The Pro’s band took a break in between sets, and I sat there looking at the four shot glasses, knowing exactly who I chose but I needed to get them separated so the pressure was off of me.
Looking at the 8 pairs of eyes staring at me I came up with a plan.
“Elaine you still know a member of the band that’s playing?”
“Yeah?”
I leaned in and the others took my cue to lean in to listen to the plan that came to me. It was a bit childish, but we have done this before when we were all in school together.
Elaine made her way towards the stage and requested a song from the person she knew in the band. She made her way back and gave me a wink of OK.
The band started on a song that we knew would get everyone on their feet. Just as it started everyone jumped up even the ones that were sitting at the table and the plan was put in motion.
We enlisted two of the waitresses to send messages to the four of them.
Women’s Bathroom
“Renee, I know the first time we were together we were in a closed in room, but I didn’t think you were this kind of excited to see me.” Alicia walked into the empty bathroom and when the door closed, she heard a lock.
Turning her head she was greeted with Elaine.
“Hi I am Renee’s friend. She wanted me to tell you that she is flattered that you came all this way to see her and maybe you 2 can set up a lunch but it can be nothing more than that.”
She started laughing and Elaine had a smile on her face as she crossed her arms and leaned against the bathroom door.
“You are the friend at the table that was looking at all of us. It is fine. I was not looking for a commitment I was looking for a good time. As I remember she always seemed to have a good time. So, you can tell her whomever she chose I wish her the best.”
“That’s it? No raging out or righteous indignation.”
“What for? I never approached her for a forever kind of thing. We knew what we were doing and what it was for. It was hot as hell, and I just wanted a little bit more. So, if you can just unlock the door, I will make my way out and find a good time for tonight.”
Elaine looked at her with her mouth half open waiting to deal with a person who is going to rage out from losing Renee but she really had to lay off those romance novels.
She opened the door for her to step through, but she did something unexpected. Before leaving she turned to her grabbed her by the neck and kissed her deeply. Elaine has never kissed a woman before in her life and she didn’t know what to do.
Breaking the kiss she looked at Elaine and sad “Virgin lips huh?” She laughed and walked out into the crowd leaving and laying there in shock.
Balcony Level
JH made his way through the crown to the location were the waitress told him. He did not see Renee. Instead, he saw the Man who could not stop staring at him at the bar. The one with curly hair and shy smile.
“Where is Renee?” JH asked
He also saw the bourbon shot glass in his left hand.
“So, she has not chosen me? Thanks” He was about to turn when Sebastian stopped him.
“Hey”
JH stopped and turned to look at him.
Sebastian took the shot glass and drank the bourbon down in one swallow. JH looked at him questioningly.
“What does that supposed to mean to mean.”
“Why don’t you come over here and we can talk about things.”
“This is…”
“If nothing else we can talk about Bourbon and literature.” Sebastian said as if he smiled at him.
JH noticed the ring on Sebastians hand and shook his head.
“Listen I’m not into ….”
Sebastian cut him off again and said, “Men? Or you’re not into a dynamic that would satisfy you, myself and my wife. Cause I do not hide either.”
That statement seemed to intrigue JH and he decided that there was no harm in listening and having a nice evening.
Sabastian smiled because this was not his first time tempting the unattainable. He looks like he would be a challenge. He loved challenges and so did Pam.
Front Lounge Area
The people were walking into the main area where the music seemed to pick up more. Looking around he did not see Renee. He felt a tap on his shoulder and the shot glass appeared off to his right.
Turning it was not Renee.
“Listen, Renee will speak to you later. She did not want you to think that she wouldn’t. So she sent me to inform ya.”
Caleb looked at the gin in her hand and was about to reach for it before he was stopped.
“Aye now. That is not how ya treat a ladie. I accept dis as payment for my services.”
“Cha ghabhadh ach na h-Èireannaich ri deochan làidir mar phàigheadh
“Excuse me Scot my galic is not strong, English is what is spoken in polite conversations” Joni remarked
“Only de Irish would assume spirits as payment. Is what I said”
“Listen Scot, ya skating tin on mi good graces.”
Caleb turned to leave when he felt her hand pull his arm to stop him.
“Where ya off to. The nigh is young and the music is good.”
“Lass I am not here to play any…”
“Stop, you came here under the hope to get Renee back and to warm your bed. It na gonna happen. But you are in a city that can enchant ya if you give it a chance. I’ll be your tour guide.”
He stood there looking at the five foot two woman with reddish brown hair and thought she is too brazen. Not afraid to do or say what she please. Is this not what she liked about Renee? She obviously is not going to be his.
“What do ya say Scot?”
“Mi name is Caleb lass and buy me a drink and I may consider de offer.”
She smiled showing she had a slight gap in her front teeth and a dimple on her left cheek.
“Oh were given names, are we? Mine is Joni. Lets drink Caleb and enjoy de nigh”
Middle of Crowd
“I did not need an engine to be repaired?” Renee said
“I am a professional. I sense these things before it happens.” Bradley said.
He turned and looked at the whisky shot glass as she swallowed its contents.
She pulled him close and kissed him with the taste in her mouth.
The kiss was passionate and needy.
He pulled away looking at her, trying to read her face.
“Why did you not contact me after you left? I told we could work things out.” He said looking at her.
“I was not sure of how I felt..about us.”
“Really that kiss told me a lot.”
“I was not sure if I was ready for a commitment.”:
“And now, you are?”
“Yes”
“Woman we need to leave this bar because I saw my competition and I do not feel like getting into a brawl after this news.”
Renee laughed
“What?”
“The threats have been neutralized, and you are safe. You big scaredy cat.”
“Woman I am not scared of anything. A matter of fact I think I need to remind you of who exactly I am and what I can do.” Bradley said as he grabbed her hand and led her out of the bar and to the hotel he was staying at.
End Note
The night of possibilities turned out to be a set of new decisions that was set in motion because one woman.
Was it the right choice? For her yes. As for her friends and former lovers, well let us say, their lives were never the same.
