I was nursing my drink, my second drink, spacing out into the light, wanting to make
sense of my miserable existence, when a deep voice said,
-It can’t be that bad!
I looked up to see a tall, prominent man in Stetson, tight jeans, and a white shirt. His
eyes were piercing, but I couldn’t tell what color they were. Most of all, I breathed in a
beautiful smell that I couldn’t pinpoint either. Funny, it seems I couldn’t focus on
anything. I guess I stared for some time because he said,
-I didn’t startle you did I? You seem to be struggling with something.
I finally came to my senses when he pulled up the chair and made himself comfortable.
-What would I be struggling with O wise one? And what if it is as bad as it gets?
After I spilled all my negativity, I decided it wasn’t the right thing to say if I wanted his
company. He surprised me by pulling up his chair next to me, came closer and said,
Well, let’s see. You’re struggling to decide whether you did the right thing by
letting me talk to you, and you’re wondering if any decision you made could have been
avoided. Am I warm?
I couldn’t help but smile and say,
-could you have been any vaguer? Frankly, you got some chutzpah by pulling a
chair and sitting so close. I thought you’d come up with something better, and whether
you’re warm or not, I don’t know I didn’t touch you
This time, he threw his hands up and started laughing, or more like cackling, and said
-Thank God, finally, someone is spunky and pretty. You are a rare commodity, my
dear, and I would love to invite you to dinner with me tonight.
I didn’t have much appetite for dinner, but I craved some fun conversation and was happy
for a few hours, so I said:
-I don’t know if I’ll be a good company, I’m not in a good mood.
I thought this was your witty self. I like a challenge, and it is too nice of an evening to waste it.
-Well, I’m not planning on leaving the hotel, so I don’t know how the weather is,
and I don’t much care to find out.
–What are you drinking, water, vodka, tequila?
I smiled and said
-Wrong, all of the above. Would you like to take another shot?
–No, I would rather keep on drinking scotch if you don’t mind, he said with a
smirk
-Is this your way of being charming? I’m not sure if my old heart can take all this
excitement
doubt that your heart is old, so I’ll take another guess; let’s see, using some
deductive physical appearances, you seem to be of a Mediterranean background,
although quite Americanized, if I may add; how about ouzo?
-Close, Sambuca if you must know.
He took my glass and put it to his nose to smell it and said
–I thought Sambuca would have coffee beans in there; I don’t see any unless, wait,
let me guess, you ate it, and if you did and have this much energy, you should stop right
now, or we’ll have to call the ambulance.
I didn’t know whether he was trying to get on my nerves or to take my mind off my
problems, but I was a little agitated by this time.
-You did choose to sit here, right? I did not beg you to join me. So let’s clarify: if
you will not make me feel better, choose another victim.
At this time, I was sure he was going to get up, give me another sarcastic remark, and
leave; but to my surprise, he …..
TO BE CONTINUED
When Words Touch
