Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Mr. Smiling Man

I always try to smile and say hello....especially if I see a smile coming my way. So. today was no exception as I walked into Davis Kidd. I had some time to kill before my doctor's appointment, so I was looking forward just browsing the isles of books and magazines. I walked past a man sitting on a bench by the history books. He gave me a big smile that seemed to linger too long, but, I smiled right back and went on my way. I am in the fiction books and hear an employee asking a man if he needs help. He says no, but, everyone seems to be asking me that question. They laugh and I look up. It is my Smiling Man from when I walked in. He starts to walk by me, stops and says, "Do you need any help?" I laugh and say no. He comes back to me and offered his hand and tells me his name. I tell him mine, but, he does not let go of my hand. Finally he lets go and I look back at the books. He said something about a class he just got out of at Starbucks on connecting with people. I smile again and look at the books again. He is not getting the hint, and talks about my genuine smile. I am beginning to be "creeped out". He finally leaves, but, I do not feel like browsing anymore. I pay for my purchase and leave. Well, yes sir, Mr. Smiling Man was parked in front of me and waves real big and says, "Hello Beverly!" I smile and wave, got in my car, locked the door and skedaddled out of there!!!!

5 comments:

Tabor said...

Perhaps he had taken a class on connecting with people and was determined to practice. He also might be lonely and trying to get over a recent death of his spouse....or he could be a creep. We never know, do we?

Beverly said...

Tabor, he had only been in town 4 months and he admitted he was practicing, and trying to connect. It was the long handshake, the lingering in the isle, which had me backed in and the hollar back from the car! I think he leaned toward creep...

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Walking your path - I think he was a creep also. I would have felt uncomfortable. Glad he did not follow you :)
Follow your heart.

Brig said...

That was a bit scary. I've had similar things happen and they made me very uncomfortable. I can hold my own, but with creeps you never know.
Hope you took the long way home.

JeanMac said...

That type thing creeps me out, too.