The Storm

and pressed the intercom buzzer. “Hello, Baby Doll, it’s Zach. Are you ready?” There was that voice again, “I’ll be right down, Zach.” The angels were singing! Okay, I’m a ham. B ut when you're in love it does strange things to you. Just don’t te ll your buddies. They’ll eat you alive, but who cares when your brains fall on the floor for the most gorgeous girl in the world. I sure didn’t. The door swung open, and the heavens opened up. “Hi Zach! Miss me?” I stumbled for words, but finally got out " Are you ready for dinner?” “Sure Zach” the angel voice continued. I opened the door for Delores, then rushed around to the driver's side and settled into my seat for a short drive down 8th Street and a left on Canal, then a sharp right on 84th and down to the waterway to the Remington Restaurant. My reservations were made for two at the best table overlooking the Brooklyn skyline. A perfect setting. The Remington staff had done superbly with the table and the candle and flower arrangement. Perfect! I helped Delores take her seat as I gently pushed her chair back under her beautiful frame. "I’m a lucky guy," I thought," and maybe out of my league, too." But I enjoyed the moment and wanted it to last for a lifetime. I told Delores what I could about my experiences and the plight of the poor folks around Ruby. The storm, the river trips, Henry and Gunny and their stories about living in the swampland, and the devastation of the storm. I could not tell her about any of the details of the full story, even though it would eventually be released, because her having prior knowledge could put her in an awkward position later.

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