She looked and that simper became a full smile. I noticed that she had been working on a crossword puzzle. It was about one-third complete. The food smelled good, but even if it hadn't, I still would have ordered and eaten it.

She wasn't dressed like a waitress. Her clothes were uncomplicated and appeared to me would never be out of season. They were especially right for a summer night like this, or when there was a need to be dressed in two minutes or less. She was wearing a simple pullover, almost sweater-like. Six buttons paired down the front with only the four middle ones buttoned. Her top was dirt brown and the rest of her outfit was composed of a white cotton wrap skirt. A lone button held it up on her waist with the assistance of those sophisticated hips that displayed the allure of a special treasure. And on her hair was a brown scarf, similar in hue to her top. The entire combination presented her to be exceptionally earthy and eccentrically softened. Maybe it was the looped silver earrings or the blue fingernail polish that made her radiate so ceremoniously. Or maybe it was the meatloaf dinner that by now was living in my nose. Whatever the case, I was definitely not willing to change the channel.

She brought me my plate within five minutes. In addition to the meatloaf, I had requested yams, mac n cheese, and sliced tomatoes. She watched me eat as if I was the only person she had seen the entire day. But I knew that was not the case, because this joint had been the only place I had seen to grub in. Besides, Paco had informed me beforehand that the hotel was the only place to eat with the exception of the military base. It took no time for me to smother my meatloaf with hot sauce and the rest with salt and pepper.

"You should taste it first," she said, "before putting that salt on it."

I looked at her with a Vulcan gaze of amazement and tasted it, after I had salted it. Then for the record, added more. She shook her head and smiled a little bit more. Then she just looked at me eat. She began to work on the puzzle again. But then, for some reason, she stopped and walked around to the front of the counter and sat next to me. She sat in a manner that had her frame towards the outside. She ran her fingers through that nibbled sand brown neck length hair of hers, every now and then looking down at my plate to check on my progress and/or approval. When I had finished, my plate was clean. Thank goodness for the cornbread, for with its assistance, I was able to sop my plate for the extra pot liquor. I grabbed a toothpick and rotated my stool so as to look out of the window with her. It was at this time that I noticed that her nails matched her sandals. Blue they were, with a generous manicure that matched the flattering contour of her legs.

I guess since I was finished, she was ready to start, or should I say, continue our conversation.

"What brings you here, Mr. City Boy?"

"First, I am not a city boy, I just live in a city and next, I am waiting on a friend."

She paused for a moment, as if I had said the unmentionable. " I see, is she your girlfriend?"

"Nope, he's not." And like a schoolgirl waiting for the 3 p.m. bell, she smiled and continued to query into my business. Are you staying at the motel?"

"Yes, I am."

"You know, I knew that because I saw you when you pulled up."

Repeating her words, "I see, are you flirting with me cause if you are, you may need to be forewarned that you are walking on shaky ground."

"Why, are you afraid of me?"

"Nope, I just don't know you."

"Well, I'm 24, and that's all I think you need to know for now."

"That's good, at least you legal."

I stood up and began to leave. She asked if I played chess and I returned, "Yep."

"Well, I know it is not a typical date, but would you play a few games with me after I close?"

"Sure, if I am still here."

"Is it okay if I stop by your room when I leave here?"

"Sure, if you tell me your name."

"Katrina."

"Well, I guess I'll see you later, true?" She nodded in agreement.

Back in the room, I reverted to the position I was in prior to walking toward the windows. I readjusted the pillow and again picked up the remote. This time I found something I could stand to watch, a movie. I had seen it before a long while back. And for the record, all I could recall was that it was entertaining. It was called Sabrina. I think the babe playing the lead was Audrey Hepburn. And if my knowledge of literature serves me correctly, I think the name came from a comedy written by Milton. It was about a girl who is the daughter of a driver who returns from Paris to have to choose between marrying her father's boss's two extremely wealthy sons. It was good enough for me to pull out the rest of the bottle of Bombay's Sapphire. I sat it on the table next to the bed and went to the bathroom to get a cup. There was no ice so I grabbed the bucket, not wanting but knowing that the ice would cool down the gin. At the door just as I opened it, there was Katrina and in her ears were plugs of a Walkman she held in her delicate hands. She entered and I exited heading to the ice bin. When I returned, she had taken my spot on the bed. I acted as if I didn't mind, but I did, and noted to myself that I was somewhat upset because she had rearranged the pillows on the bed. She softly pulled the phones from her ears, and at the same time pulled a small magnetic chessboard from her purse.