was taken by her youthful looks. Stringy brown hair and sad brown eyes. Larry saw himself in her soul.
They were in love. Larry would hold her and kiss her and feel things he never thought possible. But when he asked her to see him outside the seedy motel where they’d usually meet, she faltered.
“I can’t Larry, you know our arrangement.” Her voice was childlike.
“Yes, but I want to go to a restaurant with you or to the movies.”
“Larry that’s just not possible.”
“But...”
“I’m sorry,” she said, gathering up her things, “I have to go. Do you have my money?”
“Why do I have to pay you to be with me?”
“Because that’s my job, you pay for my time.”
“People in love don’t pay each other to be with them.” Larry was confused. She listened to him with kindness, touched him with softness. If this wasn’t love, what was?
She spun toward him. “I’m flattered, I really am, but this is business.”
“I thought we meant something to each other.”
“We do...but I need my money now. I have to go.” She looked anxiously at her watch.
Larry grabbed her roughly by her arms.
“You’re hurting me.” She winced in pain.
He released her arms, scared at his own reaction. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I love you.”
“Well I’m not available to be loved. I need my cash Larry.” The little girl grew up fast - money was an aging tool.
Sadly, Larry opened his wallet and pulled out some money. “Get something nice for yourself,” he said, denying to himself what the transaction was really about.
“I’ve gotta go. Bye.” She quickly picked up her purse and left.
Larry tried calling her later, but she didn’t return his calls. He tried to set up other dates, but that too failed. Larry never heard from her again.
And so the love of his life became The Bitch. Larry vowed he would never be hurt like that again.
He tightened his grasp of the steering wheel thinking of her, then let his mind wander to Dana. Dana was different. Dana has class.
He plowed through the tall grass into Naples, Florida, clear on the other side of the state. This wealthy town was calm and serene...quite different from the frenetic pace of Miami. He liked it for that very reason. He felt a million miles away, not just two hours from his home. No one knew him here. Larry liked it that way. He turned his car down a palm-lined street, parking it in the far spot of a busy shopping mall. He then walked on foot five blocks to Talbot Motorcars.
Larry stepped into the luxurious showroom out of breath. Classic cars and fantasy sports vehicles filled the wood paneled floor. Larry felt important just walking in there. He caught his breath, then approached the main counter.
An older man greeted him.
“What can I do you for?” he asked, running his hand through his thinning white hair.
“My name is Fred Holden,” Larry said calmly, feeling his well thought out pseudonym roll off his tongue. “I reserved a limousine for rental.”
The man flipped through his leather-bound book. “Yes, Mr. Holden, I have your vehicle ready for you. A Lincoln Town Car, quite a beauty.”
“Wonderful.”
“I’ll get you the keys...she’s got a full tank, I’ll expect that when you return her.”
“Of course.”
“Just sign here,” he pointed to a line on the contract, “and we’re good.”
Larry glanced over the rental agreement and signed it.
“Fantastic. All I need now is your credit card.”
“I’ll pay with cash.”
The man stepped back. “I usually like a credit card to guarantee you’ll bring her back.”
Larry pulled out a wad of cash and peeled off some bills, just like he’d seen done in so many movies. “Is this good enough?” he asked, handing him quite a bit more than the required deposit.
The man smiled broadly. “Yes, sir, that’ll do just fine. I’ll have them bring the car around. And you’ll have her back...?”
“Monday night,” Larry said firmly.
“Yes, sir, Monday night.”
Larry turned and walked outside. The black, shiny stretch limo pulled around. A freckle faced teenager hopped out of the car and handed him the keys.
“Thank you,” Larry said, sliding behind the wheel. He pulled out of the lot smoothly and turned onto the road. The car was roomy and comfortable. Larry settled into the seat, finding his way around the dashboard. There were controls for music, air temperature and a button to raise and lower the divider between the driver and the passengers. For the first few minutes of driving, Larry pressed every button, learning the