Memory file Ax204-12Hgkl-29976-bjx
You are at the grocery, although you had seen him quite a few times over the past week. It seemed like you would show up where he was in stores or parks or you'd pass him walking in the neighborhood.
He came out of an aisle in the store and your carts almost crashed. That's when he came up to you and said, "Pardon me, but I keep seeing you everywhere. My name's Walt Daniels. I just moved in around the corner at The Encore, Apt 313."
You normally back away from these situations, but something had you stick out your hand and shake his while he spoke and until you said, "I'm Jessica, ... Jessie Johnson. I live at the Pines." which is something you never tell. Rule: Never say where you live to a stranger.
As he let go he spilled more info about him than you usually get on a first date.
"I work for Black Magic, the publishing company downtown. I was transferred here to help manage their expansion including moving into the new building, hiring more employees, and upgrading the computer system so it connects to our worldwide network and distribution. I spent the last ten years in Dayton working up from assistant project manager to corporate management, I got a bachelors in engineering long ago, though never went into engineering, but I've always had a knack for recognizing small problems and big picture interactions and how things can work better. Got into Black Magic because I like a good fun or fantasy story and my "knack" seemed to find them hits and help their efficiency, have had some great times, but never really settled down, but this town looks like a good place where Black Magic should really work."
"I work for CompuGenetics Research part of program integration." You never tell anyone where you work, but this just came out.
"I've seen that building. It looks real cool. I've been wandering around trying to get familiar with the town. It seems a great place. Something one could be a real part of. Have you been here long?"
"A little more than two years. There's some nice spots around town and things to do. I'm sure you'll like it here."
You are feeling very comfortable with him and say more than you would ever feel safe with a complete stranger. You think that it must be because he is so sincere and wasn't trying to pick you up just for a quickie. Maybe because he looked much older, 50's at least. He was bald on top but full dark hair on the sides with a few strands of gray mixed in. He had a dark beard but it was mostly white on his chin that gave him the fatherly professor look. You can't tell his build under his nice jeans loose shirt except that he wasn't fat.
You had also glanced at his cart which showed a unique mix of healthy food plus soda and a bag of Oreos. At least it wasn't the typical guy-cart filled with beer, chips and hamburger. He also had a pleasant way of speaking that made you comfortable.
"Maybe sometime you could tell me about those spots. I'd offer to buy you coffee or something at the Bev-Café next door, but we both have items that would spoil. And I apologize that I don't have a card to give you or anything else to write my number on, so ..."
"No problem." You say having already pulled out your Cell-Ery (ComGen provided) and had already typed in his name and apartment. You smile at him and say, "OK, what is it?"
He first looked shocked then amazed, then smiled and gave you the number.
"Done. I've got some friends over this weekend, but I'll ring you next." As you turn and push your cart past him, you lean over and whisper, "Skip the Bev-Café and try the Chunky Collar two blocks over."
"Thanks."
You are both smiling and go off to finish your shopping.
End file
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