A girls guide to traveling

Chapter 2

       I logged onto the computer. Where did one go about finding a travel companion? I wasn't sure. It would take me to much time to field through applicants. I came across a local lady Patricia Kent. "Hello, Patricia Kent how may I help you?" "Patricia, hi my name is Madeline Hart and I'm looking to take a trip next week. I need someone to come with me. It's a job of sorts. The person who comes will be paid." I said.

       "Oh." She giggled. "This sounds fun! Can you meet me in an hour at McNeil's Coffee house? I want to go over a list of things your looking for. I actually have a list of guys in mind who I've been needing to place in a job." "Sure, that would be great. Thank you." 

       I showed up an hour later in my blouse and starch white capri pants. My blouse was formal showing no skin. It came up to my neck with a high collar and was a dark green. The sleeves went down to my elbows. My moms motto? Modest is a must. I pulled my hair back into a low pony tail. I saw several people eating or drinking coffee. There was a lady sitting alone. She had a coffee in her hand. She wore a floral sun dress and had short, red, curly hair.

       She had a notebook and pen sitting in front of her. She looked nice and very sweet. She had a pair of cat eye glasses perched on the end of her nose hanging from a long chain. She looked up and saw me. She stood up waving. "You must be Madeline Hart." "Yes mam, you can call me Maddy." I said. "Okay Maddy take a seat and we'll get started. So ah let's here I have a few questions. I'll list a trait and you tell me how important it is. Okay?" "Sounds good." 

       "Attractiveness?" "Well I'm not looking to date this guy, I just don't want to go alone but if he were cute that would be a plus. I have to stare at this guy on long plain rides and stuff. You know?" "Okay of course. How much are you paying?" "Ten thousand, and the trip will last all summer, maybe longer depending on where we're at." I said. "Oh, I think that's perfect and you'll be paying for everything?" She asked. I nodded. "I've already prepaid for some things. But otherwise, yes. Meals and rooms and any tours we decide to do. I'll pay the amount at the end of the trip." "That's wise, we wouldn't want your companion to use some of the money to fly home as soon as you land." She giggled. "Anything specific you want in a guy?" She asked.

       I grinned. "Oh, I have a list." She nodded. "Of course, lay it on me sister." She said with her pen ready. "Okay, so first of all no crazies." I said. "Of course, I've background checked every guy. I have a few that I think are really chill." "Great, next personal hygiene. I mean if a guy can't shower, I don't think he's right." "Of course." "I'd like him to be smart. I'm not talking about Einstein level genius here, but if were going to be spending tons of time together I'd like to be able to talk with him."  "Oh fabulous. What about style?" She asked. I laughed. "I have no personal style, just wait my moms stylist tells me to where. But I mean as long as he's not dressed up like a giant hot dog or a gothic vampire ya know?" "Oh yes dearie." She scratched a few notes.

       "Now are you cool with them having a girlfriend?" She asked. "Yes, as I said I'm not here to date but just make sure they aren't planning on spending every waking second on the phone with them." I said. "Okay if you think of anything else you'd like me to include I'll give you my card. Otherwise I think I have what I need." She closed her notebook. "Give me a few days to get some applicants together. We can meet say Wednesday?" She asked. "Perfect, I'm planning on leaving on Monday. See you then." I left and headed home.

       I showed up at the location that Patricia had sent me. It was an old gym. The school wasn't using it and she was helping the school find a new janitor. So she had six guys line up on the back wall where they were leaned up against bleachers that had been pushed against the walls. I greeted Patricia at the door. "Ms. Hart, it's lovely to see you again." She said shaking my hand. "Thank you Patricia, you as well." I nodded curtly.