Free Return To Forever by James Frishkey Page B

adding some time to his ETA. He rolled in to town late afternoon, hungry and exhausted from the beating the wind had taken on him.
    He road down Main Street of the deserted town which was not yet ready for the influx of summer vacationers that would fill the streets and every available hotel room. Only a couple of restaurants were open and he chose the Riverside Roadhouse. The place was virtually empty and a voice from the kitchen shouted for him to pick any seat he wanted. He chose a table with a view of the lake and scanned the menu as the pert young waitress asked what he wanted.
    Joe was immediately taken with her beauty, hidden behind a dirty apron and skin tight jeans. She had dishwater blonde pigtails that made it difficult for Joe to guess her age. “How about a bacon cheeseburger and a Stroh’s,” he said as she placed a glass of water in front of him.
    “How do you want that cooked?” she asked, never looking up from her order pad.
    “Medium well.” he answered and she walked away before he could start any small talk. When she returned with his beer she looked different. She was now wearing a clean white apron and he could see a trace of make-up that was missing earlier. He still couldn’t guess her age but something seemed to click between them in spite of her silence.
    “So how’s the night life in this town?” Joe asked, hoping to break the ice.
    “Not much going on this time of year.” she replied. “Most of the young people head to the skating rink for something to do. They have a bar there and play pretty good music over the PA. Is that your bike out front?”
    “It is,” Joe answered with a smile which she returned. “Have you ever ridden on a motorcycle?”
    “Nope…never have.” she said, then walked to the kitchen to get his burger. Joe studied her tight little ass as she walked away. He decided then and there that it was time to bring some sex back into his boring life and she would fill the bill nicely.
    When the waitress returned with his meal she also brought him another beer. “Here you go. Let me know if you need anything else,” she said but her eyes spoke volumes more.
    “What I need is to know your name and what time you get off work,” Joe replied, playing all his cards with one hand.
    “My name is Jessica but everyone calls me Jessie,” she answered and pulled up a chair at his table. He was the only patron so she had nothing but time to kill. “Are you planning on staying the night? If you are there’s only one motel open right now and it’s right next store…The Rainbow Motel.”
    Joe took a bite of his burger before answering. “Haven’t decided. I guess it will depend on you Jessie.” She turned beet red, clearly embarrassed by his aggressiveness but also flattered.
    “I already told you we hang out at the “Family Arena”, the skating rink. They have a band playing tonight. By the way, you know my name so tell me yours.” She had decided to take the offensive in this sexual debate.
    “I’m Joe and I am very happy to meet you Jessica,” he answered extending his hand. As he reached out, the tattoos on his fore arm were revealed… ”Thunder & Steel” and the 12th Marine Emblem with the words “Honor, Fidelity, Valor”.
    She shook his hand but her eyes were focused on the tattoos. “Were you in the military?” she asked with interest. Here we go, Joe thought…another protestor wanting to belittle the baby killer.
    “Does it matter?” he asked, not wanting to start a political debate with a kid serving burgers and beers to a guy just passing through. So much for his night of ecstasy.
    “Not really,” she shrugged. “My brother was in Viet Nam. You don’t look old enough to have been in and back already.” Joe was relieved to say the least. Maybe his game plan was still possible.
    “I was in the Marines,” he answered. “Did a tour in ‘Nam like your brother. Glad to be home. Thought I would take a break and take a little road trip around