||Wildwood Vol. 11||

||Girtrude||

Over the years, I find that the Wildwood cafeteria has the best lunch specials in the city. I especially love the New England clam chowder, so I bring my neighbor Susan to eat with me twice a week. We usually stop by the nail salon for manicures - but today we decided to go later. 

I get my lunch and save Susan a seat - but I'm so hungry that I eat right away. In my haste, I spill my chowder on my brand new chiffon blouse. Not only that, I drop my wallet under the table. 

What a sight.

I struggle to get under the small space, but my hand is met by another. Startled, I lift my head and bang it into the table. Slowly, I draw myself upward and my head is throbbing! Rubbing the nape of my neck; I open my eyes and see stars. Soon as they clear up, a handsome man is standing in front of me with a concerned look on his face. 

" That was some bump! Are you alright, miss? 

Miss? This man must be blind. At 73 years old - I am the definition of "ma'am." He was young - had to be about 60, but no match for me. I smile and fix my hair; 

    "I'm fine, thank you. Appreciate your help, though. I could've never reached that purse." 

He hands the purse to me, and I gently take it from him. 

What next?

I fumble through my brain for the next line - but I've got nothing. I'm too old to be flirting, he's better off not going any further. 

    "Well, that purse was quite heavy - maybe you can treat me to lunch with all that money one of these days? " He said with a confident grin.

"Well, back in my day, young man - that wasn't the way things worked. I don't think your skills of persuasion are working very well." 

Hmmm. Why can't I play his game? A little fun can't hurt, right? 

Just as he starts to speak, Susan walks up with our lunch trays, 

"Outside looks lovely, should we eat in the garden cafe?" 

I hook my arm around hers and grab my tray. Nameless Guy still stands there, grin on his face and all. I pull Susan towards teh exit and smile,

   "We will continue this conversation another day - shall we?"

I keep walking out; waiting on his response, but hearing nothing. Looking back, I see the salt-haired cutie standing in the same spot; mouth wide open. I yell behind me,

"Maybe tomorrow? Yeah, maybe. We'll see."

Wow - this is fun!