Friday, October 12, 2007

Singing in the Rain

It happened Wednesday.

I was standing outside of Penn Station, waiting for R to arrive for our 7.23 minute get together before I caught the 4 something to one of those odd towns on yet another line to see the WeatherGuy... the rain was pouring down, umbrellas fighting each other like crabs on a beach, that "Oh!" smell in the air, that you even find in New York... consisting of rain, cold air and an indefinable scent called...Fall.

There I was, my umbrella carefully rolled up and put away, and this dashing man, in a full gazillion dollar suit, casually strolled in out of the downpour, over to me, smiled and said, "Would you like my umbrella?"

"Oh, no, I'm fine. I have my own." I gestured at my $3.99 Chinatown special, gleefully dripping onto my $15 Chinatown lordknowswhattheleatheris bag.

"I don't mind. Please, take it."

Now, this was NOT your ordinary umbrella. This had a wooden handle, beautifully curved. It was a full sized 'brolly. Black, rich real nylon stretched over steel ribs, yes...oh, yes, this was an umbrella to be reckoned with in the umbrella wars!

I felt a bit of drool leave my lower lip.

"I...I can't. I have one."

He gave mine a look of piorn (pity and scorn). "You know, I'd love for you to have this."

Now, I was not wet, or damp or standing in the rain. I demurred again, pointing out I was waiting for a friend. I actually think I simpered.

He stepped in closer. I could smell his cologne... Rich Guy '07. It went well with Steel Gray at the temples and Deep Blue Eyes.

At this point, I know I was close to swooning.

His voice lowered. "Please. I won't be using it. My car is picking me up. You really should have something nicer than..... that."

"I....I....I"

"Well, then.... all right."

He moved away... taking my umbrella and his millions.


I came this close to the big one. And the guy was okay, too.

11 comments:

Bud said...

What IS that that makes us pass that kind of shit up?

Steph said...

Oooooh! That's the type of thing that would make my day!

Peter Varvel said...

I think I came this close, too.
In fact, this post had me 'drooning'--drooling while swooning.
Keep an eye out for THAT one, again, rain or shine!

Anonymous said...

<---- starts searching ebay for umbrellas.

golfwidow said...

I'm wondering when "umbrella" became a euphemism.

Also wondering what his opening line would've been if it hadn't been raining.

quin browne said...

to all~the amusing bit was, i didn't realise i was being hit on until he was walking away, and turned back to smile.

by then, it wouldn't have been very cool of me to dash behind him as he moved towards his car and tackle him from behind.

trust me, i thought of it, though.

oh, yes, i did think of it.

Actress Andrea said...

*drool*

How romantic. I'm a hopeless romantic. I guess there really are some good, decent men still out there!

Amber said...

That was very, very, romantic. And kind.

Why is it that I have such a hard time imagining kindness in the city of NY? It's not the first thing that pops into mind, that's for sure.

But when I read your journal, there are kind and humane acts of decency scattered throughout it. It makes me want to visit :).

quin browne said...

andrea~it was very romantic, to be honest. and i was clueless.

amber~my inflatable bed is there for you to use.


oh, and bob? let me know when you've found one. i'll be there in december.

Rebel Yankee said...

Adorable and a little hot! Nice.

Anonymous said...

This might be my favorite story yet!