It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we witnessed a confrontation between Seth and Alice which made it clear that these two had some major history. We left them without knowing why Seth said, “You were right,” to Alice. Well, we can always hope that was a hint for a cringe moment later. Let’s get back to the widow’s house in this lovely town of Antion, Illinois. Notice the town has a name, and I want to thank Dan Antion for allowing me to borrow his surname for the story. (You can almost see his editor’s eye roll can’t you?)

“Hey, Alice. I thought you had left.”
“Hi, Lucas. I had an errand to run is all.”
“You led me to believe you were changing your mind about coming to my place.”
“Well, I did change my mind about that earlier. With a little encouragement, I could be persuaded to change my mind again.”
“I am real confused. One minute yes, one minute no. What can I do to convince you?”
“How about saying something nice.”
“Like how beautiful you look today.”
“Nice start.”
“You look beautiful today.”
“You said that Lucas. Try something else.”
“Come over here and sit next to me on the swing.”
“Okay. What do you have in mind?”
“Nothing but I can say I like the way the sun hits your hair. Makes it glow.”
“ How sweet you are. I really believe you mean that.”
“Can I hold your hand?”
“I’m not sure I want the neighborhood seeing us mooning on the front porch swing.”
“Yeah, I see that. I’ll just say I like the way your dress lays when you cross your legs.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your legs are something I would like to see. I have a hint by how the fabric clings but would like to touch them in the flesh.”
“That was almost poetic. I am starting to like the way you talk.”
“I also like your arms. They have a healthy and trim look, and I could imagine being held close by them. Your hands—”
“Let’s go to your place, Lucas. Now.”

It is Wednesday Story day again. Last week we left Alice being warned about having underaged sex with Lucas by Seth Gibson the Sheriff. There seems to be some history between Alice and Seth. If I didn’t know better, I would say they ex-lovers. Anyway, it looks like the sheriff still carries a torch for Alice. I don’t know of another explanation for his rudeness. I figure by now Lucas is finished cleaning his brushes and ready to go with Alice to her place. Let’s go there and find out.
“Okay, Ma— I mean Alice. I’m ready to go.”
“Before we go, Lucas, I need to ask you a question.”
“Sure what is it.”
“How old are you.”
“Now that’s a funny question. What did the sheriff say to you?”
“He read me the riot act about underage sex.”
“What about it?”
“I guess he thinks you are younger than eighteen and he said he would be watching me.”
“My goodness. Is he one of your boyfriends?”
“What makes you ask that?”
“I think he wants to keep you for himself.”
“Naw. He is not a boyfriend. We do have history but not like that.”
“What kind of history?”
“Oh, you don’t need to bother that pretty little head with Seth Gibson nonsense. Maybe some other time I’ll tell you. So how old are you?’
“He must have really got to you. What if I said I was seventeen?”
“That would make me pause to think about what Seth said.”
“Okay, I’m not seventeen. In fact, I’m twenty. Does that make you feel better?”
“Now that you mention it, Lucas, there isn’t much difference between seventeen and twenty is there?”
“What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say I’ve had a bit of a cold shower and need a rain check on a visit to your place.”
“Aw Alice. Don’t let that old coot play with your mind.”
“That’s just it, Lucas.”
“What?”
“Seth and I went to high school together. We’re the same age. I’m going to do some errands. I’ll see you later.”
“Promise?”
“See you later, Lucas.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we left Alice Weston inviting Lucas into Mrs. Murphy’s house for a drink of water. We all shouted for Lucas not to go inside but we are not sure he heard us. We should return to the story to see if Lucas has any sense at all.
“See Lucas Mrs. Murphy’s door is unlocked. Come with me.”
“Uh, Mrs. Weston.”
“What is it, Lucas?”
“Mrs. Murphy has never invited me in before, and I just don’t feel right about barging into her house.”
“For heaven’s sake. I thought you would be a man with some courage. Apparently, I was mistaken.”
“It’s not a matter of courage. It’s a matter of good manners.”
“You saying I don’t have good manners?”
“N-no. I mean it is my manners I’m talking about. You and Mrs. Murphy are friends, so it’s okay for you to do what you want.”
“My aren’t we the slick one though?”
“What do you mean?”
“You got out of that very nicely. I’m impressed.”
“Just telling you how I feel.”
“I know, and it’s so sweet. A good-looking young man with manners and a very quick mind as well. Those two qualities actually turn women on. You have a lot of girlfriends Lucas?”
“No ma’am. I don’t have any girlfriends.”
“You gay, Lucas?”
“No ma’am. I don’t think so. I just haven’t had the time for girls.”
“You want to make some time for a woman, Lucas dear?”
“Em. I’m not sure what you mean?”
“Come inside, and I’ll show you.”

It is Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we saw the sheriff one Mr. Gibson admonish Lucas not to begin painting the house until Alice Weston comes by with the Home Owner Association approval. The sheriff also let Lucas know that he lives near and will be keeping an eye on him. I guess we should get back to see what Lucas is doing while he is waiting.
“Oh hi, Lucas.”
“Mrs. Weston. How nice to see you.”
“I have your approval right here.”
“I appreciate all the effort it took to get that done Mrs. Weston.”
“Please call me Alice. Is Mrs. Murphy home?”
“No, she went to the store a little while ago. She should be back soon, though.”
“How soon do you think.”
“I’m not sure. By the way, Sheriff Gibson stopped by.”
“What did he want?”
“He told me not to begin painting until I got this authorization.”
“Just like Seth to butt his nose in where it doesn’t belong.”
“I think he thought he was helping you.”
“He would love to help me alright. Not sure I would want his kind of help, though.”
“I thought you were friends.”
“Friends Ha. That would be the day. I don’t need that kind of friend.”
“Did he arrest you or something?”
“Let’s just say a lady doesn’t talk ill of others and leave it at that. I could sure use a cold drink. It is hot today. Let’s go in and get some ice water.”
“Well, I don’t know. I’m not sure she left the house open.”
“Nobody locks doors around here. When did you say she would be back?”
“Well, she just left so I would say a couple of hours.”
“Oh, that will do nicely. Come on let’s go get some water.”
“I don’t think I’m allowed.”
“Nonsense. I’ll take responsibility. Come on in Lucas my man.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we accompanied a young man into the paint store to find out he is ordering paint for the Widow Murphy and she has not seen the color. The paint store employee was rightfully concerned, but the young man insisted on the unique color. Before leaving the store the employee asked if the color had been approved by the Property Owners Association. The young man indicated that it would be his next stop.
“Yes, can I help you?“
“I am painting the Widow Murphy’s house, and I need to get the color approved by the POA.”
“Oh most certainly. I can help you with that?”
“Here are the colors, Autumn Harvest and Phantom White. Those paint chips should give you an idea of the color.”
“Oh, my. These are beautiful colors. I’m surprised the Widow chose them. Her house is kind of musty gray. This Autumn Harvest will wake the place up nicely.”
“I agree. So we are approved?”
“Well, we need to have the homeowner fill out this form and sign it. When we get the form back, it will take about five days or so for the committee to give approval.”
“Whoa. That long? I had hoped to be able to finish the job in a week.”
“I’m sorry, but our rules are well-known to the owners. Didn’t Mrs. Murphy explain them to you?”
“No ma’am. She just told me to get the paint and to do the job.”
“It must have slipped her mind. Well here is what we can do. If you get Mrs. Murphy to fill out the form today, I think I can get the committee together tomorrow morning and get a decision by noon. I don’t believe this color will be a problem.”
“I’m not sure the widow is home, but I will do my best.”
“Oh, she never goes anywhere. I’m sure she’s there. Do you want me to call her?”
“No. I mean no thank you. I’ll just take the form and get her to fill it out. Thank you so much.”
“You are welcome, young man. Oh, I might mention there are a few houses in our neighborhood that need painting. If you do a good job for the widow, I’m sure there will be plenty more to keep you busy. Come back and see me when you’re finished and I can make some introductions for you.”
“That is very kind of you. I hope I can repay the kindness.”
“Don’t worry. A strong young man like yourself is always in demand. You take care now and stay in touch.”
“I’ll be back later with the form.”
“I’ll look forward to it. I’m sorry, but I didn’t get your name.”
“Lucas. Lucas Saveride.”
“Well, Lucas Saveride it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Alice. Alice Weston.”
“Nice meeting you too, Mrs. Weston.”
“Call me Alice, Lucas. Just call me Alice you cute thing you.”

Today is Wednesday Story Day and the start of a whole new story. For the regulars, you know that my stories are written entirely in dialog and without tags. The reason I do this is to continue to practice my dialog so that I can make it stronger. For any newcomers, I hope it won’t be too confusing and that you will enjoy the ride. So here we go.
“Hi, young man can I help you?”
“Yes, sir. I just got a job painting the widow Murphy’s house and I need some paint.”
“That is a mighty big house, son. You sure you can handle it.”
“Oh yes, sir. I have ladders and my own spray equipment. I will do a good job.”
“I’m sure you will. Now how much of what color do you want?”
“Well, I think I will need twenty gallons of this here ‘Autumn Harvest,’ and six gallons of the ‘Phantom White’ trim paint.”
“Yeah, that should do it. That is a lovely color for the widow’s house. I’m surprised she picked that one.”
“She told me to select the color and I think it will look good.”
“Wait a minute. Didn’t she pick the color? Has she seen it?”
“Nope. She said she didn’t care what color. I think this one will cover that gray just fine, though.”
“You know what son. I’ve been in the hardware business almost thirty years. If I were you, I would take a sample of this paint and show it to the widow. Otherwise, I think you might be in for a disappointment.”
“I’m pretty sure she meant what she said. No offense but I think I know what I’m doing.”
“Okay son. Just trying to help. You know there is no returns on a custom color.”
“Yes, I know that. Now please mix it up.”
“Coming right up. You want five gallon or one-gallon cans?”
“Let’s do the five-gallon buckets for the body color and one gallon for the trim.”
“You’re the boss. I’ve known the widow for a number of years and never thought of her as the kind to let someone else pick her colors.”

“I get that. It will be my worry though.”

“Yes sir.”