Chapter 7

We stopped in Georgetown. Climbing down I slipped on the step falling to my knees. “OW” Standing up, I turned wanting to thank the old man, but the pickup had already sped off. “Thank you!!” I shouted from behind. The rain kept falling even harder. Running to a nearby filling station. I went straight to the bathroom. Twisting my coat over the sink trying to get all the water out. When it looked like I got most of the water out, I held the coat underneath the hand dryer. With it almost dry, I did the same to my hair and clothes. Mostly dried I started drinking water from the sink. Hoping to fill my stomach with water to ease the hunger.

Walking out. I walked straight to a pump attendant. He looked in his late twenties, with long thick frizzy black hair that’s tied up, an athletic body, rather handsome-looking, brown eyes with a sharp face that’s neatly shaved. He already changed out of his work clothes ready to leave for home, I assume, but still wearing his attendant cap. Dressed in a black hoodie with a skull print on, long faded black jeans, and flip-flops.

“Hello, can you please lend me a map?” I asked him

Looking up from his phone. He gave me a wide smile while sliding his phone into his back jean pocket.

“Hello.” He looked at me questioningly.

“You’re not from around here?” He said.

“Is that so obvious?”

He gave a soft chuckle.

“You’re looking for a map, lady.”

Almost facepalming myself.

“Um Yes,” I fidgeted with my clothes to hide my embarrassment.

“Where do you want to go.” Putting his elbow on the gas pump waiting for my reply.

“I don’t know,” I said while looking down at my feet. “That’s why I need a map.”

Seeing that I’m starting to get uncomfortable, he said, “Well I’m visiting my old man in Myrtle Beach, you can catch a ride with me today. If you want. The town and beach there are breathtaking. I grew up there and still can’t get enough of its beauty. I think you will love it there. Maybe even settle down?”

That sounded amazing, but I can’t get a ride with a stranger. The old guy was old, and besides, I was at the back of his pickup. This one is much younger. What do I do if he wants to do something to me? I can’t fight! Oh, great here I’m having an inner battle with myself. Maybe I should first ask him what he is driving.

HONK!!

“OH MY GOSH!” I screamed out loud. With a hand over my heart, heaving out of breath.

“Dude, you almost gave me a heart attack!”

“While you’re still contemplating, I REALLY must go. My wife will blow a fuse if I’m late again.”

He looked down at his watch.

“Oh goodness! Yes, I’m going to get it really bad this time. This gorgeous face of mine will not get me out of trouble this time.” He said pointing at his face.

With an astonished expression, I looked at him. Really? Why didn’t he say that from the start? I only needed to hear one word to change my mind. I quickly open the front door of his car and climbed in.

“That was fast, what changed your mind?” He asks

“The word, Wife,” I said with a big smile.

“I’m Rudolf by the way, and my wife is Charlene.” Pausing, he turned to me giving me a sly smile with mischief written in his eyes, he quickly locked the doors.

“Well now, how do you know, my wife and I will not do anything to you?” He said with an evil voice while slowly starting to drive off.

I looked between the locked doors and him. My eyes grew big. I started hyperventilating.

“WWWHHHAAATTTT ddid you say?” Quickly turning to the door grabbing the handle wanting to get out.

“HAHAHA!" He started laughing so loud tears were coming out of his eyes.

"I should have caught that on camera. That was hilarious. You should have seen your face. Hahahahaha PRICELESS.” He said, between his laughter while wiping the tears with the back of his hand.

“I always wanted to do that.”

I gave him the evil look. Is this guy for real? How many heart attacks will he give me?

“Hey!! That was evil!”

“What’s your name by the way?” He asked.

“Amore”

“Mmm, it looks like you haven’t gotten that lately.” He said while starting laughing again.

Shaking my head. I`m starting to regret my decision here.