The Train Station, Pt. II

Ranal had left the train station and had to go back to work to take his conference call. After that he was free. He had agreed with his newly found beggar friend, Cece that he would take his conference call and come back an hour later so they could get a drink or some food. Ranal booked it back to the office, shoveled in his orange chicken and sat on the call. He had hoped it would end sooner but people in corporate seem to take forever.

“One more question”, asked Sandy the Financial Analyst on the call.

Ranal rolled his eyes. Finally, the call ended. Ranal had to bust one out before he left. Better here than the train station bathroom he thought to himself. Finally, he walked back and there was Cece. The crowd outside the station was noticeably smaller now. Cece was just standing there. As he approached her, she turned around.

“Heeeeeyyy”, she said with a long tone of voice. “I wasn’t sure if you were going to come back.

As Ranal neared her, it wasn’t obvious how they should greet each other. It looked like he came in for a fist bump that then turned into a semi-hug where he just placed his hand on her shoulder.

While she was clean for a beggar, he still couldn’t tell if she was really a normal person or just a beggar.

“So, where did you want to go?”, asked Ranal.

“I’m open for anywhere you are” she said.

They went inside the food court and proceeded to look around. Cece was starving and Ranal wanted to put some food in her belly. Maybe that wasn’t the only thing he wanted to put inside of her.

“I already had lunch so I’m just going to get a drink” said Ranal. “But, go ahead and get whatever you want.”

Cece looked like she hadn’t eaten in 3 days by the way she got up. She jumped up like an animal and decided on a meal at Pizza Hut. Ranal paid with his debit card and Cece ordered two heaping slices, one pepperoni and one cheese.

When they got back to the table, she carved into those suckers like an ANIMAL. Ranal had just ordered a Coke and was sipping it while she ate.

“So, tell me, I know this is a bit strange, but did you get what you were looking for?”, he asked.

“Oh, yeah, that”, she said pursing her soft, succulent lips.

“Thanks for the money, but I still need to put gas in my car when I get home, and then I have to buy groceries and then pay back my friend.”, she said.

“It’s ok”, said Ranal, “I can help, but I just need to see more commitment before giving anything else.”

“Commitment?”, gasped Cece. “What do you mean by that?”, she said sawing away at the cheese crust.

“Let’s be honest.”, said Ranal. “I know you didn’t forget your wallet and you know I didn’t do this just to help out a homeless bum.”

“Fuck. What? What are you talking about?”, she said exasperatedly.

“You heard me.”
“Ok, I’ve had enough of this charade. You can keep your $20 but I’m out of here.”

“Ranal, or whatever the fuck your name is, get back.”, implored Cece.

“No, I’m good. I’m a person not an ATM.”, he said shoving his way out of the food court.

“Get. The. Fuck. Back.”, she said, this time her eyes glaring with contempt.
“Ok, give me one good reason I should stay.”, he said.

“Because, I can help you! I can help you do things you can’t on your own.”, Cece protested.

“Never mind.”, said Ranal. “Have a good day.”

Finally, one last time, she said, “meet me tonight at Frank’s Bar by the train station.”

“Ok”, said Ranal and then he walked away. He wasn’t sure what she wanted but he figured it must be good if she was this persistent. Ranal finished his boring work day and at 4:45 headed out the door. By this time, it was already dark. He headed down the street to Frank’s Bar.

Frank’s Bar sat adjacent to the train street and just outside of it. There was an entrance from inside the depot. It was a classy place but also one where locals congregated. When Ranal entered, he walked past the entryway down the long corridor and saddled up to the bar. There, still wearing her fabric mask was Cece. She was alert, and did look cute.

“How was your day?, she asked Ranal.

“Pretty good, we’re just about to round a corner on my project now”, he said.

“Hey, listen, about this afternoon…”

She cut him off, “no, it’s fine. I get it. I deal with people all day. I should have known being asked for money would have made you defensive.”, Cece said.

“It’s just, I’m, I’m, I’m..”, she stammered a bit. “I’m struggling.”, she finally confessed. “I’m not a piece of shit. I’m not a scammer. I need help.”

Ranal started to feel guilty for acting like such a prick earlier. “And, I take it, you didn’t really lose your wallet and purse?”, he said.

Cece nodded no, while tilting her head downward in a display of shame. The server came over. “What can I get you two to drink?”

“I’ll have the special Old Fashioned.”, said Ranal. “And, can we also get some of that Spinach Artichoke Dip?”, he said.

“I’ll have this Old Ceyrus.”, she said. “I like smoky tequila-based drinks.”, she said anew with a smile.

Ranal placed his forehead on his hand and gazed sideways. Cece returned his gaze, but this time even stronger. “You know what I’m thinking?”, he said.

“What?”

“That I’m crazy lucky to have bumped into you today.”

“I’m lucky to be sitting here enjoying your company and about to drink this cocktail in such an intimate and gorgeous setting.”

Cece smiled back. The server brought their drinks and placed them on small napkins. Ranal raised his cocktail glass towards Cece, “cheers”, he echoed. “To better times…better times…than before.”

Cece raised a glass. The two continued their conversation when it got to how Cece had fallen on hard times. Cece explained that she had gone to college and gotten a degree in English. She struggled with the death of her mother, which led her to substance abuse.

“So, where do you live now?”, asked Ranal.

Cece frowned and slunk down in her chair.

“Can we get another drink?”, she said.

“Sure, but only if I can see where you live. I promise I won’t judge.”, he said.

“Deal”, she said before pulling down her snow cap just above her eyes.

Upvote for Pt. III

Source: reddit.com/r/eroticliterature/comments/twk71o/the_train_station_pt_ii