Antigeist

Tell me lies tell me sweet little lies

Conversation with Harry, the 80+ year old owner of the local lumber store, while buying a piece of molding.

Harry: How are you today dah'ling?
Me: Good Harry, and you?
Harry: I'm good. Good. You're in again today, huh? You're always building something, always busy.
Me: I suppose so. It's a hobby.
Harry: When I was your age, I was always busy with things too. Kids have so much energy.
Me: Kids? How old do you think I am Harry?
Harry: I don't know...(stares right into my face)...young. Twenty or so.
Me: (snickering) Add fifteen years.
Harry: No...really?
Me: Yep.
Harry: Well you look beautiful dah'ling. You must take good care of yourself.
Me: Thanks Harry. You don't look so bad yourself.
Harry: (smiles--the first time in five years of buying lumber from the man) Oh, not now, but I had my day.

At which point Harry opens a drawer and pulls out a magazine from 1959. Bookmarked was an advertisement for linoleum flooring, the model/salesmen was a young Harry; five feet three, nebbish, balding, smiling.

Me: Well aren't you the handsome thing, look at you!
Harry: Well...
Me: You look like a movie star.
Harry: Oh now, you're exaggerating.
Me: I certainly am not... I look twenty, and you look like movie star.
Harry: You make a point.

Posted by Antigeist at October 7, 2004 09:48 AM