Streaker Stories

“You owe us a dare,” Mike insisted. “We did ours. Now you do yours,” Karl added. “You did your dares two years ago. We were still in college,” I protested. “We’re out of school now. Have jobs. We’re past that kid stuff.” “That just means your dare is long overdue,” Annie demanded. I sighed, knowing my three best friends were right. Mike had streaked the women’s volleyball game. Karl posed nude for an art class. Annie, bei...

The five young businesswomen entered Saul’s Bistro just before noon. Ranging from their early-20s to mid-30s, they were casually dressed for the summer weather. Four were excited about their regularly scheduled gathering. One was hesitant but resigned to fulfill her obligations. “Okay, here we are,” Tricia said, being the leader. “Once again, we meet for our monthly Friday Dare Club. As a reminder, this confidence-buildin...

THE DARE Times had not been good. Kemper & Kemper Imports in Portland where I was a financial analysis laid off half the staff, and just when it looked like we’d be hired back, it folded. The meager weekly checks from unemployment weren’t going to keep me in my apartment and buy food at the same time. My savings were shrinking, what little family I had couldn’t help, and my credit cards were maxed. Still, I figured someth...