I had been emotionally disconnected and drifting since my divorce, drinking, dabbling in drugs, not looking for anything except the next party and my next lay. All were usually in abundance. I was attending Community College on the GI Bill and working summers for the county to pay for life. Even now, at twenty-five I was essentially without a clear goal in life. At least one thing was in my favor, I had only myself to care for...and, oh yeah, the child support payments for my son since my marriage breakup. I didn't mind paying for my son's needs, it was just when I saw his mother's picture on the front page of the local newspaper and how she was running with a Harley Davidson motorcycle gang, that I got a little pissed about giving her money that I had no control over. It always made me wonder "who was buying the beer for these pricks?" I would console myself with the knowledge that at least I didn't have to live with her anymore and she was getting just what she asked for, "treated like shit" by some asshole biker. Not that I hate all bikers since I own one myself. I just hate the egotistical ones that have an axe to grind against civilization and anyone that doesn't ride a Harley.
I had always prided myself on being independent, and paying my own way. That way I'm not beholding to anyone. I lived mostly alone in a small one bedroom apartment that I called my own. It wasn't the Taj Mahal but it was comfortable and my friends admired my autonomy and my single lifestyle. At least, those that wore the old ball and chain or the few who still lived at home. There was always food and usually some beer in the fridge and the cupboards stocked. Not that I'm a chef or anything but I kept myself fed and could whip up a dinner for guests. My place was a few miles out-of-town and I hated to come home and find nothing to eat. It seemed there was always friends dropping by to party or get high so I needed to keep at least some 'munchies' available.
Tonight's party was at an acquaintance's house that I had never been to before. Off the main highway and nestled behind 20 acres of peach orchard, it was a perfect party house. The music thundered in one room and the kindred folks wandered about dancing, drinking, talking or cuddled in a corner making out. Although I knew many of the people here I felt oddly alone, as though I was on the outside looking in, detached. I guess I was just moody and feeling sorry for myself because I didn't have a love interest. Some days you're grateful to be single and some you just need to be close to someone even if it's just for the night.
AND THEN...I saw her face; it was the face of an angel, across the room UV light making star shine of her smile. I had not seen her before and was taken by her fresh beauty and persistent smile. I'm generally not the type to go up to any woman and start up a conversation but I told myself in this case I would make an exception. She was sitting on the couch, holding a beer and talking with another guy. I couldn't help staring at her. She had such a, wholesome, girl next door look and Oh, that radiant smile. I sat down across the room and feigned interest in some music album, all the while catching glimpses of her as she spoke animatedly with the man. I watched her hand movements, fluid and artful as she gestured frequently during the conversation, the broad smile never leaving her face.
I caught Danny's arm as he walked by and asked, "Who's the beauty on the couch?"
"Oh her? Her name's Judy. She came with Bill and Michele. I guess she's up from LA visiting." "Go for it man." he said with an evil grin as he hurried on his way.
The guy she was talking to got up and walked away leaving her alone. It was then our eyes met from across the room. She flashed that bright, angelic smile again as I struggled with myself trying to think of the right opening line to begin a conversation. Once again, I was at a loss for words but knew I had to act. I decided on the direct approach. I got up, holding eye contact with her and moved to sit beside her.
"Hi, my name's Charlie. Do you mind if I sit here with you? I understand you come from LA," I said, trying to fight off the stupid Cheshire cat grin I had on my face since our eyes first met.
"Yes, I am, the West Valley actually. Do you know Bill and Michelle?" I cocked my head and looked perplexed.
"DO YOU KNOW BILL AND MICHELLE? CAN WE GO OUTSIDE FOR A MINUTE?" she raised her voice over the volume of music as a new song thundered to life.
I stood and offered my hand, I would go anywhere she wanted me to. She met my eyes, surprised with that 'nobody has ever done that for me before' look on her face. Her hand was warm and soft, just as I knew it would be. What I hadn't expected was that she was much taller than I thought. I would guess about five and a half feet. I let her lead the way since this was her idea and it gave me time to take in her other charms as I followed behind. Her snug-fitting jeans complemented her long legs as she negotiated a path between people and furniture to the front door.