It's Nice to Go Trav'ling

Spencer took a drag of his cigarette and ashed it on the ashtray before speaking.

"I'm not sure if they'll take us both, seems like they were only looking for one. I just wanted you there at the interview. I lived on my own in the wastes for years, I know how to take care of crops. Did it for my parents too. Now if you want the job, you're more than welcome to take it yourself, but I just wanted you to be with me when we met the family. Oh, one more thing."

Spencer reached under the bed and removed a suitcase.

"I found this yesterday. Surprised no one's taken it. Anyway, it's got some pre war clothing in pretty good condition. Whichever one of us wants the job, we should look presentable."

Spencer's eyes widened and a smile began creeping up his face. He extinguished his cigarette and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Well, I'm sure we can find a way to pass the time. Say, while you're on your way to that bed, do me a favor and turn around real slowly. I wanna get a good view of those tail feathers," he said unbuttoning his shirt. "And don't worry, I'll be there in just a moment."

Spencer undressed and joined Sierra under the covers and embraced her.

"Come on, baby. Let's swing..."

After they were finished, Spencer wiped his forehead and stepped off the bed. He looked at the clock.

"Gee wiz, we didn't give ourselves much time, did we?" he said with a laugh. "We should go clean off as best we can- not quite sure if the tub works- but I'll find a way. I need to get ready for that job interview."

Spencer washed himself and rushed back to the suitcase to retrieve the clothes. He pulled off brown high waited wool slacks, brown wingtip shoes, and a long sleeve loop collar shirt. He dressed himself and looked in the mirror. His eyes were looking better, but his stubble and hair was still a problem. He found an old pocket comb and styled his hair with water the best he could. Spencer reached for the dress and handed it to Sierra.

"Looks like it'll fit you. How about you change and we leave?"

"You look great. I just know I'm gonna get the job, let's go," he said, motioning towards the door. He followed her and before he shut the door, smacked her on her behind. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself," he said playfully.

"I found out where this place is from the guy in the gift shop. It's just down the street," he said lighting a cigarette.

They reached the house and he turned to Sierra. "Remember how you followed my lead at the lobby? We're gonna do that again. Remember, you're my wife."

He extinguished his cigarette on the ground and knocked on the door. An elderly mustachioed answered.

"Hello? What do you need?" the man asked.

"I'm Harvey Fitzgerald, is that job offer for a farmhand still open? Got a notice of it from the gift shop," Spencer said, handing the folded help wanted poster to the man.

"Oh, well in that case, please come in. My name is Dusty, pleasure to meet you. Are you both looking for a job?"

"Oh, no", Spencer said, en entering the house. "This lovely lady here is my wife, Dorothy. We're new in town and she thought it would be nice to meet some people around here. I'm the only one looking for a job."

"Well that should be quite alright. My wife is around here, she might enjoy having a new woman in town," Dusty said, sitting at the small table in the dining room, motioning for his guests to join them. Spencer made his way to the table and pulled out a chair for Sierra.

"Before we start, why don't you tell me about yourselves?" Dusty said.

"Well," Spencer said with a sigh, his demeanor becoming downtrodden, "see, Dorothy and I, up until very recently lived on our own little farm a few miles south of Goodsprings. It was just our secret- we were the only ones who knew about it. Or so we thought. About a week ago, we woke up in the middle of the night to flames licking our curtains. Raiders had gotten to us. We barely made it out with our lives. We lost everything..." he said, holding Sierra closer and fighting back alligator tears. He composed himself and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, it's still tough. We're just looking for a place to live now. A place to call home."

"Well, that's life in the wasteland. I'm very sorry for your loss. Both of you," Dusty said. "You said you worked on a farm? I take it that means you have some experience with crops."

"Oh yes, plenty of experience. I've worked the land all my life."

"Well, I think we've found our man for the job. It'll make life easier for me and the wife, now we can just focus on our Brahmin ranch and not worry about the crops."

"Oh, thank you sir! You have no idea how much this means to us!"

Both men in the room looked at each other curiously when the Sierra left, still crying.

"It's been extra tough on Dorothy," Spencer said. So, can I start tomorrow?"

"Of course. Meet here at six o'clock sharp. Don't be late."

"You can count on me, sir! I should check on my wife to make sure she's okay."

"I understand. See you tomorrow. Six o'clock."

"Thank you. This really helps."

He exited the building and quickly walked back to the room. He found Sierra weeping on the bed. He sat down next to her and embraced her.

"Hey, kitten, what's wrong?" he said softly.

Spencer sighed and lit a cigarette.

"Hey, I can see where you're coming from. I still have a lot of pain that I deal with. It goes back a long time. I have a therapist back in Vegas that's really helped out. I still have a lot to work with, but I've made progress. You don't have to, but I find that it helps to talk about it rather than just bury it down further than it is," he said comfortingly.