Walking down the barely illuminated street, I saw her step out of the bar. She was half a block away and I had not seen her for almost two years but I knew her on sight. I casually strode up wondering if she would remember me. She had not yet seen me, the focus of her attention being the front door to the bar. The expression on her face communicated exasperation. The expression on mine said otherwise.
"Julie?" I asked, feigning the question.
"Oh...oh, hi...how are you?" she enthusiastically asked, a smile creeping across her face as she recognized me.
"Fine. Are you ok? You look upset." I replied.
"I'm ok, " she said, "I just lost my friend. She was my ride. She started talking to an ex, told me to meet her here and has not come out. I think she went out the back door with him- dumb move on her part, but that is her business."
"Why don't you go in take a quick look around and if she is not in there lets get a drink."
Julie went and surveyed the crowd. Minutes passed but I was willing to wait. We had worked together in the same office for a couple of years. She was a few years older than me and married but often on the outs with her husband- constantly fighting, occasionally separating and reconciling; at last count it was over, but who really knew.
During the time we worked together, we had a friendly working relationship infused with an underlying sexual tension which we never directly address but hinted at with subtle flirtation. I would see her seeking to catch glimpses of me as I walked by her office doorway. She would comment on my appearance and physique, flirting and teasing me about who I was dating, asking me if they kept me satisfied.
Maybe I was a bit 'stiff' because of the office environment, but she being married and we working together, well I was generally wary. Sure I flirted back, but in general I tried to keep a degree of professionalism so nobody could question my behavior.
People would comment to me that it was obvious I intrigued her. I cannot deny the interest was mutual, although I never acknowledged it to anybody. Her personality was addictive- upbeat, quick with wit and always seeking lighthearted banter- just a fun person to be with. Physically she was the prototypical 5 foot 5 inch buxom brunette with an hourglass figure. Her face was very attractive- large brown doe like eyes, thin eyebrows, full lips, small upturned nose and distinctive raised cheekbones all framed by black straight shoulder length hair, olive skin, and, well... she knew how to dress, and to my liking. She preferred high heels which accentuated her muscular calves, skirts just above the knee to reveal enough leg to gain a man's attention, blouses or dresses that revealed some, but not a lot, of her hefty cleavage. Yes, her body alone drove me crazy. Self preservation kept me distant.
Her husband was said to be, lets just say 'erratic'. The last thing I needed was him on my doorstep at the wee hours of the morning wanting to 'discuss' the matter. So, I refrained, even when they were separated just in case they reconciled. Eventually, I left the company. That was a couple of years ago and I had not seen or spoken with her since...
Julie came out alone. "No luck?" I asked.
"No, lets get out of here. Buy me that drink," Julie said slightly disgusted.
"Sure, 'Drink Up, Get Down'?" I asked suggesting the bar.
"Where?" she asked.
"Never been? This way," I said pointing down the street.
We entered the bar- a roof top martini bar and techno dance club basement. I suggested the roof. We walked up the stairs, my eyes surveying her still beautiful bare legs as she ascended with each step. A large bar stood in the middle of the roof. Surrounding the roof were tents intermittently placed along the edge of the roof top. The sides facing into the bar area were usually drawn closed. From within, one could look out at a great view of the city. Rather than going to the bar, Julie chose to sit in an empty tent. Immediately a waitress came to attend to our needs.
"What will it be?" she asked. I looked at Julie suggesting she should order first.
"I do not know- I have never had a martini. Order for me please," she asked.
"Well then, for the lady a chocolate martini. For me, the classic with olives," I said.
"Be right back," the waitress replied. Julie eyed the waitress as she left, "Cute, isn't she?" she asked baiting me.
"She is 'ok'," I replied brushing the question aside, "tell me, how has life been treating you?" We engaged in the usual small talk catching up until the drinks arrived. She had become a manager at an insurance company's claims department. Nothing else had really changed except she finally divorced her husband. Her kids were grown and away at school. She was living by herself enjoying life and the freedom from time and obligation.
The drinks arrived. "To old times," I proposed. Julie sipped hers, "My, you sure know what a girl likes- nice mix. How did you know I would like this, its so.... yummy?"
"I aim to please..." I replied.
"I know you can, such a flirt," she playfully replied.
"Me, no," I said, "not me..."
"Hold that thought, I'll be right back," she said leaving for the restroom.
When we walked in, I had noticed that the bar had a chocolate fountain. While she was away, I slipped out and filled a cup with the aromatic sweet and grabbed a few strawberries. Julie returned shortly after me.
