Free Human Blend by Lori Pescatore Page B

laundry bag that she could use to
put her dirty clothes in. They could wash them for her, but it was
a twenty-four hour wait. Then, an idea came to her. Julie opened
the trusty phone book and found the listing for the laundromat.
Thankfully, there was only one listed. Laundry bag in tow, she
headed downstairs.
    Julie paid her bill, and politely declined
Anthony's suggestion to use the hotel's facilities for her laundry.
She got the directions and poked her head outside, grateful the
rain had abated. After a short walk, she arrived at the laundromat.
Entering the place, she spotted Austin right away. He was wearing a
sleeveless shirt and worn jeans. The heat of the place was shown
heavily in the perspiration on his face. He had an opened tool box
next to him, and was busy working on one of the washing machines.
He hadn't seen her enter.
    Julie crept up next to him and said “There is
something about a guy who works with his hands.”
    Austin turned quickly towards her, his face
breaking into a big smile. “What are you doing here?” he asked,
surprised.
    “What? Can't a girl wash her clothes once in
a while?” she asked. “But, that's not the only reason I am here,”
she added. Austin grabbed a nearby towel and wiped his hands and
face.
    “And,what would the other reason be? Not that
you need one; I'm happy to see you anytime,” he said, leaning back
against the washer.
    Julie smiled, and reached up, grabbing his
chin. “This is for the rose,” she said, before kissing him. The
kiss was short, but powerful, and caught him by surprise. Before he
fully recovered, she asked, “So, how did finals go?”
    “Um... good... yeah, they went good... I
think,” he said, and laughed. “How, um, how was your first day? Was
it everything you were hoping for?” he asked, finally composing
himself.
    Julie hopped up and sat on a nearby table
used for folding clothes. “I think it is. I think it's gonna work,”
she said.
    “So, does that mean what I think it means?”
he asked, stepping closer to her.
    “It means I have to get my butt moving and
find a place to live,” she said, grinning.
    Austin couldn't contain himself. He placed
his hands on her face and kissed her passionately. Julie wrapped
her arms around his neck and lost herself in the moment. The sound
of clapping and cheering broke them apart. Apparently, they had an
audience. Julie blushed a bright red, and hid her face in his
chest. Austin laughed and held her against him. “Okay, go back to
your washing,” he ordered the audience, most of whom he knew
well.
    During the next hour, Julie did her wash and
talked with Austin, as he repaired the machine. She enjoyed
watching him work: the way his hands moved when he tinkered with
the motors small parts. She knew she was getting attached to him,
but couldn't help herself. She'd never felt this way about anyone
before.
    Julie's wash was done. “I'd better head on
back,” she said. The clouds looked threatening again. The
laundromat had cleared out, as it was close to dinner time.
    “I'll walk you back, just let me wash up;
it's closing time,” Austin said. Julie waited for him to wash up
and secure the building. He slung her laundry bag over his shoulder
and reached for her hand.
    Along the way, they stopped at a deli to
order a couple of club sandwiches. They ate them before continuing
on. Julie paid before Austin could object. “It's my turn,” she
reminded him. They ate quickly, as the sound of thunder ebbed
closer. Julie and Austin ran the last two hundred yards to the
hotel, as big fat raindrops began to soak them.
    They were laughing and dripping as they
entered the building. “Does the sky just spontaneously combust on a
regular basis around here?” Julie asked.
    “Sometimes,” Austin replied, shaking his
head, spraying water in all directions.
    “Stop,” Julie laughed, backing away. Austin
reached for her, pulling her closer.
    “Why? You're already wet,” Austin teased. The
dampness of their