Say, I hear you right, man?

he turned his head to the man standing over his shoulder he and his date were seated at the bar 

                                                                                                       Yamind  I wasnt talkin to you

If I heard you right, that’s kind of astonishing.

he turned on the woodseat stool following his crooked head  wondered whether or not to dismount an make something of it  Nah was having a drink with Legs a getting-to-know-you she did not strike him as someone who tolerated violence 

How can I help so you can leave

Legs reached over took him by the armthe crook of his elbow  Nah she wore a pretty blouse  woud prefer it not spattered with blood

That’s a ridiculous, an outlandish statement.

Outlandish  Thas a big word to comout your mouth 

Careful, friend. Careful.  

                            Who does that but kids?

Takes a Sunday night bath 

                              Yare lookin at him

Why?

I believe Im  Im regressingLegs Correct  Regressing  she graduated from Berkeley double major  International Affairs Philosophy  designed cobbled together fashioned her own program 

                                                                 nodding towards her not taking his eyes off mouth 

Shes the authority round here Don dare question her

Yes. Regressing. You’re correct.

Thank you

So why the bath? You can shower.

Why shower when I can bathe

I can’t remember the last time I took at bath.

Careful he sniffsniffed the air  May be settin yourself up

You’re a riot, friend. 

An yare uninvited

                   turned again on the stool though this time towards Legs Excuse me  Yare dismissed

Say. mouth grabbed him at the shoulder

he didnt bother shrugging off his hand  behind the bar  Red was a buddy 

                                                                                Hey, friend, hands off. 

He was rude. he let go

over his shoulder You interrupted

You gonna let the house talk for you?

It is his house 

                he turned his attention to Legs You like baths

I do. Scented bubbles. Hot. Foamy.  Candles.

Rightup my alley  Maybe someday well share one

she laughed didnt cover her mouth dimples accentuated her beautiful expression

You answering me?

he turned on the stool again 

                               You still here

I asked you a question. 

                          behind him two bouncers approached

he didnt answer

in the next moment mouth was bookended by the burly pair 

                                                                Let’s go buddy. one said

Off me. he shrugged despite neither touched him 

                                                     then stepping backwards I’ll be seeing you around.

he nodded then turned again on the stool 

                                             This can make a guy dizzy 

Legs had leaned in close to him she smelled warm  good 

                                                              Did you take a bath this evening

I did.

You smell fantastic

Thank you. 

               However . . can we return to your remark?

Of course

I wouldn’t say you were regressing . terribly.

No

No.

Whawoud regressing terribly mean

You may have responded to the circumstances like an ape, a caveman. I felt the blood the warmth tick up in your arm.

   Really 

            Thas quite tactile

Yes. Thank you.  I am sensitive.

Might suppose opposites attract

1325,  Sunday,  11  6. 23