Page 5 of Perfect Strangers

I glance at him, trying to decipher what his agenda is at this point. What does he want from me? What does he expect to happen tonight? Am I some conquest of his? Or maybe he’s just bored?

I find it hard to believe so I ask, “And you just happen to own a pink scarf?”

He huffs. “I saw the scarf in the store and liked the way it felt. It’s soft and warm. They didn’t have any other color left in stock besides this one, so I bought it. Just because it’s pink doesn’t mean anything. It’s just a color. Just like, the girl is just a girl. There’s nothing more to it. Simple as that.

“So, where does that leave me?”

His eyes grow wide. “You?” He pauses for a brief moment. “Well, you’re in need of some help so here I am. You okay with that, Sunshine?”

I chuckle at his nickname for me and nod. “Yeah, it’s fine.”

He nods and grabs hold of my hand as we walk in unison down the street. As we cross, he glances toward me and calls out. “Now, let’s retrace your steps and find your wallet.”

“I’m pretty sure I left it at the bar.”

He turns his head toward me. “Which bar?”

“It’s a little whole in the wall, on 7th and 42nd.”

“Whoa, that’s a hike. You want to grab the subway?”

I shake my head as we cross the street. “No, we can walk. We got all night.”

He glances at me with a smile as he squeezes my hand. “Yes. Yes, we do.”

2

Relax Sunshine

The cold winter air breezes past us as we make our way downtown toward the bar. Hopefully, we find my lost wallet and I’m praying that all my cards and cash are still in there. I know this is New York City and people can be downright awful, but I need to stay positive. I’d hate to have to cancel all my credit cards and deal with the DMV in getting a replaced driver’s license.

I mentally cross my fingers as they wrap around his strong hand. Even though I’m wearing gloves, I can still feel the intensity between us as he holds my hand. We walk in a fast stride down the street as we cross between oncoming traffic. Even though it’s one-fifteen in the morning, the night is still young.

People fill the city streets, laughing and conversing with one another. Some run, some walk. Others hail for cabs while a few race toward the subway. I have always wanted to live in the city; it’s been a dream of mine.

To get a fantastic job working as a journalist and buying a nice condo overlooking the city. Glancing up at the high rises, I imagine my condo on the top floor. A cool modern and contemporary space with an open floor plan, a spacious and updated kitchen, and a killer bathtub that I could melt into. But, who am I kidding? I have to finish college first. Laughing at myself, I push away the crazy notions of my inner child.

I feel him peeking at me as my heart skips a beat. I don’t know how I ended up here, but here I am. Walking the streets with a beautiful stranger. And as crazy as it is, I don’t even know his name.

Should I just flat out and ask him? Would that be weird? But he doesn’t know my name neither. Maybe we should just keep this simple? No names.

Comfortable with my decision we continue our walk down 7th Avenue as we head toward the bar. Turning the corner on 42nd, I see the bar in my sights and pray a sigh of relief that it’s still open.

My handsome stranger lets go of my hand and holds the door open for me as I thank him, heading inside. He nods with a smile and follows me in. Immediately I set my sights for the bartender and rush to him.

The bartender recognizes me from before. “Ahh, you’re back for more beer!”

I laugh at his statement. “Uh, no. Listen, I lost my wallet and I’m hoping it’s here. Did anyone turn it in?”

“As a matter of fact, someone did turn in a wallet. Hold on, let me get it.”

I watch as he heads toward the back to grab the wallet. “Oh, thank god! I hope it’s mine.”

I take off my jacket and grab a seat on a bar stool and watch as my shoe stylist takes a seat next to me. I slip off the gloves and hand them back to him, but he denies them. “No, those are yours for the evening, okay?”

I nod with a smile. “Ok, thank you.”

He smiles. “No problem Sunshine.”

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