Never Bitter

The new interstate. It was supposed to be a boon for business. A win-win for all. Instead, it has been nothing but a piercing dagger right through the heart for my once profitable, four pump, full service gas station and mini-market.

Directly off of the old highway, its ideal location was a convenient stop where patrons could for the most part, find whatever they needed and purchase it for a reasonable or cut-rate price. I never over charged or misled anyone.

On any given day, no less than two to three hundred vehicles, from eighteen wheel big rigs to motorcycles or families on vacation in their four door station wagons would come through. Many of them would become regular customers, either grabbing a tasty bite to eat, get a couple quarts of oil, antifreeze or just to ask for a map or understandable directions. But getting a fill up was practically a no brainer. I could undercut anyone's price for fuel. Guaranteed.

If my dire situation didn't improve dramatically soon, I'd be left with no choice but to close up shop.

On another hopeless day out front playing game of spider solitaire, I spotted in the distance a brand new red Mustang GT 500 convertible steering off the road. Its driver was clearly female.

A young brunette with her hair smartly pulled back into a long pony tail pulled into my gas station, lifted her designer sunglasses and said, "Hello Bart. Do you remember me? It's been twenty-six long years since I last was here."

Dazed for a moment, I had to stop and drink in the natural, effortless beauty of this familiar face.

Right away, I stood up and greeted her warmly, "Emily, how could I forget you? Such a cheery, smiling face."

Emily's pearly whites gleamed as she approached. Her stance was commanding and confident, yet subtle and sublime. "You do remember. Wasn't sure if you'd still be here. You're actually the whole the reason I came. I had to find out. You've no idea how nice it is to see again you Bart. So, how's business been?"

The tenor of my voice plummeted. "Honestly, not so good. You're only the fifth customer I've had all day."

Emily sympathized, "I'm so sorry. That's a shame. Would a great big hug help?"

I answered, "Can't hurt. You're a big girl now. A most lovely one at that. And since it won't be illegal anymore, hell yes. I'd like nothing more."

Emily's full body embrace lingered far too long to be just a casual hug. She ended it with a slow, pursed lip kiss.

Always the aggressor, rather than being the timid one, Emily made the first move.

"We should go out sometime. Like tonight. My treat."

I was confused that this extremely attractive young woman was interested in me, a middle aged man.

"You know I'm open twenty four hours a day six, sometimes seven days a week right?"

Chuckling, Emily shot back, "Seriously? Closing for just one day is not the end of the world. All I'm asking is a chance to know you better. I really do like you Bart. I'll even let you drive my bad ass new Mustang. It's a KR. For King of the Road."

That did it. "Should I spiffy up a bit?"

"Nope. Come as you are."

~|~|~|~|~|~

We were top down with a warm Texas breeze rushing through our hair. Emily was in the passenger seat and I was driving. As a gorgeous orange sun was just beginning to set, my curiosity got the best of me.

"So tell me Miss Emily, how's a gal afford a cherry ride like this?"

"Well that's an easy one. I'm fabulously rich. Yep, I have nearly five hundred oil wells scattered all over my twelve thousand acre ranch. It's just ten miles south of Odessa."

I suddenly felt small and insignificant. Until Emily spoke again.

"Leave that sinking gas station Bart. Face it, its glory days are over. You've got to move on. There's more than plenty of room in my home. Come, stay with me. Don't make me beg."

Head hung low, I finally accepted the truth.

"Alright. I'll try and sell the station then move in with you."

Emily jabbed, "No way. Just abandon that money pit. Now. Remember, I'm stinkin' rich. Money means nothing to me."

"You know I'm the exact same way. Even when times were lean, I always made sure every kid got either a lollipop or some fresh fruit if their parents wouldn't allow sweets."

Emily put her hand in mine. "If an eight year old girl ever had a crush, it would be me on you. That one day we'd be married and have lots of fat cheeked babies.

Well let's eat. I know a place not too far. It's not fancy but it has the very best Mexican and American food around."

Emily hit my weak spot. "Great, my stomach is rumblin' already.

I thought you were the cutest girl. But I never imagined you'd become this ravishing, vibrant and thoroughly captivating woman. Not to mention one of considerable means.

I'm surprised you're not married yet. A striking, remarkable woman such as yourself could have any man you want."

Emily took in a deep breath, looking exasperated. "That's the problem. In my mind, none of them came even close to measuring up to you.

I haven't even had sex yet. How depressing is that? It's not like I didn't want to. I did. Still do. Guess I was too busy building my legacy. My goals came first. I hope you understand. I'm still this little girl who all she ever wanted was to be loved. And Lord knows she has so much to give."

"Is that the airport I see in the distance?"

"Yessir it is. My Lear jet awaits. Care for any in flight cocktails?"

"Are you trying to kidnap me?"

"Not trying. I am. No more worrying if you have enough money when looking at a menu. Or having to settle for only what you can afford. Strict schedules will be no more. Urgent deadlines begone.

~|~|~|~|~|~

We landed in Odessa in a little over an hour. In no time we were in her grand ballroom, sitting before a hearty buffet of roast prime rib, lobster, stuffed pork loin and rotisserie chicken with a wide selection of salads, starches, and desserts including creme brule', baked Alaska and decadent three layer fondant decorated cakes. I gorged on a little of everything until I was completely stuffed.

"You weren't kidding Emily. Every single dish had the best and most authentic, succulent flavors I've ever tasted. And that's saying something. I thank you and congratulations to your superb culinary staff. They're all second to none."

Emily quickly brushed it off as if it was just another typical, everyday meal and spent no time getting right down to telling me what was really on her mind.

"Come with me Mr. Bart Richard Dempsey. I want to show you something. Something I know you're going to love."

I thought to myself, what could possibly be next?

"Oh boy. I'm no longer surprised at anything you do. So what is it?"

"Follow me."

We took an elevator to the third floor, then up a stairway to a spacious outside patio with one modest, but lavishly appointed bed and two pairs of high end binoculars set out on top of it.

"Just look at all the stars Bart. There must be billions and billions of them! That's why I chose this magical place. Out here, far away from the big city lights, it's like my very own twinkling light show. Aren't they amazing?"

Indeed, a powerful magic was rich in the night time air. It was truly inspiring. Emily was so right and suddenly I knew for certain that she was destiny. My destiny.

I stretched out on the bed. "Come. Lay beside me Miss Emily Andrews."

Emily slowly unbuttoned the buttons of her billowy blouse before laying beside me on the bed. No words needed. The first move was simultaneous. The first kiss became kisses, setting off an aching need in our loins. A burning passion for each other finally reached the highest crescendo.

We took turns disrobing each other until there was nothing left but nakedness.

Emily then spread open her legs before me in a missionary position. "This virgin body is my gift. I give it to you freely. Though this all may seem sudden, it's everything but that to me. I knew long ago there would never be any man for me but you. Now, I'm finally in a place where I can give you the world and so much more. Bart, make love not just to me, but with me. In this moment. On this night. Right now."