."
"$1.75?"
"That's what I said," she sighed.
"Wow that's cheap."
I went into my bag for my wallet but John put his hand on my forearm and said, "I got it. ...Miss, add hers to mine. I'd like a large black coffee and a cheese danish."
"Please, we just met. I can pay for myself."
"No, allow me," he said as he put his hand on his chest and mock-bowed.
I smiled and said, "Fine. Thank you."
"Go find us a table. I'll be right there."
I took my things and sat down at a table next to the window, and watched as John paid for his food then turned and walked toward me. I looked away, out the window at the empty town square. John sat down and sipped his coffee.
"So, you're a slave?"
"I'm a submissive. I do still like to have a job, and exercise some autonomy."
"Have you ever done 24/7?"
"Not for a few years."
His eyebrows raised, "So no one owns you?"
"No. Sometimes for a night or a weekend, but I haven't found anyone who is right for me."
He leaned back in his chair and gazed at me. "Had it not been for the ring, I wouldn't have guessed."
I smiled, "That's why I wear the ring."
"But you seem so..."
"What?"
"Not submissive."
"I can be difficult. But I am naturally submissive in my personal relationships."
"Not a switch?"
"I tried it. I don't like it."
"What don't you like about it?'
"It feels awkward. I can't take myself seriously in that role. Are you a switch?"
"No. I'm dominant."
"Ever tried submitting?"
"Once or twice. But when I'm in that role, I can't take the other person seriously."
I lauged and he said, "I must have some good luck. I walk in here, meet a beautiful girl, and she just happens to be what I've been looking for."
"Well I know we're into the same lifestyle, but I wouldn't go that far. You don't even know me."
He leaned forward. "Can I get to know you?"
"Well I'm not here for very long. I'm leaving tomorrow, probably."
"But we're here now. What are you doing today?"
"I planned on going for a hike."
"What are you doing tonight, then?"
"Nothing."
"So tell me," he started, staring intently at me, "what brings you here? Where are you from?"
"New York, and I'm travelling across the country."
"Alone or with friends?"
"Alone." Shit. I didn't mean to say that."
"Why are you alone?"
That was an odd question for a stranger. He must have seen the look on my face and added, "No boyfriend?"
"No. ...Why?"
"A girl like you, travelling alone...could be dangerous."
"I'm a cop."
He looked surprised, and slowly chewed his danish as I took a bite of my bagel. "Where are you a cop?"
"New York."
"City?"
I laughed, "Yes, New York City."
"Wow."
"What?"
"How old are you?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Just curious. This is how people get to know each other -- by asking questions."
"I'm 27. And you?"
"40."
"You are not 40."
"I am. I swear. I'll show you my license,
officer