He settled into his seat and inserted earpieces that would allow him to listen to his book.
He hated long coach trips. He had chosen a story that went for ten hours, knowing he could listen to half of it by the time he arrived and the remainder on the way back. At least the weather was good and he could enjoy the view through the window while listening to the narrator. Glancing at the empty isle-seat next to him, he hoped it would stay that way. He could see that passengers were still getting on, with only a few seats left. The coach would probably end up only half full. Moments later a woman, about his own age, around the mid-twenties, put something in the overhead rack and sat down beside him. He inwardly moaned and stayed looking out the window pretending he hadn’t noticed her.
Minutes later, the vehicle coughed into life and the journey began. He decided that staring out at the scenery was the best option if he wanted to remain undisturbed, but he couldn’t help looking around to confirm his theory that there were plenty of vacant seats. Looking back, he found the woman looking directly at him. She had a knowing smile and was obviously scrutinising him. He stared back wondering if she was someone he should have recognised. That’s when her lips began to move.
He reluctantly hit the pause button and removed an earpiece. “Sorry, did you say something?”
“I said, I know your sign.”
He frowned. “My sign?”
“Yes. Your sign; your zodiac sign.”
He was beginning to wish he hadn’t looked at her. Nevertheless, he felt he should say something. He shook his head. “Sorry, no idea.”
She grinned. “You’re a Virgo! I knew that the moment I saw you. When’s your birthday?”
He glanced around, feeling that he was being trapped. He sighed loud enough for her to hear. “OK. It happens to be September the twelfth, but…”
She clapped her hands before he could finish. “Yes,” she cried aloud, “I knew it!” She moved a little closer. “I’m a Scorpio.” She became extremely serious. “We are so, so compatible. You are intelligent and good at problem-solving, while I am passionate and assertive. You see? A perfect match.”
He raised his eyebrows at the audacity of the woman. He began to get up. “Excuse me, I need to stretch my legs.”
He changed his seat.