The Bar Scene

“The Bar Scene” by Aldean B. Hendrickson “Everything all right here, guys?” I looked up and gave her what I imagined must be a suave smile. I was feeling very suave tonight, in spite of myself. “Yes, everything is great so far. I’m sure it’s all because we’ve been getting such great service.” Inwardly I berated myself for laying it on so thick. But I was on a roll. “Well, that’s sweet of you to say so,” she replied, smiling. “Anything else I can get you right now?” “Oh, I think we’ll be ready for another beer before too long,” I said. “Okay, I’ll stop back in a few minutes.” “Thanks.” I watched her appreciatively as she walked away. “She has a very nice motion in her hips. Did you notice that, Monty?” My friend eyed me coldly from across the table. “I try not to notice such things.” I ignored the judgment implicit in his tone. “Oh?” I asked, mock-incredulously. “Well you really should. She’s worth noticing!” I took a sip of my Leinie’s. “I’m kind of liking this unattached life after all,” I mused. Monty rolled his eyes. “In addition to horrifying me, you also disgust me,” he exclaimed. “What are you trying to prove here?” “I’m trying to prove that I don’t need her,” I snapped back before I had time to think about what I was saying. “Pardon me for not caring, Jack, but you don’t need to prove that to me.” I shook my head. “It’s not you, or anyone else.” I took a big swallow and sucked the foam from my lips. “I need to prove it to myself.” Monty regarded this with his customary apathy. “And you hope to achieve that how?” I shrugged. “Lead a fast-paced rock ‘n roll lifestyle, become a swinger, pick up chicks in bars, stuff like that.” Monty stiffened. “Pick up who?” he asked pointedly. “Chicks.” I enunciated the word carefully, relishing how much he disliked the term. “In fact, I think I’ll start with that blonde over there.” Before Monty could respond to this, Lisa conveniently appeared. “You guys ready for another beer now?” she asked cheerily. “Yeah, same for both of us,” I replied. “And Lisa,” I added as she was turning away, “I was wondering if I could ask a special favor of you?” I smiled with all the charm I could 1

muster. She smiled back with just a hint of oh-boy-here-it-comes in her face. She was a cute little number who I’m sure was used to being ogled and propositioned by customers. I almost hated to disappoint her. “You see those two young ladies over there?” I indicated a table around the other side of the bar. “The tall one in the lavender blouse and her friend?” She nodded. “I was wondering if you would relay to them my wish to buy them a drink.” She nodded thoughtfully. “I suppose I could ask them that. Who shall I say is making the offer?” “Feel free to describe me in whatever terms you deem appropriate, Lisa. I have complete trust in your judgment.” She smiled. “I am fattered. I’ll take care of this right away. Let you know how it goes.” She took a step, then half-turned towards our table again. “Not that you’ll be watching the whole time or anything!” She laughed and moved off down the row of tables. I turned back to Monty, who was watching me with a strange expression. “Lay off, Monty,” I exclaimed. “I don’t see anything wrong with it.” Monty gave an exasperated sigh. “You can’t just buy some strange woman a drink. They do that in movies and TV shows. You don’t do it in real life.” “They must do it in real life,” I retorted, “or else they wouldn’t have thought of it for television. Besides, it’s harmless, and I want to do it.” He shrugged. “Fine, but just don’t get me involved. I have enough problems of my own without trying to pick up another one in a bar.” I took another pull at my Leinie’s and glanced over surreptitiously at the potential benefciaries of my recreational generosity. Lisa was just stopping by their table. They listened to her for a moment, then both glanced over at me. I smiled and gave a little nod of acknowledgement. They both blushed a little and quickly turned away, leaning toward each other, talking and giggling. After a brief consultation they turned to Lisa and exchanged a few words. Then she left and they returned to talking, occasionally stealing a glance in my direction.

Why was I doing this? I suddenly asked myself. Was this a rebound thing? A way to distract myself from the emptiness I felt without her, a way to prove to myself that I didn’t really need her that much? That seemed to be the obvious answer, but thinking about it made me feel, well, asinine. Just then I saw Lisa bring them each a margarita. They both thanked her, then looked across and sent a pair of coquettish smiles my way. I smiled back, and the tall blond returned my gaze with defnite interest. I met and held her eyes for a long moment, feeling the tangible play of curiosity between us, sensing the possibility of something here; something brief and meaningless perhaps, but at least it would be something. I soaked in her warm gaze for a few moments more, then turned back to my beer and my imagination. I could see me in the blonde’s arms, drowning in her long blond 2

hair, her long legs wrapped tight around me. It made me ache just thinking about it. But I knew it was all wrong. I still couldn’t do this kind of thing. Maybe someday, but not now. I still had a heart, and despite the beating she had given it, it was still beating, still wanted to care and be cared about in return. I realized I still wasn’t callous enough to live in the fast lane. I wanted to ease the pain, but this wasn’t going to do it for me. “You ready to go?” I asked Monty. He looked surprised. “Yeah, I guess so, if you are.” “Okay” I pulled out my wallet and counted out enough for my share of the tab, plus a generous tip. Once we were square I stood up and pulled on my jacket. “Not that I’m trying to encourage you or anything,” Monty said hesitantly, “but aren’t you going to go over and meet them?” he asked. His tone was puzzled. “No. I was just feeling generous, not social.” I turned my back on him and headed for the door. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the two girls look at me and then at each other, a what-the-hell expression on their faces. Oh, well. Maybe someday soon I would start my life over, put her out of my mind and fnd someone to take her place, or at least distract me for a while. But not tonight.

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