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
