She reached out to take the few coins offered back in change; they fell to the floor; she had not been fast enough.
The young man behind her smiled and waited for just a moment before bending and claiming the coins.
Surrendering them to her - their hands touched. He was taken by the warmth and smoothness of her skin.
He smiled.
She thanked him and asked him to keep the sole penny, in the grouping, as a wee token of good luck; she had a knack for finding lucky pennies and at every opportunity thrilled in sharing one.
To the left of the store was a favourite coffee shop of many of the locals; she had often enjoyed people watching from the corner nook and the thought of a little pause, before walking the three blocks to her home, was appealing; as was the thought of a good coffee.
Home had its burdens, not that anyone every heard her complain, but having a few moments to herself was as good as getting on a plane and having a few days in the sun...well, almost!
His voice startled her...how long had she been standing, blocking the doorway...he asked if she would join him for a coffee - holding the door she walked in ahead of him.
At no loss for words or good cheer they struck up a healthy conversation and before she knew it she was saying good-bye.
He reached for her hands, squeezed them gently and said, “same time next Tuesday?”
She winked and said, “I’ve never regretted the investment of a penny - next week would be lovely.”
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Have you ever been given a good luck penny? And...
Jenny
Unfortunately I have not been so lucky as to receive a lucky penny. One romantic walk in the mountains a few days ago did result in me meeting a delightful man who ruthlessly slaughterred a helpless rabbit and gave its foot to me...Isn't that just the sweetest thing you have ever heard? :) <3
ReplyDeleteI don't really know. I've found a lot of pennies, but they never seemed to be too lucky. However, things have been going well for me lately so maybe they were good luck pennies. They just came with delayed gratification. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely story, truly enjoyed reading during my small coffee break! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny. I agree with Claudia, that was a lovely little story. (You should try entering short story competitions!). Unfortunately, I have never been given a lucky penny, especially by a handsome stranger - if only!!! I really do love your writing style and love the way you are able to create these little stories. I really felt that I was there with them, which is always a good sign from the reader's point of view, don't you think? Take care.
ReplyDeleteI love this story Jenny, it's so good and kind of heartwarming, if I had a coffee it would provide the same sort of enjoyable coffee break as Claudia got, you're an excellent writer. I've never found a lucky penny before, well one that pays off and is lucky at the time, lovely story though.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it often those little moments that grow into defining moments in our lives? I enjoyed your story :)
ReplyDeleteMy pennies usually go to my wife. She usually gets all of my change.
ReplyDeleteAnd tell Karen Walker I think it was all right.
While I may not ever have been given a lucky penny, I know that, despite "No Pennies, Please" on toll booth baskets, pennies WILL work.
ReplyDeleteIt's just that, if you use 25 pennies at the 25 cents toll booth, all the cars behind you will get mighty peeved as each coin goes CHUNKA CHUNKA through the machine.
Lost without a Map - Poor little fuzzy wabbit!
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Ruth - I think a “lucky penny” holds the luck for a long, long time.
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Claudia Moser - Thanks for reading me during your small coffee break - me, I need a big coffee break!
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Thisisme - Thank you! This story is loosely based on an experience I had (and still occasionally have) with pennies...and men!
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YeamieWaffle - Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed this.
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Karen Walker - Good on you...anything that is on the ground is fair game! (Alex thought it was all right too)
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Joanne - Thanks for dropping by - glad you enjoyed!
Too true...little moments do add up!
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Alex J. Cavanaugh - Lucky you to have a wife that knows the value of your pennies!!
I told Karen what you said!
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Al Penwasser - I remember reading a post you had about pennies and toll booths! Too funny!
what a lovely encounter sweet and so simple. can't say i ever found a lucky penny but i'm willing to keep trying
ReplyDeleteJenny!!!!!!!! This is awesome writing!!! I loved this post!
ReplyDeletebecca - How true, it was sweet and simple, and continues to be a source of great happiness. Lucky pennies abound...so I know one day you will find one.
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Average Girl - Thanks you!!! Your enthusiasm makes me smile, I'm glad you "loved this post"!
What a lovely slice of life story! :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was little we lived in England for a time. Once, one of my aunts came to visit and found a penny stamped with the year of my birth. She gave to me. It must have been lucky, because here I am, still kicking. ;)
Linda G - Thanks for sharing that!
ReplyDeleteI'm always finding pennies and each goes through a little ritual before I pass it on.
Good luck pennies really can make a difference, it's all in the believing!
I just found a penny (heads up) in the parking lot the other day. It's laying on my desk even now. I can't help but look at it and smile...
ReplyDeleteRev - Heads up is the best...even luckier!
ReplyDeleteIn my photo I opted to take a shot of the "back side" of my penny as it has lots more to see! (a wee bit like me at a football game studying the tight ends) (grin)
When I find a penny, it doesn't get tossed into my regular coinage - it gets special treatment before I can pass it on as a "good luck" penny.
There's lots to this penny business!
I save pennies I find on the ground and scratch lottery cards with them :)
ReplyDeleteBragonDorn - I do the same - you are clever!
ReplyDeleteI say it never hurts to scratch a lottery ticket with a lucky penny!
Love the story Jenny. I have no memories of a lucky penny, but one I do remember was when I was about 11 or 12 years old I was at a convenience store with a friend and as we came out of the store I threw my pennies to the ground for someone else's good luck. As I threw them this man said to me as he passed into the store "Those pennies add up to dollars." But he didn't pronounce it "dollars" he said "doll-az". I have quoted that man ever since every time I find a penny ...my husband even quotes him now after listening to me repeat those words so many times. So now I don't throw my pennies down anymore. Maybe I should start again. : )
ReplyDeleteYou speak German? Wow. I wish I could speak a second language. Spanish would come in handy in our area. Thank you for your kind words about my Liebster post. : )
Whenever I find one, I say the saying. But I can't really recall any outstanding good luck following close on the heels of the event. Still, I am eternally hopeful!!
ReplyDeleteI have been given advertising that has included a "good luck" penny incorporated into it, but none that I can recall directly from another person. I guess my luck has been average.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
found one with CP the other day, its in my pocket as we speak :)
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