A-fictionally-yours

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Observations

Maria sat in the booth of the hotel’s lounge, nursing her drink and checking her phone for email every few seconds.  She was on another business trip, sitting in another hotel bar, and drinking yet another watered-down gin and tonic.  This was her life, five days a week on the road.  She’d been locked in the same routine for ten years now, never really having an incentive to change.

Most of the time, Maria barely noticed other patrons from the bars, but tonight was different.  The whole room seemed to take on a new life when a certain woman walked in.  Maria noticed her immediately.  She wore a dark blue business suit, tight skirt, and four-inch black pumps. Her flaming red hair was done-up in a French-twist. Wisps of hair had escaped and were hanging seductively over her face.  She was stunning and Maria felt things stir inside of her that had been dead a very long time.

The redhead walked with self-confidence and attitude, seeming to know that she would catch everyone’s eye wherever she went.  She certainly had caught Maria’s undivided attention.  “She could make my night so much more interesting,” thought Maria.  Smiling to spite herself, Maria gulped her drink, and immediately got up and walked over to the bar to order another.  The woman was seated at the bar, her long legs crossed in such a fashion that couldn’t help but draw an appreciative eye. 

“Another gin and tonic, please,” said Maria.  She unobtrusively looked over at the woman and nodded hello.

The woman smiled and said, “Hello.  You probably should order a double.  They water the drinks down here.”  The woman smiled and shifted her position to indicate she would welcome conversation.

Maria sat down on the stool beside her and said, “Thanks. I’ll do that. I need the buzz. Been a long week.  Are you here on business?”

The woman said, “No I’m meeting my husband.  Or rather my ex-husband as of today.  We’re going to celebrate our divorce.  Is that weird?”  The woman laughed, and Maria was fixated on her full lips and bright teeth. Then she extended her perfectly manicured hand to Maria and said “My name is Susan, by the way.  Nice to meet you.”

So Susan was freshly divorced and probably not looking for new adventures at this juncture in her life.  Too bad.  Maria would just have to enjoy this woman’s charming company for a little while and then go back to her gin and tonic, and her email.  

“I’m Maria,” she offered, and took Susan’s hand gently, probably holding on a little too long.  However, Susan didn’t pull her hand away, but rather smiled and looked at Maria with unmistaken curiosity.

“Hi Maria.  Are you married?”

“No.  I think I may be allergic to marriage.  Besides that, I’m gay and it’s not legal, so that gives me an out,” said Maria.  She let out a nervous laugh and thought it really didn’t sound like her at all.  Why was she trying so hard to impress this woman?  Was she a glutton for punishment? 

Susan’s right eyebrow rose in the most alluring manner as Maria's infatuation increased.  She really was breathtaking.  How could her husband ever have consented to divorce?

Susan didn’t skip a beat. “Well you’re not as safe as you may think. Gay marriage is right around the corner, you know.  And as gorgeous as you are, women will be lining up!”  Having delivered the compliment, Susan reached over and put a hand on Maria’s shoulder.

Tiny bursts of pleasure rocked through Maria’s body, even though the show of affection was obviously only a token offering of friendship.  Whatever it was, Maria felt it and wanted more.

Maria smiled at Susan. “Thanks.  I hope I live long enough to see such a day!  But in the meantime, I’m not looking.  Too much baggage and pain.  Being in love takes a lot out of me.”

“I hear ya!” said Susan, and then she downed her drink. Her phone chirped and she picked it up to check a new text message. 

“Well it looks like my brand new ex is not gonna show tonight.  He obviously can’t wait to start his new life."  This didn't seem to bother her that much as she looked over at Maria.  "Can I buy you another drink?”  She waved the bartender over.

“I’d like that,” said Maria. She said a silent thank you to Susan's ex.

“And let’s get a booth.  What the hell.  I’m ready to start my new life too!” exclaimed Susan.

Maria smiled as she followed her voluptuous new friend over to the booth in the corner.  The night was still young and she had a new spark of energy.  

Susan looked up at her and suggested, “Scoot in over here by me. No need to sit way over there.”

Maria sat down next to Susan.  She put her phone in her purse and took a drink.  Emails could wait.

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