Page 41 of Lessons in Love
My feelings may be all mixed up after meeting Virginia, but I’m not dense. I know a come on when I hear it and just as I’m about to slip into my old lines now and maybe her later, I realize my mind is blank.
No lines.
No funny comebacks.
No sexual innuendoes.
Holy shit.Am I broken?
Two weeks ago I was happily chugging along minding my own business except when a pretty woman wanted me to mind hers. Now, PMV—post meeting Virginia—I’m standing in front a celebrity—although minor fame—she’s gorgeous and hitting on me and I have no response other than, “Keep the tab open?”
Her expression falls. A credit card is handed to me, and she replies, “Thanks.”
When I turn around and enter her card into the register, the women start talking to each other again, “I heard he was easy.”
Easy?
There’s that damn word again, but used in a way I never thought I’d hear in regard to me.
Red lips whispers, “I heard he was the best. I want the best.”
“He doesn’t seem interested.”
Her huff is heard and I move to the other end of the bar. Tapping Clive on the shoulder, I say, “Take over the two at the end for me.”
Leaning back, he glances down the long line of the bar, then back to me. With his eyebrow cocked, he asks, “You sure?”
“Yes. I’m sure.”
While filling a pint glass, he keeps tabs on them. “What’s wrong with them?”
“Nothing.” I chuckle, restocking the wine glasses.
“But they’re hot and you’re tossing them to me?”
“They have their own minds, you know. I can’t toss them to anyone. I’m just not interested.”
“Why not?”
“Clive,” I gripe. “Enough. Will you take care of them or not?”
“Sorry,” he says, with his hands up. “I’ll take over.”
My annoyance has reached a peak, but I try to blow it off and calm down. “Thank you.”
“It’s almost sad to see it go, but I’m happy for you.” He claps me on the back and takes someone’s order.
I set another pitcher down for the guys at the end, and then add it to their tab. When Clive turns to ring up the drinks, I ask, “See what go?”
“Your pride. Your drive. The good times. We’ll remember them fondly. You fought hard, my friend, but it’s time to surrender.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Rule number two.”
“Pfft. Rule number two is firmly in place. Like stronger than ever. My feelings don’t even dip into that lake, much less swim there.”
“Would that be the lake of love? You sure you’re not already skinny dipping with your heart on your sleeve?”
