Bar part deux

[Marcus Aurelius]

The lights come on before I notice the music had stopped awhile earlier.
They say women get better looking at closing time but over the years I believe I've built up a tolerance to such things. The barmaid who just moments before donned the nice smile and twinkle in her eye is now a wearied single mom with aching feet and wrinkles that only someone with too much stress carries.


She gives me a smile that carries no life but no ill either and places the final stub on the counter in front of me. I had the amount ready and I place it with the ticket.
Standing I search my pocket for my phone.
I smile as I recall just moments before this place was so loud my ears thumped.
Now I can hear my own heart.


Then with my back to the bar I pull out a 20, no two 20's.
Roll them tight and turn.
I hand the little tube to her and then turn to leave.
Once outside I fumble again for my phone.


That's when I feel someone grab my arm.
It's the barmaid.
“Thanks.” She says. “Really. See you tomorrow?”
"Sure." I say.


Open all night has apparently been waiting for me. “Need a ride?”
“Let's go.” I mutter.


I think how strange. The range of given emotions one can go through on a given night.
Open then asks “Where to? Hungry?” Yes I am I think but then again I know how I'll feel in a few short hours. “Yes I am.” I say. “You?” Here eyes smile in the mirror and she says “I guess so. It's time anyway.” “My treat.” I offer without thinking.
“DUH.” She laughs in response with a little smoker's cough.


I've been in this and so many other cities like it many times but I'm still a stranger.
A warm cab in the wee drunken hours traversing a bridge can bring a symphony of thoughts or a wish to sleep.

[livn2do]

My question for you.

Are these a part of a "bigger" project that we'll someday be blessed with or are you just a tease.

I'd buy the book.

[Marcus Aurelius]

Originally Posted by livn2do

My question for you.

Are these a part of a "bigger" project that we'll someday be blessed with or are you just a tease.

I'd buy the book.

Let's be honest here. You're the writer sir and I expect a signed hard copy some day.

As for this I have several short stories floating around.
I once had a writer edit one of them.
It came back with such polish I was humbled and embarrassed at the same time.

[Gladiator69]

I believe you both have extraordinary literary talents and I would be first in line at any future book signings