She turns her head slightly and you notice her take a quick look at you and just as quick she turns and starts walking away from you. However, there was a slight grin on her face just before she turned. That’s all the encouragement you needed. Off you go after her, but not too fast. You look around and the street is crowded. You don’t want to lose her and you pick up the pace. You close the distance and are about four feet from her when she stops and sets the bag down she has been carrying but she doesn’t turn. No stopping now. You know she knows you are there and so you make the bold move and step up beside her. Your heart is pounding.
“Hello miss, do you need some help with that bag?”
She startles and looks at you, “Are you following me?” she asks.
She just confirmed that she did know that you were there. She would detect a lie. You answer, “ Well, yes. Is it a crime to want to admire someone so pretty?”
She huffs and responds “I don’t need any help.”
She reaches down to grab her bag, but you grab it first and answer quickly,
”Hi, my name is Joe, Joe Madris. Please let me help you.”
She answers, “I don’t talk to strangers. How do I know you aren’t some stalker?” But she is talking to you. If she thought you were a stalker she would have evaded you, slipped into a store and called for help.
You pull out your billfold and show her your ID. “There, now you know me and I’m not a stranger. If you don’t want the help say so now and I’ll disappear. But I think you wanted to meet me.” You watch her expression as you reveal the truth to her. She betrays herself and you know you have hit your mark. You don’t give her a chance to respond. “C’mon lets walk and I’ll carry this for you.” You begin to walk, keeping your eyes on her. She doesn’t move at first and so you gesture her to follow. Still she stands there. You turn and face her, “Hey, I’m acting like a pompous ass. Please forgive me.” You pause to see her reaction and then add, “Would you like to go to coffee with me? There’s a nice place just down the block.” You look down and wait for a reply. Her hesitation is a good sign, you know she is considering it.
Finally she says, “Sure, let’s go.”
You look up with a grin and reply, “Do you mind if I carry your bag for you?” She shrugs and starts to walk. “By the way, what’s your name?” you ask carefully.
After a dozen steps she softly speaks one word, “Anjie.” |