Page 42 of The Stranger

“Do you want a ride home? I don’t mind.”

He opens his mouth, then closes it again, clearly reconsidering his answer. “Are you sure?”

I search for the button to unlock the car, still learning how this thing works. “Yeah, absolutely. Hop in.”

“Ah, I appreciate it.” He opens the door, sliding into the passenger seat with a shiver. “It sure feels better in here than it does out there. This storm is gonna be a doozy. I don’t trust our weathermen, you know? Only job in the world where you can be wrong half the time and not get fired.” He chuckles. “So I never know what to expect until it’s here.”

“Totally.”

“You from around here?”

“Nope, just passing through. My husband and I were supposed to be on our anniversary trip to Aruba, but I found out he’d been cheating, so I’m taking it alone.”

He stares at me. “I’m awful sorry to hear that, darlin’.”

“Thanks.” I start up the car, easing it forward. “Buckled in?”

He buckles up slowly, easing the seat belt around his belly. “No one should have to take a trip like that alone. And, I hope you don’t mind me saying it, he’s a fool for lettin’ you go.”

I smile at him. “You’re sweet.”

“It’s the truth.”

I glance over at him, spotting an opportunity when I see it. Too many bodies here wouldn’t be good for me. I need some space from this area, but that doesn’t mean I can’t bring my next easy target along. “You know…maybe this is crazy…” I feign shyness. “No. Forget it. Never mind.”

He smiles at me broadly. “What is it, honey?”

“No, nothing. You’d think it’s silly.”

“I won’t. Try me.”

“Well, I hope you don’t think awful of me, but I have another ticket. I know we’re strangers and all, but I mean, if you don’t have plans for the holiday, would you maybe want to tag along?”

He hesitates. “Oh. Well, that’s real nice of ya, but I don’t know.”

“I swear I’m not crazy,” I say with a laugh. “It could be fun. Way more fun than going alone. Unless you’re married or something?” I already noticed his ring finger is bare, but I pretend I didn’t check.

“Nah, nah. Ain’t married. Tried that once. Didn’t last.” He runs a hand over his mustache, smoothing it down as he thinks.

“See.” I nudge him with my elbow. “It could be fun. Just a week out of this snow. All free. You don’t have to pay for anything. We’ll stop by your house and grab a bag on our way. And then I’ll drop you off at home on my way back.” I reach for his hand. “It would just be one week of adventure. How often do you get that?”

He’s quiet for a while, studying me out of the corner of his eye like he thinks it might be a prank.

“Come on. Please? You could pretend to be my husband. We could act like we’re on our honeymoon, get all sorts of free things. What could be more fun?”

He sighs. “You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?”

“I’ve never been more serious in my life.” I wink. “I need a friend this week, and you seem like a good friend.”

His lips twist in thought. “I’m supposed to be checking my neighbor’s mail.”

“It’s just mail,” I tell him. “Live a little.”

He’s quiet for a while, but eventually a smile spreads to his lips. “What’d you say your name was again?”

“I didn’t,” I remind him. “But it’s Lori.”

He holds out a hand out. “Nice to meet you, Lori. I’m Tony.”

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