A Place to Write

Boss:

I dressed just for him this morning. Tight black pencil skirt, black pumps, tight black short sleeved cleavage-blouse, light gold belt. Sway into his office with my glasses on. I can tell he likes the glasses. He looks up and smiles that perfect Ken-doll smile.

“You look nice today.”

I giggle, look down, embarrassed. “Thanks, I guess now that it’s getting hotter outside…” I trail off. Why can’t I think of the perfectly subtle and provoking response? I’m an awkward teenager again.

I catch him glancing at my chest throughout the afternoon. I can’t help but smile when I catch him.

Bartender:

Today I want dumpings, a glass of wine, and interacton with a stranger. On my way home from work I drop by my favorite stylish asian-infusion restaurant. On the phone with a chatty friend, I stroll in and take a seat at the bar. The place is deserted, it’s too early yet for the hip late-night dining crowd.

“Uh huh… yeah… yeah… I totally understand…. No you definitely shouldn’t talk to him about it yet…. Yeah…. Oh definitely… Mmmmhmmm….” for almost ten minutes. I finally get her off the phone.

He says ”Don’t worry, I understand. I have friends like that too.”

Cute, alternative, pierced and inked. Glass of red.

“Have you always been a bartender?”

“Yes, and probably will be for life. All of the things I’m good at don’t bring in the bacon, you know?”

“Well, if you could do whatever you want for as much money as you want, what would it be?”

He seems surprised by my question, but doesn’t hesitate to answer, “Play music in front of thousands of screaming fans every single night. I’ve done it before and I’d give anything to do it again.”

We talk about his music. His experiences in various bands. He complains about “divas” who have forgotten how to play for fun. He is burnt out on musicians but wants to be a part of a band so badly. For fun, not professionally.

“So are you from around here in the city”

I say “Yeah, on :Street name:, right around the corner, how about you?”

“We live on :Street name: – just two streets down. Hally and I, my girlfriend”

He has a girlfriend. Oh well. We can still chat. And we do. For an hour. I finish my wine and my dumplings. He tells me about the best music venues in the city.

“So, would you like a shot of bourbon to wash that all down?”

“Oh I would, but I have to be lucid enough to write tonight.”

“Lucid? Wow, I haven’t heard that one in a while. Lucid.” he turns the corner to the kitchen.

I smile to myself.

He hands me the bill, whispers – wine’s on me. Of course I tip him over 40%. Stand up, grab my bag. Just as I turn to go -

“It was nice talking with you….”

“Erin” we shake hands

“I’m Jay”

“Nice to meet you Jay”

“Come back again soon.”

“Oh you’ll see me around.” I turn to go -

“Really?”

“Promise”

I wish I had given him my number. I wish I had agreed to the bourbon on the condition that he join me. I wish. But… perhaps that would’ve been too much. He’s not going anywhere. I’ll see him again soon enough. Better to leave them wanting more, Erin.