Page 35 of Semblance

Shadow looked at me with his brooding eyes, as if peering deep into my soul. I gave him a funny look that shouted ‘what the heck are you doing?’

After analyzing me for a few seconds like a lab specimen, he finally said, “The lady will have a gin and tonic.”

“Vodka soda with two limes,” I corrected him. I turned to Shadow and grinned. “Nice try Sherlock.”

“Deduction was never one of my strengths,” Shadow said. The waiter brought back my drink and set it down in front of me.

“Can I pay for this?” I asked.

“What do you think?” Shadow replied.

I sighed, reaching into my purse and pulling out a ten dollar bill. “At least let me leave a tip.”

Shadow shrugged and watched as I pushed the bill towards the bartender, who took the tip and nodded graciously.

“You’re most kind,” he said, before walking away to serve another couple at the far side of the bar.

“You see how happy he was receiving my tip?” I said, feeling good about myself. I hated not having to pay for stuff, as odd as that sounded. Everything I owned, before this Midnight Society business happened, was stuff I purchased with my own money. Sure, my clothes were bought from thrift stores and my handbags and sunglasses were cheap knockoffs from Chinatown, but at least I earned them.

The last thing I wanted in life was to be in debt to someone.

Just as I finished that thought, Shadow snickered.

“What?” I asked. “Do you find something funny about me leaving the hardworking bartender a tip so he knows that he’s appreciated?’

“No,” Shadow said, “Of course not. It’s just that he makes about five thousand bucks a night working here and if you take a peek over at the couple for just a moment, you’ll see why I’m laughing.”

My eyes followed where he was pointing to, and sure enough I saw a swanky-dressed patron across the bar pull out a hundred dollar bill and hand it over to the bartender as tip.”

“Oh God,” I said. “I must look like the biggest cheapskate ever.

“Don’t worry about it,” Shadow said. “Collin’s a good guy. He knows that you’re not swimming in green.”

“I honestly thought that giving him ten dollars was more than generous. I mean, that’s ninety percent more than what I usually tip a bartender at the Beer Dome.”

“This isn’t a university bar,” Shadow said, “But as I said, don’t worry about it. Collin isn’t one to judge people by the tips they give.”

“I’m still embarrassed.”

“Come on,” Shadow said gesturing towards an open table situated by the window. “Let’s have a seat.”

I looked outside.

The city skyline was astonishing, lit up by thousands of shimmering blue lights that reminded me of moonbeams reflected on crystal waters. Cars sped across the highways like dancing fireflies. I was staring at a stunning urban wonderland from high above.

“The view always gets me every time I come here,” Shadow said. “It’s funny how some things can take your breath away no matter how many times you see it: our city lights on a moonlit night, the streets of Paris during an afternoon sun shower, the sun rising above the falls of Plitvice Lakes in Croatia.” He paused and looked at me before adding, “A beautiful woman who takes your breath away.”

I couldn’t help but blush, though I managed to refrain myself from giggling like a stupid schoolgirl.

“Are you trying to flatter me?” I asked. “I thought this date was all for show.”

“What makes you think I was talking about you?” Shadow teased.

I decided to steer the conversation to matters of more importance. “I received all your gifts and I’m grateful, I really am. However I can’t accept any more of these freebies,” I said.

“Here we go,” Shadow sighed.

“What?”

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