I was sitting on a bench just for a moment, reading the book "Chaos" by James Gleick, and a young lady sat next to me looking through her p.u.r.s.e. I'm 24 years old, so she was probably around my own age, but maybe one or two years younger. I had a feeling she was looking for a cigarette, and when I looked over, there was already one dangling sensually from her lips while she focused on finding her lighter among the clutter in her p.u.r.s.e (sorry, spam filter).

I seized the opportunity and offered the flame from my own Zippo. It was a bit weak on fuel, but it certainly did the job, with her thanks, before she got up to rejoin the group she was walking with. I hadn't gotten very much sleep last night (which is hardly uncommon for the schedule of a professional musician), so I didn't have much energy to really engage in much more conversation with her, especially since she'd only sat down to light her cigarette anyway, but I'm glad I seized the opportunity so that I can begin getting used to it.

I'm wondering though if I should have a stock line or something when I do this in the future. I don't believe a beautiful woman should have to light her own cigarette, which is why I'd like to make sure I can just zone into a usual routine whenever I see a woman in need of a light. I guess keeping my lighter in a place I can retrieve it in a snap is the first step, which is usually the pocket of my leather jacket. What do I say though? I was thinking something like, "Here, allow me."