(Sequel to Sam's Story)
You started going back to that bar most nights of the week and Saturdays hoping to see me again. You and Lyle the bartender talked a lot and had gotten to the point of toying with opening either a bakery or restaurant. The bar was well-staffed so he always seemed to have time.
Finally, you asked about me.
"Annie? Yeah, she comes in here every few weeks, mostly with her girl crew. One White Russian and then nurses a white wine. Quite a girl," concluded the bartender while restocking the bar snacks.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah, she's the sweetest. Helped me get this job in the first place, actually."
"And she's smoking hot," you blurted.
He smiled but cocked his head. "Well, she's kind of like a sister to me so I try to ignore that. But yeah."
"Sister, huh? Gee, uh," you said suddenly blushing. Lyle had no reaction so you guessed he didn't know about the present I'd given you. "Well, maybe we should ask her if we go bakery or restaurant?"
"Break the tie, sure! Whip smart and just the most thoughtful person. She'd do anything for you."
Memories of that day came flooding back and you couldn't help but get hard again. It made you shift in your seat and you were glad Lyle had stepped away to serve some others down the bar. Seemed like a good time to take a break. You crossed your napkins on the bar to save the seat and headed to the men's room.
Calm and collected when you came back, you stopped short. I was sitting at the bar chatting with Lyle.
A couple waitresses came to the bump with orders so Lyle stepped down the bar from me. You came up from behind and brushed me arm. I had the same reaction, lean out of the way, but then laughed and my face brightened up seeing you.
"I think I'll start a tab," you started, taking my role.
"Oh really? I think that stool is open."
Actually several stools were open around me.
"Well, you're in my seat but I always defer to a beautiful woman," you said, sliding onto the free stool. I nodded, amused.
Lyle returned with a White Russian and a refill on your beer. I lifted the cloudy drink and clinked it with your stein.
"To meeting this way," I say, making you smile.
We fell into a bit of awkward banter. You could tell there was a desire to know more, to change our arrangement perhaps and you were sorely tempted.
But then you said, "You know, I came out to see people, to get some fresh air, and one crazy thing I can't tell you."