A Tale of Two Carnies

22 - Jason's Date with Shelly

At a quarter to five I received a text message from Shelly saying she was on her way. I changed out of my trousers that had gotten all dirty from lying on the floor behind the cooler. I slipped into clean jeans Raya had laundered for me and pulled on my best polo shirt.

I texted Shelly back that I'd meet her in the parking lot. On my way downstairs, I glanced toward the bar. The cooler was operating at a noise level barely above a hum. Jill, who was in the process of taking an order from a tableful of customers looked my way, gave me a thumbs up, and mouthed a thank you.

Walking outside, the summer afternoon was hot as usual. Dark clouds were rolling in. I leaned against the porch rail and waited.

Shelly pulled into the lot driving a late model, bright blue sedan. She saw me and pulled up to the door. I started walking around to the passenger side when she opened her door and stepped out.

"It really is fine by me if you drive," I told her.

She looked at the sky. "A storm's coming, and I get nervous driving in the rain. Do you mind?"

"Sure, okay."

We passed each other while walking in front of the car, and I got a good look at her. She wore a green blouse that made her matching green eyes pop and white capris. "You look nice." My compliment was sincere and not just something I said to be polite.

She smiled but didn't respond.

The driver seat was positioned all the way front, almost touching the steering wheel to accommodate her short height. "How do I adjust this?"

"There's a lever under the front of the seat."

I found it and readjusted the seat to its rearmost setting. I settled in behind the wheel. "I'm not making fun of you, but I'm curious. How tall are you anyway?"

She scowled. "You're not scoring any points by asking me that question."

"I'm sorry. Forget it."

She sighed. "I'm a hundred fifty-two centimeters tall. I say that because it makes me sound taller than if I say I'm four foot eleven and three-quarter inches."

"That's only a quarter inch shy of five feet. You should round up and say you're five feet."

"Right, is your curiosity satisfied?"

"Gosh no. There's a whole lot more about you that has me curious."

"Yeah, well, I'm warning you. This date is over if you ask me how much I weigh."

I chuckled. "I wouldn't dare ask that of any woman. By the way, which direction should I drive?"

"Turn left out the parking lot. We'll head for Carlisle. There's a Target store and a Kohls beside each other. You'll find plenty of dresses in those two stores."

I put the car in gear and drove off. "Thank you for doing this. I appreciate it."

She laid a hand against the dashboard and said nothing.

I kept my eyes on the road but stole a quick glance her way. She seemed uneasy, the way she held her hand against the dashboard. "Shelly, what's wrong? Is it my driving?"

"No."

"You look nervous."

"I am a little."

"Don't be."

"Can't help it. I've never been out with an older guy before."

I was about to remind her again how I was only two years older. Then, I caught her smiling. "I'm getting better at this, being able to tell when you're messing with me."