This week Fiona Riplee challenged us to write a 500 word flash fiction using the an empty parking lot, and abandoned SUV and a chihuahua behind the steering wheel as prompts.
As she skirted one of the larger puddles, she noticed the SUV that had been parked in the same spot for the past ten days. But a week later, the black Blazer hadn’t moved.
Her steps slowed when she sensed movement through the tinted windshield. Someone was in the driver’s seat. Why the hell hadn’t she parked farther away from a vehicle she instinctively knew was suspicious?
Behind her, heavy footsteps thudded against the pavement. When Siobhan whirled around, a man dressed in a camouflage trousers, an olive drab T-shirt and army boots approached her. Tension forced her shoulders toward her ear as she quickened her pace to her Toyota.
“Evening,” the man called out as he followed her.
Gripping her keys hard between her fingers, she looked back at the guy. He rocked a high-n-tight haircut, which emphasized his strong jaw and chiseled cheekbones. His dark brown hair glinted red in the low level illumination from the unevenly spaced light. He pointed his fist toward the SUV, which chirped in response. A smile split his lips as the movement behind the steering wheel escalated.
“Who’s happy to see her soldier?” the man asked as he opened the door. A small ball of fur leaped into his waiting arms. The tiny Chihuahua that had been sitting behind the wheel licked the man’s throat and face. The guy’s low laugh wrapped around her belly and squeezed.
“I thought that car was abandoned.” Siobhan waved toward the dark, hulking vehicle. “It hasn’t moved from that space for a long time.”
“It moves daily, but I get here really early and leave really late. Creature of habit, I always park in the same spot.” he rubbed the dog behind the ears. “I needed to take Tiny, here, to the vet today. I just ran back for some papers I forgot.”
“She’s adorable.”
The soldier extended his hand. “Jake Prescott. I’m assigned to the recruiting station around the corner.”
Not sure what possessed her, she took the hand he’d offered. His calloused palm rasped against her, enveloping her in warmth and confidence. She cleared her throat and released his hand. “Siobhan Flannery.”
“Nice to meet you. Well, I need to get Tiny home.” He backed away from her, a grin on his face. “I hope to see more of you around.”
Oh, she hoped so, too.
Next up is LOVExtra. Knowing her wacky sense of humor, I'm really eager to see what she's written. Thanks for stopping by.