Collection of Short Stories Read online

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  Every Man’s Dream

  I saw her coat out of the corner of my eye. I’ve always been attracted to red. But when I got a closer look at the gorgeous body that red coat was hugging I let out a loud whistle. Now I’m not usually one for making a public display of myself, but honestly, you would have done the same! I mean, you’ve never seen anything so beautiful in your life!

  Should I stop? I’m naturally shy. I hesitated. I looked back at her. She was obviously waiting for someone. I drove around the block. The second look convinced me--I was in love! My heart was racing.

  Around the corner, I pulled over and fixed my hair and tie. Drove back and parked… I was pretty nervous… and…she’d gone! I looked wildly all around. She couldn’t just disappear—she was the one dreams are made of! I tried the sour grapes approach. You know—‘who needs a chick like that, that wipes out bank accounts anyway’? She was so obviously the classy type, living high on the octane, if you know what I mean. But, oh, would we look good together! The guys’d be so jealous they’d spit nails! I just couldn’t convince myself not to want her.

  Later that day, my mouth ran away with my enthusiasm and I found myself telling my best friend, Bob, all about her. The creep said he’d already noticed her. And he’d heard a few things too, he said! I listened with drooling ears. “I happen to know she’s hooked up with that big business tycoon from downtown.”

  My heart sank. I was just an ordinary guy. “And,” he continued, “Everybody knows she’s been around the block a few times.” He said it like it might put a damper on my ardor. Fat chance!

  “Maybe,” I said, defensively, “But you gotta admit she looks great for her age!”

  “Oh, come on,” he chided in a derogatory manner, “You know these older gals have all had some kind of cosmetic ‘surgery’ to look that good!”

  “I don’t care,” I retorted, “She’s beautiful. So come on, what else do you know?” I begged, swallowing my pride.

  “If it’s of any interest to you,” he said airily, “Apparently Mr. Business-tycoon is tired of her!”

  “Y…you’re kidding!” I faltered. “How could anyone ever get tired of such a babe??!” I was incredulous and my heart was soaring. But, wait a minute, how did Bob know this? I was suspicious. “Are you interested in her?” I asked pointedly.

  “What would I want with such an expensive toy?!” he retorted—a little too quickly, if you ask me. “Much too old for me! And you’d better think twice before taking on such an obvious big spender!” he jabbed at me.

  “Hey I’m out of diapers!” I shot back, chin jutting, “I know what I’m doing!” But did I? I thought about my meager bank account. How much would I be expected to spend on a gal like that!? But I was interested. Real interested. I started looking for her again. I tried several times to catch her waiting for Mr. Business-tycoon at his office, but either I missed her, or they weren’t together anymore. I checked all the fancy nightclubs and hotels; the shopping malls; the concert halls. All to no avail. Not a sign!

  Days went by and I was beginning to think I’d never see her again. And then, there she was!—I’d know that red coat anywhere and she was as beautiful as ever! I wasn’t going to miss my chance this time. I moved in for a closer look. My heart was beating fast as I approached. But something was wrong. Who was that with her? That wasn’t Mr. Business-tycoon! My jaw dropped clear to the ground and was dragging in the dust as I took it all in. For there, sitting at the steering wheel of the most beautiful red ’66 Mustang convertible you’ve ever seen, was the proud new owner and my ex-best friend, Bob!

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  War!