Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) are just a mile apart, so the schools’ main street attraction, Thayer Street in Providence, Rhode Island, is always busy, especially in the fall. Being close to downtown Providence, the Superior Court, and Hope High School, it also attracts lawyers, high school students, and tourists.
With mom-and-pop restaurants, bars and lounges, antique stores, pharmacies, arguably Rhode Island’s biggest Mexican grab-and-go restaurant, an independent movie theater that primarily screens independent, art house, and foreign films, a Starbucks, and a chain burger place, it isn’t a hard place to meet someone. Whether you’re searching for a fling or a one-night stand, Thayer Street pretty much guarantees that. But then, there are rare instances where the sight of someone takes your breath away with just one look.
I am walking north up Thayer Street when I see her walking my way, occasionally glancing up from her cell phone, ensuring that a car wouldn’t hit her as she crossed the street. She’s beautiful. Not in your typical girl next door way, but in a bombshell way with a mixture of class and elegance. I imagine this is how men saw Cleopatra, with her Tyra Banks-like Victoria’s Secret front cover smooth skin.
The early October afternoon is pleasantly warm, and the woman who is now about three feet away from me is wearing a charcoal knee-high pencil skirt and a matching unbuttoned blazer. Although her blouse completely covers her chest, her breasts bounce just enough to catch any man’s undivided attention.
We’re now two feet away from one another. Just after she steps onto the sidewalk, her eyes are glued back onto her cell phone.
Say something, moron.
“You know, texting and walking is just like texting and driving,” I say to her as we pass one another.
I turn my head, watching her as I continue to walk, hearing her heels click on the pavement. Just before I realize she didn’t hear what I said, she stops short, turns, and replies.
“What?”
‘Texting and walking is like texting and walking.”
She slightly tilts her head, letting my words sink in, turning into some sort of truth.
“I guess so,” she replies with a shrug.
“Be careful. You never know who and what you might run into.
“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind,” She replies without a smile. She’s all business.
No time to flirt. Or, she just isn’t interested. I know looks can be deceiving, but she looks like she’s someone important. Damn, she’s beautiful. I could care less what cup size she wears or any of the shallow pros shallow men look for. Her face is more than easy on the eyes, her plump lips look tender, and her dark eyes are captivating deep pools of mystery, creating a seamless, enigmatic allure.
“Can I get your number,” I say to her before she walks away.
I can tell I take her aback.
“Whoa, you’re just deciding to jump right into it, huh?”
Her voice is confident but low-toned and soothing. But given the time and place, I bet that voice can cause havoc.
“I mean, the way you’re walking with a purpose, it looks like you have to be somewhere, and I don’t wanna miss the chance to talk to you again.
She fights back a grin. But too late. I already see the crack in all business armor.
“Or, you can take my number down,” I insist, remaining cool. “ We can go out for lunch sometime.”
She lands those mystery eyes on me a bit harder this time, taking her time mulling over my preposition.
“Or I can meet you here tomorrow for lunch. Just pick a time and a place. Maybe we can get to know each other a little. Maybe you’ll feel good enough to give me your number. If you show up, cool. If you don’t, I’ll take my food to go.
She smirks this time.
She says, “Meet me right here at this time tomorrow, and we’ll settle on a place.”
She turns around and walks away. I don’t know if she’s serious and intends to show up, but I will. Tomorrow can be a quick grab-and-go from any of the restaurants on this street or a date with the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.
I WANT TO FOLLOW THIS STORY!!!!
Love it! As having lived there, your descriptions are right on!!!