Center Courtship by Liza Brown

mentioned that.”
    â€œYeah, they claim it’s until they find places of their own, but I think they’re actually the smart ones, they don’t want to settle in and then find out they don’t like playing for a new team, or something changes and they have to move, you know?”
    I nodded. “So, how did you know I was here for the tour?”
    â€œI have my ways. I like to hide in the shadows and observe,” he said with a dreamy look in his eyes. “I’m so sorry ma’am, my name is Richard,” he held out his hand to me.
    â€œI’m Mae,” I said shaking his outstretched hand.
    â€œMae, I was heading to my room when I saw you sitting out in your truck looking upset, so I came to see what the problem was. Is everything ok?”
    â€œApparently someone took my truck on a joyride last night and used up all my gas. I’m trying to find a gas station that will bring me some gas without having to pay a tow truck.”
    â€œHmmm, let me see,” he took the phone from me and pulled up the browser. He did a search for something I couldn’t see and held the phone to his ear. “BART! It’s Richard,” he said loudly into the phone. “Elsu’s uncle. Yeah, that Richard! Hey, I need a favor, can you bring a couple gallons of gas up to his house for a guest who’s run out? I’ll pay you for your time. Half hour? Ok, we’ll be here.”
    Richard handed me back my phone. “I will pay for the gas, I’m perfectly capable,” I said.
    â€œAnd so am I. You’re a guest. Come on, take a load off till he gets here,” he said and we walked to the steps in front of the front door and sat down.
    â€œI can’t believe this. I just wanted to go home and relax tonight. Murphy’s Law was written for people like me,” I said as I propped my head in my hands.
    â€œHey, we all have days like that. Don’t beat yourself up over it,” he said as he put his hand on my shoulder. I scooted away at the touch.
    â€œGrandpa’s Chop Shop, eh?” he read on the back of my coveralls. “You work there?”
    â€œI own there,” I said. “…it.”
    â€œImpressive. You’re awfully young to own a business.”
    I shrugged my shoulders. “Yeah, it was a graduation gift.”
    â€œSome gift! Where did you go to college?”
    â€œThat was from high school. I’ve taken a few business and computer classes here and there from a community college. I never graduated, though. Just got what I needed to be able to run the business,” I said as I looked at my watch willing time to go faster.
    â€œAm I boring you?” asked Richard.
    â€œOh, no. Nothing like that. I’m just anxious to go home, it’s been a long day. By the time I get home it’s going to be going on 10.”
    The door to the house opened and just as I turned around to see who it was, the door slammed shut. “That WOMAN is still here!” I could hear through the wall.
    I sighed. “She really hates me for some reason,” I said looking at Richard.
    â€œBecause you’re female. And because she hates everyone. If you ask me she’s about the biggest bitch I’ve ever met.”
    I stifled a giggle and the door opened again. Saraya and Elsu exited the house. Elsu was now dressed in dark blue dress pants, a white shirt and a tie. He cleaned up well.
Really
well.
    I stood up and looked at the couple. They would make a great ad for some expensive wine or clothing. “I’m sorry. I’m out of gas. Your uncle was kind enough to call in a favor to have someone bring me some and I’ll be gone, I promise.”
    â€œDon’t be sorry,” said Elsu. “I’m glad you’re still here. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.”
    Saraya and I both looked at him dumbfounded. “Oh, I kind of got the feeling I wasn’t wanted, so I tried to sneak out.