Back in New York Citeh

"Hello, my love."

Words out of a stringy white man of middle age, bristled hair and a manic grin next to me at the sandwich stall when I got off the train. He was talking to the girl behind the counter - dark skin, ponytail, makeup. Regulation fast-food-logo cap.

She wasn't looking at him. I was tired and hungry and browsing dinner breads and didn't register the words for a second. When I did and looked up at that fixed, angled grin, he was talking again.

"You're looking good tonight. Did you miss me?" He glanced at me and we both looked away, automatic, polite. I don't think he saw me.

Suddenly she looked around to me. "Ma'am, did you want anything?" But I stalled and looked around, saw nothing but pastry and sweets, so I excused myself to go see about the dinner display.

And then I caught myself and turned back, because wait a minute. Looked straight at her, "Hey, are you okay?" Seriously. I didn't quite get out a 'Is this gentleman bothering you?' but I wish I had.

She took a moment, but then made eye contact and really smiled, set her hands on the counter and slouched over. "Ma'am, I'm just tired." (Somewhere in here Manic Grin said something else, and left.) I sympathized, and offered a "hang in there." Hopelessly inadequate. What else did I have to offer?

At least he was gone.

Another day, another dickbag. Maybe someday I'll have the courage to face the creep himself.

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