#13

I saw him as soon as I boarded the train. He was wearing a sunshine yellow shirt, my favorite color. He looked good in it, too. His hair immediately filled me with thoughts of salt and pepper.

Sunshine, salt and pepper. Three of my favorite things. He's leaning back in his seat and being the crotch watcher I am, I couldn't help but glance at his. It's a harmless hobby. It's human nature. We all have something that stirs our pursuit. I do it well.

Dismissing the idea that I'm a cougar, seeing as he looked somewhat younger than me, I asked if the seat next to him was taken. "It is not", he confirmed.

I was delighted and really looking forward to getting to know him. That is, if he wasn't too busy with work (from his briefcase) which he seemed to be preparing to start. I had my laptop and was thinking about writing a bit in the dining car before dinner. We would have to see if the attraction went farther than our outward appearances. Perhaps far enough to make us want to speak to one another.

I had broken the ice for us, when I asked if the seat was taken. He had been nice enough and his beautiful smile seemed genuine. But, sometimes people just want to be left alone. He didn't seem eager to start a conversation, so I reached up where I had stored my laptop and pulled it down directly into his lap!

"Oh my gosh, are you OK?", I groaned. My computer is rather heavy and it landed badly. We laughed because we both realized it could have been serious. He had the best laugh and as we realized we shared a sense of humor, I hinted to him why I brought my computer in the first place.

"I might have injured the very tool, about which, I intend to write", I laughingly explained. He seemed intrigued. "Excuse me"?

"What do you mean?", he asked, the smile that was lifting his lips; showed off his magnetic white teeth.

I mean I wanted to write about an erotic ride on "The Train They Call the City of New Orleans." The 14 restless riders were unsatisfied for a reason, right? When he looks at me and says, "Ah", I see the light go on and his eyes look as bright as Rudolph's nose; a slight blush enhanced his cheeks. Now I've captured his attention.

"What number am I?" he questions.

"You just happen to be my lucky number 13", I excitedly whisper next to his cheek, a soft wet kiss planted slowly to emphasize.

"13 has always been a good number for me. That the number 13 is unlucky in any way; is a total myth. I mean look at it like this. You're the first one I've stumbled across. You took it the right way, and without injury. That has to be lucky!" I explain.

"Why not number one?", he asks?

"Ah yes why not indeed. You might just be so fortunate as to work your way down", I muse.

I sense that he's' not convinced yet. So, I decided to let him mull over my statement of intent and excusing myself I head to the dinning car where they provide Internet service.

It's a beautiful day. It's the first of December and there's a slight chill in the cars. I like it cool like this, as I recollect the last time I traveled by train in December. Blankets on the train, in the winter; are a must. Old quilts are exceptional for coverage and warmth.

There will be lights all along the track later tonight. It won't be long, I realize, until the darkness descends and the show begins. It gets dark early these wintry days and people seem to want to share good cheer. I know I do!

So. I begin to contemplate the best course for my plans and how to write the preview down with sincerity and charm. That the writing should proceed the action, is simply the way it works best for me. I can write about it and then make it happen exactly as I have penned.

"13" is in for the time of his life, if he is cognizant of what's good for him and allows me to work my magic jack and juicy jaw, with all the skill I possess.

Who am I, you may wonder--number 14, I confess. My restlessness is more like relentlessness. I won't be satisfied until 13 is satisfied. I will write about my satisfaction, but it won't happen for me until it has happened for this fortunate passenger many times, perhaps even...

13?

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Rhythm of the Rails-The effect on Tales & Tails