While I was cooking, the doorbell rang and I knew who it was. “Maria! I am so glad you could come so quickly. I need a DNA test done, ASAP. I trust you to be discreet.”
“I always am, Mike!” We became acquainted through business ties, but she was a sweetheart. She was an RN, married, and had two kids. We had helped to calm down her ex a few years ago. She worked for a doctor that I also used on occasion.
“Hungry? I’m making lunch.”
“No, we’re going out after I’m done here. I know it won’t take long.”
We chatted and caught up as I was cooking. Suddenly, the bedroom door opened and out came…wow. Just wow. “She cleans up nice.” I thought. She was wearing a short denim skirt with a belt, and an old Stones tee shirt. The one with the tongue. Her hair was combed, and her skin was positively glowing. I did some math in my head, and she had to be 21 or 22 years old. She looked amazing for a young woman.
Maria introduced herself and told her just how the test would work. “Just a quick cheek swab!” Once she was done, she excused herself letting me know she would get back to me as soon as possible.
We sat down to eat. I had made a small salad to go along with the sandwiches. For a few minutes, there was absolute silence. She ate quickly, but daintily as well. Once we were finished, we just stared at each other for a few minutes.
“You still don’t believe me,” she said. She had a sad look on her face, and it was eating at my usual stone-cold demeanor. “You think I am trying to scam you or something.”
“I don’t really know…I want to believe, but I can’t without proof. Nonetheless, you are a beautiful young lady in need of some assistance. I am not wealthy, but I will give you some help. Would you like to go for a ride? I want to take you to my favorite store…it’s a French place, Tarjay I believe it’s called.”
“Seriously? And Mom used to say that long ago. I know you mean Target. What do you want to get?” she said with a small laugh. It sounded like magic.
“I don’t need much, but you need some things as well. If all this is true, we do need to get to know each other. Would you prefer my truck or a small car? With the truck we can fit more in!”
“I don’t want much. We can take the car.” Again with the sad look. She actually looked upset about shopping. I realized she felt like a burden at that point.
“Look, we don’t have to go, but I thought you might want some decent shampoo and such. Pretty girls deserve pretty things, you know.” I said with a smile. “It’ll do you good to get out a bit as well.”
Off we went, taking my Subaru Crosstrek. I kept the conversation light, letting her pick out a radio station (and finding I liked her choice). Ten minutes later we were there. We went straight to the women’s department, and I told her to pick out three pairs of jeans and five shirts as well as some underwear. I noticed when she made selections, it was always the cheapest items. “Sometimes the more expensive ones are cheaper in the long run. Quality is important,” I told her.
“I can’t pay you back until I find work. I can’t afford anything else but the cheapest.”