Never Bitter, part one

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


Directly off of the old highway, its ideal location had always been a convenient stop where patrons could, for the most part, find whatever they needed and buy 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 ask for directions. But getting a fill up was practically a no brainer. I could undercut anyone's price for fuel. Guaranteed.

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

Another day out front playing game of spider solitaire, I spotted in the distance a brand new red Mustang GT 350 convertible steering off the road. Its driver was clearly female.

A young brunette with her hair pulled back into a long pony tail pulled into my gas station, lifted her designer sunglasses and said, "Hello Bart, remember me? It's been twenty-six 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 subtly sublime. "You do remember me. Wasn't sure if you'd still be here. You're actually the whole the reason I came. I had to find out. It's very nice to see you again Bart. How's business been?"

The tenor of my voice went down a notch. "Honestly, not so good. You're only the second customer I've had all day."

Emily asked, "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 yeah. 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 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. You can even drive my new Mustang GT 350."

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 with Emily in the passenger seat. I was driving. As a huge orange sun was just beginning to set, my curiosity got the best of me.

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

"Well that's an easy one. I'm fabulously rich. Yeah, I have nearly six 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 right 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.

Let's eat. I know a place not too far from here. 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. 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?"

"Yep. 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. Everything 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. That's why I chose this magical place. Out here, far away from the big city lights, it's like my very own light show. Aren't they simply amazing?"

Indeed, a powerful magic was rich in the nighttime air. Truly inspiring it was. Emily was right and all of a sudden I knew that she was my destiny.

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

Emily unbuttoned the buttons of her billowy blouse before laying beside me on the bed. No words were needed. The first move was simultaneous. The first kiss became kisses, setting off a yearning in our loins. Untamed, burning passions

for each other finally reached the highest crescendo.

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

Emily then opened her legs in a missionary position. "My virgin body is my gift. It is yours to accept. Yours to have. Bart, make love not to me, but with me. In this moment. On this night. Right now."