they were sitting at the bar

had their drinks refreshed

Hallie said she had to use the restroom

                                          Maybe you can find us a small table, a comfortable couch.  I’ll find you.

he stood firsthelped her off the stool

                                       Always the gentleman.

We don want my mother showingup out of thin air accusing me of not

always humoured her she giggled

                                     No we do not.  sighed  I hope the restroom isn’t too crowded.   

Why arent Ladies Rooms larger Oughta be  We have urinals troughs women don stand shoeleather to shoeleather

that brought a bellowa deep laugh  she didnt cover her mouth  he loved that about her

                                                                                              No. Not shoe to shoe. I’ll find you, babe.  she started walking  turned   Have to watch me walk away?

Bet your sweet ass baby  I love watchinya come watchinya go

                                                                   Prefer cummin

You’re mad. I love you.

                         she doubledback and kissed him  I’ll find you.

he watched her walkaway  she quit tossing looks over her shoulder

                                                                         watched until he couldnt see her any more 

collecting their drinks he wandered into the lounge

no tables chairs

                  he stepped around an cushionedseat islandAh a greens planter under a chickenwired skylight the space had once been a factory on the wall was long couch behind an equally long low table a festive runner topped with star- moon- sailboat-perforated ceramic bowls like balls candles burning within

he set their drinks on coasters sat  rested his arm atop the armrest

                                                                         he couldnt see beyond the island

the seating intimate  Nice he congratulated himself  thought Look at me  an Easter egg  a required scavenger hunt item  Girls got her work cut out for her

    a woman stepped around the island

                                           his heart leapt into his throat  Damn shes good

it wasnt her

the woman approached casually  said There you are.

if a wall wasnt behind him he would have looked to see who she was talking to

We lost you for a moment.

he didnt reply Was we the pronoun she went by  mouse in her purse

excusing herselfgave him ass she brisklystepped past his knees  perfume wafted

                                                                                        then sat beside him

her hip to his

didnt look loaded

put her hand on his thigh

                              Really?

   Really  Wha

Don’t recognise me?I thought you would. Described me more times than I can say . . a long drink of water.

Alexandria

You do remember.

Threw me a curve dyed your hair different cut Youre wearin flats

                                                                        Its been years

Gabby left. I went with her.

I remember

We break your heart?

Ifya didnt break my back yawoudnt break my heart

Not just a little?

A stitch in a seam  You back

I’m back. Gabby found a guy fell in love.

Guy  Guys

No. A guy.

            He refused to share.

   Well youre intimidating

                                Wouldnt have seen tha coming

Im here with my girlfriend

I saw. She’s beautiful . . bountiful.

                                        What? Am I crowding you?  Is she the jealous type?

Youre crowding me

Always the straight shooter.

Wanna slide over a bit please

Am I making you uncomfortable?

No

    Ah.  I recall.

                   You’re particular who touches you. You’d take us for a massage, bring a book, wait in the lobby.

Good recall

                Now give me some room

I’ve given you more than room.

Youve obliged me Ive obliged you

                                     Slide it over

she laughed

              Or?

There you are.

Babe unflustered he stood  reached down picked up their drinks

                                                                       Alexandria  Hallie

Alexandria stood  Hello, Hallie.  extended her hand

they shook each impressed with the others grip 

Joe said you were taller.

Shes wearing flats

Men are so easily intimidated.

Aren’t they.

I know Joe from . .

. . I know, he’s said.  Man’s an open book doesn’t pull punches.

Refreshing.  So you kno . .

. . You’re a good fuck . . and generous.

    Generous.

Joe said . . generous.

she smiled turned to him  Thank you, Joe

                                                 I’ll leave you two be.

No, please, have a drink Alexandria.

                                        Joe?

he said  Joe

               Why not

Why not.

Youre crazy

I may be.

             I am curious though.

                    

Sunday AM,  25  8. 24

159preferred,  Thursday,  12  9. 24